Person Honors The Dog Heroes Of 9/11 That Are Often Overlooked In A Beautifully Sad Twitter Thread
The modern timeline is split into two: the world before the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, and the one after. Thousands of people risked their lives to rescue victims in the aftermath. But some of the heroes of that day remain forgotten nearly two decades on.
Search and rescue dogs are some of the unsung heroes of 9/11, most of them now forgotten. However, these adorable yet determined animals were indispensable to the rescue efforts and saved countless lives. What’s more, they brought back a sliver of hope to a nation under attack and reeling from the horror. One Twitter user gave canines the attention they deserve in an incredibly profound and viral thread that once and for all proves that dogs really are our best friends. Scroll down for Bored Panda’s interview with ClaysandBirds whose thread caught so many people’s attention. And when you’re done reading this story, take a look at Bored Panda’s post about the most heartbreaking stories of how the lives of US Muslims changed after 9/11.
More info: Twitter
A moving Twitter thread gave 9/11 search and rescue dogs the attention they deserve
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Twitter user ClaysandBirds explained how more than 300 search and rescue (or SAR) dogs were deployed to Ground Zero, but only a third of them were equipped to deal with large-scale urban rescue missions. ClaysandBirds drew attention to the most famous SAR dogs of 9/11, including Bretagne who also rescued people after hurricanes Katrina and Ivan, and the legendary Appollo who was the first canine to arrive on the scene of the terror attacks in New York.
Bored Panda reached out to ClaysandBirds to hear more of their thoughts about 9/11 and the heroic search and rescue dogs.
When asked whether or not people are forgetting about the heroes of 9/11, the Twitter user said that, in their opinion, the answer is no. However, ClaysandBirds added: “I think when time passes it becomes less relevant in our day-to-day life. The images of the towers falling have been shown millions of times and the shock of it has slowly worn off.”
Without the help of canines, there would have been more victims
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
“There are some stories from 9/11 that hit you so hard it stays with you. The Boatlift of 9/11, Welles Crowther and the red bandana, Flight 93, and so on. You hear these personal stories and it adds a very human element to 9/11.”
“Last year a writer from Barstool Sports named Large wrote an exceptional blog about being in the financial district and his wife losing part of her family. The part of his story which grabbed me the most was talking about the process of recovering the remains,” said ClaysandBirds. “We all think about the towers falling. It’s played on repeat on 9/11, but to hear about calling hospitals and tracking down leads hoping to get answers is just a gut punch. That story was on my mind and it reminded me of the SAR efforts from ground zero and the dogs who were put to the ultimate test.”
The Twitter user mentioned that they found the “Boatlift of 9/11” to be the most emotional story: “Seeing so many people come together to help one another really shows how we care for one another. No one was asking who did you vote for? What religion do you practice? What race are you? People just helped people.”
The dogs worked themselves to the bone
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
ClaysandBirds revealed that they were “sitting in a classroom in Baltimore” when the towers fell in New York. “Most of my family worked in the financial district in NYC. A lot of my classmates had parents who worked in DC. A decent number of us were sitting there wondering if aunts, uncles, cousins, or parents were there. Easily one of the worst days of my life.”
“It was definitely a turning point,” they said about 9/11 and whether it was the dividing point between two different eras. “That being said, I think we just weren’t exposed to what was going on behind the curtain. After 9/11 the curtain was pulled back and we realized the US wasn’t invincible to foreign attacks. We mostly only knew of domestic terror like the Oklahoma City Bombing.”
Around 300 search and rescue dogs did their duty at Ground Zero
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
“There are a lot of great search and rescue organizations that depend on donations. People can easily look up their local K9 search and rescue organization and find ways to help. They need volunteers and they need financial contributions,” ClaysandBirds encouraged people to support SAR dogs.
ClaysandBirds’ thread left a massive impact on the internet community. The thread got a third of a million likes and was retweeted more than 136,700 times, which shows that people appreciate the sacrifice SAR dogs made. The 9/11 attacks in New York killed nearly 3,000 people, and the casualties would have been much higher if not for these selfless canines whose single purpose in life was to rescue people.
Some doggos restored people’s hope
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
18 years after 9/11, some heroes of that day are forgotten, but there are those who remind us of them
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Some of these heroic dogs were awarded The Dickin Medal which, according to BBC Radio 4, is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. One of the dogs who received the medal was the aforementioned New York Police Department dog Appollo; the award was meant to recognize the dutiful efforts made by all SAR dogs during 9/11.
Two guide dogs were also awarded the medal for leading their owners more than 70 floors out of the World Trade Center immediately after the attacks in New York. Since 1943, over 60 animals have been awarded The Dickin Medal, including pigeons, horses and a cat (not just dogs). They were recognized for their services which led to people’s lives being saved during wartime.
People were deeply touched by the tribute to 9/11 search and rescue dogs
Image credits: TKintheSFC
Image credits: vtrocks
Image credits: JimmyBimbles
Image credits: ClaysandBirds
Image credits: GeorgiaPadfield
Image credits: SoltisNancy
Image credits: ForeverAgile
"he was suspended for leaving without permission... bosses can be such a*****e!!!!"
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/halifax-ex-cop-gets-9-11-award-for-actions-that-led-to-his-suspension-1.530869
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The therapy that was done for these dogs afterwards partially consisted of unknown (to the dogs) volunteers being "fake" buried or trapped. The dog would locate them and be happy that they were all right. The majority of the dogs used in the search and rescue on 09/11 and after were not used to finding only dead people and it affected them quite deeply.
It must be really hard on them - being trained with positive reinforcement, getting praise when they found their target ... but when they find a body, it's hardly a moment when the handler shouts "YAAAAY, GOOD DOG!" - of course the dogs feel their handler's grief and respond to it.
Load More Replies...
I heard a story that they started hiding live volunteers throughout the wreckage so the poor dogs still searching for victims could also feel like they were still saving lives.
A few things I remember reading/hearing about these dogs....as survivors and then remains became fewer to find the dogs would exhibit signs of depression so their handlers would hide items that reeked of decay in the rubble so the dogs would find them and have a "win". I recall that "the pile" was so hot the pads on the dogs pad on their paws were literally burning off so a urgent distress call was made to the public for dog booties to protect them. They were inundated with donations. There are some great documentaries on Youtube that focus on these amazing animals and their handlers all you have to do is search for them.
i can't... seriously, i tried but i can't... this hurts my heart so much
Wow...the goodest girls and boys on this list. Man, that hits this ole guy in the heart pretty hard. Gonna give my girl and extra treat tonight and no I'm not crying...youre crying! *sniff* *sniff*
What beautiful doggies!! God Bless them. Loved this, never thought about this until this post.
War, fear, hatred, fanaticism, faulty logic, and then add to the stew some modern technology making killing so easy. Will we ever be able to move on from this behaviour? Dogs would never behave like that.
What a fantastic post. Thank you very much for this. We don't deserve dogs.
This made me tear up. Thank you for all the men, women and doggos for all have you've done. You are brave and heroes.
Man, dogs are true little angels. We dont deserve them. Love each and every one of u, brave, unconditional and beautifull good hero doggos. Humbly thank you for Your outstanding job.
Woah, that took me about an hour to read it all, i had to keep stopping.
It really break my heart that Sirlus was in the kennel and the tower collapsed, I bet he was so sorry and feel so much guilt to left him there. These dogs are truly hero for NYers, we should never forgot every one of their names, Salute!!! Thanks Clays and Birds for getting all the information and all the pictures put well together!!
We are 100% not worthy of dogs! However, I am so honored they are part of this world!
This made me cry! I agree that these dogs have been forgotten more than they should have. As far as I know. They deserve to be recognized too. I don't agree (for myself, personally) with the statement that the shock of the footage of the towers collapsing, has worn off over the years. I am not even from the US, and it still shocks me so much whenever I see the footage. It still makes me cry every time I see it. And not only the collapsing, but the aftermath and the stories behind the people involved too. Of course the first time witnessing the whole thing was the worst shock. But no matter how many times I see it, this shock will never wear off for me. Again, while not even being American. But back to the dogs. They are too good for our human kind.. working so hard, hours upon hours, days upon days, to help us. 1/2
Seriously developing mental issues because of the tragedy they experienced. So many injured and so many lives lost, all on the scene. Dogs are so good and loyal to us, more than we are to each other as human beings. They were needed, but I feel for them. They helped us, no matter how they would come out of this rescue mission. They gave their own lives for us, even if they survived. This enormous tragedy scarred them immensely, thus them giving their own lives for us, while having survived. Let’s never forget what they did for us! Just like the emergency workers. The dogs are emergency workers too, just of a different species. 2/2
Load More Replies...
Important article to remember there were many heroes in the months after 9/11. Each dog looked respected and cherished by their handlers and will continue to be honored for their service for decades to come.
Man, alot weren't prepared to bawl our eyes out this early in the morning.
Sweet dog heroes love us humans enough to risk their life for us. We should return the favor (same goes for people).
I have book mentioned. The stores will break your heart, yet it brings hope. There presence gave hope to the rescuers that just maybe they would find alive people. Some of these dogs are in this book. Other handlers did not want their store told.
I really didn't need to start my Monday with tears. Such beautiful little puppers.
Another reason that we will never truly deserve dogs for what they do for us
This really hit me quite hard. Ip until 9 years ago i didnt even kNOW I WAS A dog person. They give so much to us and ask so very little. I wasnt aware that there were that many SAR dogs at the twin tower site
I never had pets, outside of fish while I was growing up. When my mom was a kid, a dog attacked her while she was on her paper route. Needless to say, it left her with a rather intense fear/dislike of dogs, that has only recently started to subside, some 50 plus years later. So, bottom line, we couldn't have one, no matter how hard I tried, she just wouldn't budge, and I am slightly allergic to cats, so fish it was. As an adult, I've had a couple of roommates with dogs, but I never really bonded with them the way I hoped. So anytime I see a story about people and the connection they have with their dogs, I find myself a bit envious because I wish I knew what it was like to have that deep of a bond with an animal. That's not to say I don't appreciate these articles, and laugh, or ball my eyes out with the rest of you, I guess it's just more that I can't totally relate when people say things like, "I prefer dogs to people", but I genuinely wish I could because it seems like such a wonderful thing.
Wow, you found a way of making an article about hero dogs about yourself.
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Sorry, but re: Sirius, that is MOST DEFINITELY ABANDONING HIM. I could have NEVER done that. Screw people, save the animals or die with them. He never should have left him, imo. You sign up to take care of the dog, not abandon it when s**t gets bad.
He did not abandon his dog. He made a foolish mistake which I expect he will regret for the rest of his life. No one would think the first tower would fall let alone both.
Load More Replies...
"he was suspended for leaving without permission... bosses can be such a*****e!!!!"
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/halifax-ex-cop-gets-9-11-award-for-actions-that-led-to-his-suspension-1.530869
Load More Replies... The therapy that was done for these dogs afterwards partially consisted of unknown (to the dogs) volunteers being "fake" buried or trapped. The dog would locate them and be happy that they were all right. The majority of the dogs used in the search and rescue on 09/11 and after were not used to finding only dead people and it affected them quite deeply.
It must be really hard on them - being trained with positive reinforcement, getting praise when they found their target ... but when they find a body, it's hardly a moment when the handler shouts "YAAAAY, GOOD DOG!" - of course the dogs feel their handler's grief and respond to it.
Load More Replies... I heard a story that they started hiding live volunteers throughout the wreckage so the poor dogs still searching for victims could also feel like they were still saving lives.
A few things I remember reading/hearing about these dogs....as survivors and then remains became fewer to find the dogs would exhibit signs of depression so their handlers would hide items that reeked of decay in the rubble so the dogs would find them and have a "win". I recall that "the pile" was so hot the pads on the dogs pad on their paws were literally burning off so a urgent distress call was made to the public for dog booties to protect them. They were inundated with donations. There are some great documentaries on Youtube that focus on these amazing animals and their handlers all you have to do is search for them.
i can't... seriously, i tried but i can't... this hurts my heart so much
Wow...the goodest girls and boys on this list. Man, that hits this ole guy in the heart pretty hard. Gonna give my girl and extra treat tonight and no I'm not crying...youre crying! *sniff* *sniff*
What beautiful doggies!! God Bless them. Loved this, never thought about this until this post.
War, fear, hatred, fanaticism, faulty logic, and then add to the stew some modern technology making killing so easy. Will we ever be able to move on from this behaviour? Dogs would never behave like that.
What a fantastic post. Thank you very much for this. We don't deserve dogs.
This made me tear up. Thank you for all the men, women and doggos for all have you've done. You are brave and heroes.
Man, dogs are true little angels. We dont deserve them. Love each and every one of u, brave, unconditional and beautifull good hero doggos. Humbly thank you for Your outstanding job.
Woah, that took me about an hour to read it all, i had to keep stopping.
It really break my heart that Sirlus was in the kennel and the tower collapsed, I bet he was so sorry and feel so much guilt to left him there. These dogs are truly hero for NYers, we should never forgot every one of their names, Salute!!! Thanks Clays and Birds for getting all the information and all the pictures put well together!!
We are 100% not worthy of dogs! However, I am so honored they are part of this world!
This made me cry! I agree that these dogs have been forgotten more than they should have. As far as I know. They deserve to be recognized too. I don't agree (for myself, personally) with the statement that the shock of the footage of the towers collapsing, has worn off over the years. I am not even from the US, and it still shocks me so much whenever I see the footage. It still makes me cry every time I see it. And not only the collapsing, but the aftermath and the stories behind the people involved too. Of course the first time witnessing the whole thing was the worst shock. But no matter how many times I see it, this shock will never wear off for me. Again, while not even being American. But back to the dogs. They are too good for our human kind.. working so hard, hours upon hours, days upon days, to help us. 1/2
Seriously developing mental issues because of the tragedy they experienced. So many injured and so many lives lost, all on the scene. Dogs are so good and loyal to us, more than we are to each other as human beings. They were needed, but I feel for them. They helped us, no matter how they would come out of this rescue mission. They gave their own lives for us, even if they survived. This enormous tragedy scarred them immensely, thus them giving their own lives for us, while having survived. Let’s never forget what they did for us! Just like the emergency workers. The dogs are emergency workers too, just of a different species. 2/2
Load More Replies... Important article to remember there were many heroes in the months after 9/11. Each dog looked respected and cherished by their handlers and will continue to be honored for their service for decades to come.
Man, alot weren't prepared to bawl our eyes out this early in the morning.
Sweet dog heroes love us humans enough to risk their life for us. We should return the favor (same goes for people).
I have book mentioned. The stores will break your heart, yet it brings hope. There presence gave hope to the rescuers that just maybe they would find alive people. Some of these dogs are in this book. Other handlers did not want their store told.
I really didn't need to start my Monday with tears. Such beautiful little puppers.
Another reason that we will never truly deserve dogs for what they do for us
This really hit me quite hard. Ip until 9 years ago i didnt even kNOW I WAS A dog person. They give so much to us and ask so very little. I wasnt aware that there were that many SAR dogs at the twin tower site
I never had pets, outside of fish while I was growing up. When my mom was a kid, a dog attacked her while she was on her paper route. Needless to say, it left her with a rather intense fear/dislike of dogs, that has only recently started to subside, some 50 plus years later. So, bottom line, we couldn't have one, no matter how hard I tried, she just wouldn't budge, and I am slightly allergic to cats, so fish it was. As an adult, I've had a couple of roommates with dogs, but I never really bonded with them the way I hoped. So anytime I see a story about people and the connection they have with their dogs, I find myself a bit envious because I wish I knew what it was like to have that deep of a bond with an animal. That's not to say I don't appreciate these articles, and laugh, or ball my eyes out with the rest of you, I guess it's just more that I can't totally relate when people say things like, "I prefer dogs to people", but I genuinely wish I could because it seems like such a wonderful thing.
Wow, you found a way of making an article about hero dogs about yourself.
Load More Replies... Sorry, but re: Sirius, that is MOST DEFINITELY ABANDONING HIM. I could have NEVER done that. Screw people, save the animals or die with them. He never should have left him, imo. You sign up to take care of the dog, not abandon it when s**t gets bad.
He did not abandon his dog. He made a foolish mistake which I expect he will regret for the rest of his life. No one would think the first tower would fall let alone both.
Load More Replies...
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