Bretagne (pronounced like Brittany) is a search & rescue dog for Texas Taskforce 1. TX-TF1 was officially admitted to the US FEMA Urban Search & Rescue System as a full non-probationary member in JUN 2001. System member units respond on a rotating basis to natural disasters and incidents of national significance. TX-TF1 responded to NYC during the aftermath of the attack on 9/11. Bretagne and her handler Denise Corliss responded to the call to help. This was their first deployment to a disaster.
Bretagne celebrated her Sweet 16 this year. And to celebrate with her, she and Denise were invited back to NYC for a visit and to thank them both for their service to the city 14 years ago. Bretagne is the last known surviving service dog who participated in search & rescue and later search & recovery on the rubble of the World Trade Center. It was during the tragedy of 9/11 that Denise realized that in addition to Bretagne’s search & rescue assistance, she also served as a therapy dog. Folks are comforted by Bretagne’s presence in a difficult environment.
In gratitude for their service to NYC during the aftermath of 9/11, 1 Hotel Central Park, which hosted Bretagne & Denise during their stay in NYC, donated $1000 to TX-TF1. A cobblestone has also been dedicated to them on the plaza of the 9/11 Memorial.
Read the full story and view the main image at barkpost.com
Read about TX-TF1.