New York Canine Devotion

The phrase “dogs are man’s best friend” reflects a deep connection built on loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love. On one of my trips to New York, I learned that this definition, as beautiful as it may be, transcends the greatness of what they do for us. It was there that I discovered search, rescue, and emotional support dogs. They transform our view of canine devotion by playing a heroic role. Here, I share a small part of the incredible performance of these dogs at the World Trade Center after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

When we recall that fateful day, our minds tend to dwell on the devastating images of the collapsing towers. Few remember the important contribution of these exceptional rescue dogs, who played an essential role in those dark hours and days that marked the history of the United States.

As the world watched in astonishment as the events of the attack unfolded minute by minute, the New York City Department of Emergency Management quickly mobilized search and rescue teams, also requesting support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Many of the men and women trained for such missions had perished in the collapse of the towers. In response, urban search teams from across the country waited anxiously to be called.

Within hours, the New Jersey Task Force was setting up its base of operations at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. Among the many demands, the need for search dogs was urgent. In response, 80 FEMA-trained dogs joined the mission.

Time was of the essence in finding survivors in extreme conditions: mountains of unstable rubble, twisted metal, thick smoke, dust, risk of secondary explosions, intense heat, difficulty breathing, etc. The dogs and their handlers worked tirelessly in 12-hour shifts. For safety reasons, they were not fitted with collars or leashes, which were only used in critical situations, such as the risk of falling into deep chasms.

From the moment they received the command from their trainers, they maintained absolute focus on their tasks, ignoring everything around them, even when they were surrounded by intense noise and an extremely stressful environment.

They needed to feel the terrain to ensure stability and balance, and so they could not have any protection on their paws. Their impressive agility allowed them to move to places that humans could never go. Whenever a dog showed interest in an area, another was called to confirm the finding, ensuring the accuracy of the work.

The dogs smelled hope amidst so much destruction.

While we humans view 9/11 as a dark and deeply sad event, for the rescue dogs it was a playground. Finding survivors—or those who weren’t so lucky—was like a game of hide-and-seek with a reward at the end. This playful approach, which was part of their training, kept them motivated even amid the chaos.

At the end of each shift, the priority was to care for the four-legged heroes, who were treated like the precious creatures they truly were. They were taken to the veterinary center set up at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, where they underwent a routine examination and were given a bath to decontaminate them. Their eyes and ears were carefully cleaned to remove dust and grime, while injured paws were bandaged. The protocol was that only after ensuring the well-being of their canine companions could the trainers care for themselves.

The New York School of Oriental Medicine also provided support, providing massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care to both the dogs and their handlers. The support given to the dogs was extraordinary. Their exceptional care reflected the gratitude and importance of their work.

During their rest periods, they would go back to being just dogs like ours, with the same desire to play, fetch their toys and receive affection. While these moments guaranteed them extra attention from the workers, on the other hand, they provided relief to the people around them. Given the gravity of the situation, firefighters and first responders from all states landed in New York, away from their families for long periods and facing a desolate scenario. Those moments playing with or petting the dogs were like an emotional recharge, allowing them to return to their tasks with more strength and motivation.

As the weeks went by, the searches slowed down, and the dogs began to feel frustrated because they no longer had the “finding games” to play. To keep them motivated, the trainers resorted to creative strategies, such as hiding team members in the rubble and simulating a rescue.

Meanwhile, another team of heroes arrived to offer comfort: emotional support dogs. An estimated 500 dogs were mobilized to help volunteers, workers, injured people, and families deal with grief and trauma. With the help of the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Family Support Center was set up at Pier 94.

There they were on the transports that took the workers to the scene of the attack. They helped to ease the tension and maintain sanity so that everyone could face another day – after all, imagine reliving the horrors every day.

As many family members needed to register the disappearance of their loved ones, petting or playing with a dog was a momentary but powerful relief from unbearable pain. Many found in the understanding looks and caresses a safe space to vent their sadness. They shared their stories and memories with the dogs, who listened in silence. After this outburst, people felt light and comforted.

Given the circumstances, many were unable to hold a proper wake. The symbolic farewell was a ceremony with the presentation of the American flag and an urn with ashes from the rubble. In these moments, family members were supported with a wagging tail, gentle looks, offering silent comfort in a scenario where words were often lacking. These extraordinary creatures were responsible for the emotional recovery of many people.

A year later, a tribute was held to all those who worked bravely and to those who passed away. Canine devotion was once again present.

The magnitude of 9/11 left deep scars and demonstrated the transformative power of love and compassion. In their legacy of devotion, these four-legged heroes not only saved lives; they rekindled hope. They brought humanity to a bleak landscape, helping the nation rebuild and find the strength to carry on. They were not just part of history—they helped rewrite it.

The devotion and courage of each of them stands as a testament to the power of the bond between man and animal.