To some she was only a dog

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In what was an extraordinary tribute to a true American, Bretagne, the last surviving search dog who helped at Ground Zero on September 11, was given a goodbye worthy of her heroic actions (pictured, Bretagne being led to an animal hospital to be euthanized on Monday)

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Working at Ground Zero for her first ever deployment, Bretagne (pictured at Ground Zero with owner Denise) gallangely search in vain for survivors - then comforted the wounded and trauamatized

 

[superbeets]

To some she was only a dog, to me the life and death of this American hero shows the true meaning of service
By PIERS MORGAN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 16:43, 8 June 2016 | UPDATED: 17:14, 8 June 2016




This is a column about a dog.




More specifically, a 16-year-old golden retriever named Bretagne who died this week.


It's not often that a photograph jolts me into quiet, reflective silence but the image of Bretagne's last public appearance on Monday, minutes before she was euthanized, did just that.




As she was gently led by her owner Denise Corliss into a veterinary hospital in Cypress, Texas, Bretagne was given a guard of honor by a team of firefighters and search and rescue workers.


They stood to attention in the blazing sun and saluted the tired, sick old retriever as she made her final journey.
I wondered what had prompted such an extraordinary tribute.

 

[superbeets]

The truth was remarkable and profoundly moving.

Bretagne was the last surviving search and rescue dog sent into Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks.
It was her very first deployment.

She went on to aid in many other searches after national disasters including Hurricanes Katrina, Ivan and Rita.

'She lived longer and accomplished more than anybody,' said Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department spokesman Capt, David Padovan in an emotional statement.

Denise first met Bretagne in 1999 when she was just eight weeks old and sitting in a plastic kennel with many others. The frisky puppy barged her way excitedly and determinedly through the group to make herself noticed.

So Denise bought her, took her home and began intensively training her.

Within two years Bretagne was so good she'd been assigned to Texas Task Force 1 and was officially certified as a FEMA Search and Rescue dog. The best of the best.

Then came 9/11.

In the horror of the immediate aftermath of that terrible day, Bretagne was one of the first 300 first responder dogs sent into the smouldering carnage.
The conditions were appalling.

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When Bretagne (pictured, aged 16) began suffering from kidney failure and stopped eating recently, Denise knew it was time to say goodbye to her old friend

But for ten long, arduous, draining days Bretagne worked 12-hour shifts rummaging through the rubble of Ground Zero.

Her first role, of course, was to try to find survivors. Sadly, she found none.

Her second role was to search for remains of those who had been killed.

A third, surprising role soon emerged however, and that was to provide desperately needed solace to the fire fighters and other emergency responders.

There are images of her going to where she was directed to search, the unknown, the chaotic environment...But even then she knew who needed the comfort of a dog, which firefighter needed to hold her close and stroke her fur
Unnamed officer who worked on Ground Zero after 9/11 attacks


Denise, who slept outside with Bretagne after each shift, elaborated: 'They would come by to pet her and thank her, and so it became the unexpected role of therapy dog.'
The traumatised men and women would share their personal stories with Denise, talking about missing or dead friends and colleagues, as they hugged and kissed Bretagne.
'There are images of her going to where she was directed to search, the unknown, the chaotic environment,' wrote one unnamed 9/11 teammate this week, 'but even then she knew who needed the comfort of a dog, which firefighter needed to hold her close and stroke her fur.'
Bretagne went on to have a 9-year career, often risking her life in the most dreadful of circumstances.
On one occasion, Denise remembers watching her standing on the end of a dangling staircase.
'She walked to the edge of it and she stopped, turned and she came back down,' she told CNN.
'She did exactly what she was supposed to do, but it scared me a bit. There were times when I held my breath and said, 'I hope she does this right, I hope she's OK.'

 

[superbeets]

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Denise broke down in tears as her brave old friend - who she had raised since adopting her as an energetic pup - was loaded onto a Task Force 1 vehicle to be taken away

After her retirement from active service, Bretagne continued working in local communities, demonstrating search techniques, aiding other dogs in their training and acting as a goodwill ambassador.
Each week, she would go to an elementary school and help first graders with their reading.
'She'd provide a non-judgmental ear and soft paw,' explained the Cy-Fair VDF. 'She also visited students with special needs such as autism. Her calm demeanor and warm heart helped the young and old through their own difficult moments.'
She was a regular and popular visitor to her old firehouse, and was feted last year for her 9/11 work with a trip back to New York where she was treated like a superstar.
In recent weeks, Bretagne's health deteriorated.
Her kidneys began failing and she stopped eating.
Denise knew the time had come.
She slept alongside her on Sunday night for one last time.
On Monday afternoon, Denise and her husband Randy drove up to the veterinary hospital in their pickup with Bretagne in the back seat.

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Undoubtedy, many millions more at home will she a tear as the astonishing story of this inspirational canine spreads around the world

Denise opened the door, and Randy gathered up their beloved pet in his arms and tenderly placed her on the ground.
Bretagne began to walk, slowly, her tail wagging limply. She stopped briefly and sniffed the air.
The firefighters and search and rescue workers who saluted as she made her last few steps, giving her the hero's goodbye which she so magnificently deserved, did so because she was one of them.
Some may say that the most a dog could be is a pet... To our 400 members, Bretagne was a civil servant, a hero and is family
Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department


Thirty minutes later, after Bretagne had been euthanized, she was brought back out in a casket covered in a Texas flag.
The same firefighters and search and rescue workers stood to attention again, this time with black bands stretched across their silver badges.
Many shed tears. As surely will many millions more as the astonishing story of this inspirational canine spreads around the world.
'Some may say that the most a dog could be is a pet,' said the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department. 'However, to (our) 400 members, Bretagne was a civil servant, a hero and is family. We will remember her fondly and continue serving the community with her as inspiration.'
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said: 'Texas and America are forever grateful for Bretagne's service.'
Bretagne's body was taken to Texas A&M University, where veterinarians will study the effect of Ground Zero on her body.
Even in death, she will continue to help others.

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Few have contributed such unbelievable selflessness, courage, determination and true grit to serving their country as Bretagne, may she rest in peace

There have been many people, and indeed animals, who have served their country gallantly during the 239-year history of the United States.
Few, though, have contributed such unbelievable selflessness, courage, determination and true grit.
Even fewer have been able to go about their difficult, exhausting, often helpless work in a way which brought such comfort to those suffering from terrible tragedy.



Bretagne was a great dog.




She was also a great American.




RIP.

 

[ScottL]

[h=1]A Dog's Prayer[/h] [SIZE=+1]Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.

[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]--Beth Norman Harris[/SIZE]

 

[SheriffJoe]

 

[Dave007inVegas]

Amen.

 

[Willie99]

they truly are man's best friend

unconditional love

 

[russ1945]

Are military related dogs eligible for Veterinarian benefits? Just wondering. If not they should be.

 

[roadreeler57]

Dog is God spelled backwards....