Last known 9/11 Ground Zero search dog still lends a helping paw

[xchrom]

http://www.today.com/pets/last-known-9-11-ground-zero-search-dog-still-lends-1D80137575




Bretagne has never really felt ready to retire. She still gets excited about putting on a service vest.

This one has feathery fur, a sunny smile, a calm nature and — for a dog — an uncanny ability to zero in on the people who need her most. She’s a 15-year-old golden retriever named Bretagne, and she’s believed to be the last surviving search dog who worked at Ground Zero in New York City after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. (One other surviving search dog from 9/11, a 15-year-old English springer spaniel named Morgan, worked at Staten Island.)

For the first time since the recovery efforts after the attack, Bretagne returned this week to the site of the former World Trade Center complex with her longtime handler and owner, Denise Corliss of Cypress, Texas. They were joined by NBC News’ Tom Brokaw, who told their story on TODAY on Thursday morning, Sept. 11.


Corliss fought back tears as she gazed at the 9/11 Memorial’s enormous waterfalls and reflecting pools, which are surrounded by bronze panels bearing the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks.

“Seeing this kind of took my breath away a bit, similar to how the pile was the first time I saw it,” Corliss, 49, told TODAY.com. “It’s so calm and peaceful now, unlike the chaos of before.

“After 9/11, everybody — all of us — felt such sadness. We all wanted to help. I just felt so honored that we were able to respond.”

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. What a beautiful dog...

Her mission was, and is, sacred.

[shenmue]

2. {{{Bretagne}}}

[freshwest]

3. Exactly! ((((Hugs to the canine hero))))

[Happyhippychick]

4. Dogs are truly the most magnificent of nature's creations.

I hope we humans are worthy of them one day.

[MissDeeds]

5. I agree, Happyhippychick

Dogs are my favorite people.

(((Bretagne)))

[Happyhippychick]

10. I love that line!

[MerryBlooms]

6. Oh, what a heart tugger. Thanks for sharing.

[KittyWampus]

7. I read dogs get PTSD too.

edit- goldie looks like she's well loved and provided for.

[calimary]

8. Wasn't it Mark Twain who said he didn't want to go to Heaven if dogs aren't there?

Found it!

"The dog is a gentleman. I hope to go to his heaven, not man's."

http://thinkexist.com/quotation/the_dog_is_a_gentleman-i_hope_to_go_to_his_heaven/180093.html

[treestar]

9. Awww, good doggie