The 9/11 Dogs: The heroes who searched for survivors at Ground Zero. Isabel George

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      It is unlikely the dogs were aware of their invaluable contribution to the search that began that warm September morning. They were working and following their canine instinct, applying learnt skills in extraordinary circumstances. Just by being on the scene these dogs influenced human behaviour. Dogs can only be honest. They never make demands or ask the impossible, and they never think anyone is foolish – even when humans think differently. The Ground Zero dogs stepped in as deeply generous, trusted and non-judgemental friends at a time when those qualities were needed more than ever.

      Remembering the day when most of the Western world stood still, there remains an inspirational message in the many instances of canine bravery that proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that a partnership based on unconditional love can be the most powerful of all.

Guiding to Safety

      ‘Come on, Roselle, let’s see if we can reach the subway a little earlier this morning. What do you think, girl?’ Michael Hingson knelt down to touch the faithful Golden Labrador at his feet. He stroked her face, his voice soft and reassuring, as he reached over to the kitchen chair for her harness. He smiled, knowing Roselle would be getting excited as the harness meant they were going out together, and that was all that mattered to her. Roselle had been Michael’s guide dog for the past two years and she knew his every move.

      Setting out early for work was no problem for her, as the journey to Michael’s office on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower was not just part of her routine; it was the highlight of her day. From the moment she left her family’s home in New Jersey she knew that the sidewalks would be infused with new and interesting smells, and on the subway she always met plenty of friendly people wanting to say hello. It’s not easy for any dog, not even a guide dog, to be 100 per cent focused on their job, but Roselle never allowed herself to be distracted.

      From her first day in training she would have learnt the importance of absolute devotion to her owner. And in all disciplines Roselle was a star pupil. She was a lively and inquisitive puppy who grew into a lively and inquisitive dog, picking up the throb of New York life beneath her paws.

      ‘OK, Roselle. I’m just about ready, so let’s see if we can make this early start.’ Roselle trotted to Michael’s side and the two of them walked out of the house and hailed a taxi to take them to the subway station. Roselle loved riding in the car and immediately lay down happily on the floor. In just a short while they would be heading into the city and starting their working day.

      Although Michael could not see the queues of commuters jostling for space on the platform, he could sense an unusual bustle and restlessness around him. Raised voices filled the closed space and mingled with the sea of people waiting for news on the trains going their way. Roselle had seen it all many times before and she knew she must wait for Michael to indicate that they were heading for the information desk. ‘Well, I guess that’s the end of our plans for an early start, girl. Never mind. We’ll get there when we get there. I’d best call David and tell him what’s going on.’

      Michael’s colleague David Frank was flying in from California to oversee the team of distributors attending several seminars taking place at the office that day. Both men, who had become great friends while working for the computer software firm, looked forward to this kind of event, as it gave them a chance to meet and catch up on family news and mutual acquaintances. Just as Michael finished making the call to David on his mobile, a train rolled in and Roselle made her presence felt among the people waiting for the carriage door to open. As the happy, swaggering guide dog led her master to a seat, Michael was already thinking over what he still had to do in the office before the first seminar started at 9 a.m.