The Other Heroes of 9/11

I won't say anything about the history or the never-ending controversies of the 9/11 tragedy - I only know enough to have opinions which come straight from the gut. It was a tragedy, it should not have happened and I hope the world never experiences anything like it ever again.

But I will ask you to remember the heroes of September 11, specifically the 300+ canine heroes who assisted with the search and rescue operations, including Sirius, who died on the day. These dogs worked side by side with their human partners, they suffered exhaustion, injuries, post traumatic stress and depression, and there were rumors that they also suffered abnormal high rates of cancer and respiratory disease.

Today, more dogs are still working - and dying - in the mess which is the result of 9/11. Dogs work in airports, train stations, on borders, in shipping ports - anywhere security is an issue. Dogs work in Afghanistan and Iraq, their lives are on the front lines protecting their human counterparts, guarding bases and looking for bombs. Dogs work as therapists, helping veterans overcome physical and psychological problems. And pet dogs wait patiently for the return of their masters and mistresses.

We owe dogs so much and they ask so little. So when you remember the Twin Towers on Saturday, remember the canine heroes too. When you remember the men and women who are fighting now as the result of that horrific day, remember the dogs who protect them, help them and wait for them to come home again.

My Twitter-friend, fellow blogger and dog lover Dino Dogan asked several of us to post this moving tribute to those search and rescue workers, put together by Ken Bell of The Dog Files. Please watch and pass it on, but have tissues at the ready.



And please, let us find the strength, compassion and understanding to learn to live in peace with one another.


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