Remembering our 4-Legged Heroes

by Pat Hennessy

On a crisp September morning, ten years ago, people headed out and about their daily routines. It was a gorgeous day across the eastern skyline, one that would turn from beauty to tragedy in the blink of an eye. Terror struck and turned the sky into a dark billowing cloud and then the dust and debris rained down upon the city.

Three Hundred Canines Headed The Call
Of the thousands that heeded the call for help, among them were three hundred canines. These dogs worked long hours with unparalleled dedication. When it was determined there were no more survivors, they searched tirelessly for victims. They could go where it was impossible for humans to go, risking injury and certainly reducing their lifespan from exposure to toxic material. They are the Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs of America. “We are forever in their debt” and we must “Never Forget”, as it is so powerfully portrayed in a memorial video at http://www.thedogfiles.com/2010/09/03/hero-dogs-of-911.

Search and Rescue Dogs
Search and Rescue dogs put validity behind the old phrase “worked me like a dog” — and our gratitude is never ending. SAR teams have always responded to the call of duty. Even before 9/11, SAR teams responded to events such as the Oklahoma City bombing and have done so many times after, such as Hurricane Katrina and most recently to the Joplin tornado. The canine dedication is unmatched and their strengths are in the abilities we don’t possess – such as their scenting factor and ability to get to locations we can’t reach.

Along with SAR occupations, our canine companions have found themselves employed by the police force for years, serving in many capacities (bomb/illegal substance detection, crime fighting, water patrol, etc.). Dogs have also been invaluable to the military and those that serve are referred to as Military Working Dogs (MWDs). A law passed in 2000, now allows them to be available for adoption when they are retired from military service, however, it is still difficult to get them processed and transported (especially when they are retired overseas). To learn more visit:  http://www.militaryworkingdogadoptions.com.

Therapy Dogs — Other Unsung Heros
Another group of unsung heroes are therapy dogs. Some therapy dog teams go to nursing homes, Alzheimer’s units, juvenile detention centers, psychiatric wards, terminal illness units of hospitals, cancer treatment centers, etc. Other therapy dog teams, known as crisis response teams, will respond to disasters and will comfort people who have been through traumatizing events. These teams provide a valuable service and should also be recognized among our honorees, as they provide the service of connection through the human-animal bond that can bring about profound results in some cases. People who are aloof or despondent may open up to an animal (who doesn’t judge them or criticize them). Therapy animals can foster healing and bring joy to the lives of people who suffer. We know they bring joy to our lives, why not share the wealth?

Our Own Heroes
Even our own dogs can be heroes — they have saved us from threatening animals, alerted us to dangers within our homes, and recognized physical changes within our bodies by detecting something out of balance. Part of their ability may be because they still operate in their native (survival) state — having heightened senses (sights, smells, sounds or detecting vibrations), whereas we are much further removed from that state by being preoccupied with technology (television, internet, cell phones, etc.). They are definitely more connected to Mother Earth, which was illustrated when the animals headed for higher ground prior to the tsunami hitting Indonesia.

Sensitive to Surroundings
Our animals can be very sensitive to their surroundings. A few years ago my young dog came into my office where I was working and nudged me to get up. When I followed her she took me to the front door where my old blind and deaf dog was standing waiting to go outside. More recently, one of my dogs was whining at me to get my attention and when I followed him, to see what he wanted, he took me into the kitchen where I had eggs boiling on the stove that were about out of water. I rushed over to get them off the stove and when I turned back around, he had gone and laid down. Never underestimate the furry hero-in-waiting at your home.

Our Lives Changed Forever
This September, when you are reflecting on the day that changed our lives forever and feeling gratitude for those that serve our country, remember the 4-legged heroes too.

Next time you see a “working” dog, thank the handler and ask if you can “thank” the dog. If you can afford to donate to one of their causes, that would be a lovely tribute as well. And don’t forget your own furry companion, as they go about each day offering you unconditional love and joy. We owe them all our deepest gratitude and we must Never Forget those that serve us.

Pat Hennessy is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides a holistic approach to companion animal care through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a Level 2 TTouch® practitioner, CPDT and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , phone 816-522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com.