The last known living 9/11 search dog has died in a Houston suburb at age 16.
Bretagne (BRIHT’-nee), a golden retriever, was euthanized Monday at a veterinary clinic in the Houston suburb of Cypress, according to a statement from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.
Bretagne was 2 years old when she and her handler, Denise Corliss, were part of the Texas Task Force 1 sent to the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan after the terrorist attack brought down the buildings on Sept. 11, 2001. They spent 10 days at the scene searching rubble for human remains.
About two-dozen first responders lined the sidewalk leading to the veterinarian’s office and saluted Bretagne as she walked by for the final time Monday, The Houston Chronicle reported. An American flag was draped over her body as she was carried out of the facility.
Bretagne retired from active duty at age 9. At 15, she was taken by Corliss to the 9/11 memorial and participated in an interview with Tom Brokaw of NBC News. Corliss told NBC’s “Today” that in recent weeks Bretagne began experiencing kidney failure and slowing down.
Bretagne was nominated for a Hero Dog Award from the American Humane Association in 2014. An online biography posted by the organization says that Bretagne served as an ambassador for search and rescue dogs in retirement, often visiting elementary schools.
Bretagne and Corliss met with former President George H.W. Bush at his presidential library late last year.
A post on the Texas Task Force 1 Facebook page remembers “the valiant effort and dedication to finding a victim trapped in a destroyed building that Bretagne showed us on a regular basis.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Thanks to all of those who showed their respects to this hero. While not what we would call a typical hero she was one just the same. Thanks for sharing this story.
Many of these police dogs are paid for through private donations. Please look up a legitimate web site and donate if you’re able.
No one will ever know, how much these precious dogs are worth to the human race, without a doubt, they are MY heroes and many other people’s as well , may all DOGS go to heaven as well ….
A brave friend has left us today and we salute him for his dedication and caring and Bretagne you will be missed. He gave his all helping the Fire Fighters on 911. We salute a loving and beautiful Search Dog for his service. Rest In Peace dear friend.
A brave friend has left us today and we salute him for his dedication and caring and Bretagne you will be missed. He gave his all helping the Fire Fighters on 911. We salute a loving and beautiful Search Dog for his service. Rest In Peace dear friend.
You’re leaving today to heaven, you will be missed!!!!
Many thanks for your help Fire Fighters 911,
and many other people’s as well, go to heaven as well.
Rest in peace dear friend, salute a loving and beautiful Dog!!!!!
Farewell Blessed Bretagne. What a beautiful and precious Dog. RIP