The modern timeline is split into two: the world before the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, and the one after. Thousands of people risked their lives to rescue victims in the aftermath. But some of the heroes of that day remain forgotten nearly two decades on.
Search and rescue dogs are some of the unsung heroes of 9/11, most of them now forgotten. However, these adorable yet determined animals were indispensable to the rescue efforts and saved countless lives. What’s more, they brought back a sliver of hope to a nation under attack and reeling from the horror. One Twitter user gave canines the attention they deserve in an incredibly profound and viral thread that once and for all proves that dogs really are our best friends.
More info: Twitter
A moving Twitter thread gave 9/11 search and rescue dogs the attention they deserve
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Twitter user ClaysandBirds explained how more than 300 search and rescue (or SAR) dogs were deployed to Ground Zero, but only a third of them were equipped to deal with large-scale urban rescue missions. ClaysandBirds drew attention to the most famous SAR dogs of 9/11, including Bretagne who also rescued people after hurricanes Katrina and Ivan, and the legendary Appollo who was the first canine to arrive on the scene of the terror attacks in New York.
Without the help of canines, there would have been more victims
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
The thread left a massive impact on the internet community. ClaysandBirds’ thread got a third of a million likes and was retweeted more than 136,700 times, which shows that people appreciate the sacrifice SAR dogs made. The 9/11 attacks in New York killed nearly 3,000 people, and the casualties would have been much higher if not for these selfless canines whose single purpose in life was to rescue people.
The dogs worked themselves to the bone
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Around 300 search and rescue dogs did their duty at Ground Zero
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Some doggos restored people’s hope
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
18 years after 9/11, some heroes of that day are forgotten, but there are those who remind us of them
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Some of these heroic dogs were awarded The Dickin Medal which, according to BBC Radio 4, is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. One of the dogs who received the medal was the aforementioned New York Police Department dog Appollo; the award was meant to recognize the dutiful efforts made by all SAR dogs during 9/11.
Two guide dogs were also awarded the medal for leading their owners more than 70 floors out of the World Trade Center immediately after the attacks in New York. Since 1943, over 60 animals have been awarded The Dickin Medal, including pigeons, horses and a cat (not just dogs). They were recognized for their services which led to people’s lives being saved during wartime.
People were deeply touched by the tribute to 9/11 search and rescue dogs
Image credits: TKintheSFC
Image credits: vtrocks
Image credits: JimmyBimbles
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: GeorgiaPadfield
Image credits: SoltisNancy
Image credits: ForeverAgile
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