Every year, when the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, I like to take a quiet moment to reflect on the many heroes who saved so many lives on that dark day. Like just about everyone, I remember the firefighters, police officers, National Guardsmen, and ordinary citizens who kept fighting, even when it seemed like all hope was lost.
I’m far from alone in spending a moment with the heroes who served our nation that day — this touching tribute from the Naval Academy to our fallen warriors brings me to tears every time. I think that it’s also wonderful to spend time remembering the canine heroes of 9/11, like Salty, who guided his blind owner down 71 flights of stairs.
Turns out that someone else had exactly the same idea. BarkPost, the blog associated with pet food company BarkBox, decided to honor the last living 9/11 search-and-rescue dog in the best way imaginable!
Bretagne, a golden retriever, lives with her mom (and handler) Denise Corliss in Texas. Together, they form a K-9 unit that’s part of Texas Task Force 1. Their first assignment, 14 years ago, was searching the wreckage at Ground Zero.
Now, Bretagne has just celebrated her 16th birthday, and is the last known rescue dog from 9/11 still alive. In honor of that big birthday and the upcoming anniversary, Bretagne came back to New York for the best day ever!
Scroll through the gallery below and check out the final video to see a few of Bretagne’s awesome adventures in the city that she helped to save.
First order of business? Lots of love and affection!
When Bretagne and Denise touched down in New York's LaGuardia Airport, a team of BarkPost staffers were on hand to give them a hero's welcome!
Next, it was time to tour the city.
Bretagne got to take a tour of NYC in one of the city's famous yellow cabs. Mom Denise's take on the experience? "New York is certainly a strong city."
Next up, they stopped in New York's iconic Times Square.
On display with all of the bright lights and neon signs was a heartfelt note. Showing a picture of Denise and Bretagne together, the sign reads, "NYC Welcomes You And Your Mom."
Then it was time to check out the deluxe hotel room.
Bretagne was put up for the night in a fancy, dog-friendly hotel room at the newly opened 1 Hotel Central Park, a dog-friendly resort overlooking Central Park's dog run.
In addition to the BarkBox waiting on her pillow, the hotel also had another surprise for Bretagne.
In honor of the pup's recent birthday, the hotel staged her very own Sweet Sixteen party, complete with balloons!
And, of course, it wouldn't be a party without a cake!
This special birthday cake is dog-approved, and was created by the artisanal doggy-treat companies Bubba Rose Biscuit Company and District Dog, specially for this occasion.
But, of course, Bretagne's favorite part of the trip was meeting her devoted fans in NYC.
Here she is, getting some love from a grateful New Yorker. According to Denise, everywhere the went, New Yorkers stopped to pet Bretagne and thank her for her service.
If you found yourself in tears thinking about what this good-natured pup went through on behalf of our country, please SHARE on Facebook in remembrance of the lives lost and gratitude for the lives saved 14 years ago.
