This week’s pet of the week is Bretagne, a golden retriever. Bretagne was one of the first responders tasked with searching for survivors in the rubble after the 9/11 attacks. Bretagne is the last living 9/11 rescue dog.

Bretagne retired in 2008 from the Texas Task Force 1. Recently turning 16 years old, she received lots of doggy goodies and was honored with a special birthday party in New York. Bretagne received a gourmet burger, the keys to the Hudson River dog park, and was greeted by many adoring fans! 16 years old in human years is 112 years old in dog years.

Her handler, Denise Corliss explained what happened at 9/11 with Bretagne, “Responding to the World Trade Center was our first deployment. We were there to try to find survivors. When our task force arrived in ground zero, I just couldn’t believe the magnitude of it. Then I looked down to her and she seemed stoked and ready to work” (www.BoredPanda.com). Corliss detailed more about the lovable retriever’s personality, “She is a 16-year-old now, but when you are around water with her, she acts like a young puppy” (www.BoredPanda.com).

According to Bored Panda, “1 Hotel Central Park, which hosted the party, also donated $1,000 to Texas Task Force 1, which trains K-9 first responder dogs like Bretagne” (www.BoredPanda.com). Not only was Bretagne a rescue dog, but she even worked as a therapy dog – she once disobeyed her handler’s orders and ran to comfort a distressed firefighter at ground zero.

Although the anniversary of 9/11 was weeks ago, this event will always be remembered, along with the people who lost their lives on that day. Bretagne, an unforgettable hero, will always be in our hearts.

http://www.boredpanda.com/last-9-11-rescue-dog-birthday-party-new-york-bretagne-denise-corliss/