March to honor rescue dogs from 9/11
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Rescue workers, including a dog trained to sniff for survivors, take a break near the wreckage of the World Trade Center on Sept. 24, 2001. -
Mary Flood, leashes "Jake" a black Labrador retriever early Saturday morning, Sept. 22, 2001 at the base for FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams, in New York.
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Many dogs standing at attention will line a walkway in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J., Sunday. Walking past them will be a small group of very special dogs in a processional march that will end at a site just across the water from Ground Zero in lower Manhattan.
On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the event will honor the search and rescue dogs and handlers who labored mightily in the rubble left when the Twin Towers fell at the World Trade Center.
Dogs and people worked in conditions that were dangerous and ultimately heartbreaking, for there were no living survivors for them to find. Their keen noses did alert first responders to the location of bodies that were recovered and returned to the families of victims.
An estimated 300-350 dogs searched at Ground Zero. Many were owned by civilian volunteers. Others were trained and utilized by police and military officers.
About 48 of those dogs are still alive, and 27 of them are expected to be at the Recognition Ceremony Sunday, said Abby Gary, a Mt. Lebanon native who is a spokeswoman for Finding One Another and Tails of Hope Foundation, co-sponsors of the event.
About 2,000 handlers have said they will bring their dogs to stand at attention along the route. The highly trained dogs work or volunteer in a variety of ways, including search and rescue, police and military service and therapy dogs.
Included in this honor guard will be a Rottweiler named Anastasia, who lives in Baldwin Borough and works in North Versailles for Three Rivers Hospice and Palliative Care.
"I am very honored and excited to be a part of this," said Laura Sokolovic, director of public relations and pet therapy at the hospice.
Anastasia, 5, is certified by Therapy Dogs International, lives with Ms. Sokolovic and goes to work with her every day. At least two to three days each week they visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools and other venues.
Adding to the cachet of a therapy visit from Anastasia are the costumes she wears. She has a closetful, including hats, sunglasses, feathery boas, ballet-style tutus and black-and-gold Steelers garb.
Three Rivers Hospice is sending Anastasia to the 9/11 commemoration because it's part of the organization's mission of giving back to the community, Ms. Sokolovic said.
Finding One Another seeks to educate the public and raise funds to support search and rescue dogs, their handlers, and the veterinary medical assistance teams that treat them.
First Published September 10, 2011 12:00 am
