By Josie December 6th, 2023
Among them was Riley, a Golden Retriever whose bravery and dedication made him a 9/11 hero.
Trained to find living people, Riley’s task was heartbreakingly altered as he encountered only lifeless bodies.
His profound impact was not just in search and rescue; he provided immeasurable emotional support to firefighters and police officers.
Riley’s work at Ground Zero was so intense that it is believed to have contributed to his later development of cancer, highlighting the sacrifices these dogs made.
Post-rescue, many dogs like Riley transitioned to therapy roles. They offered comfort to the emergency personnel who suffered trauma from their selfless contributions.
Their ability to provide emotional support by simply being their fluffy and cuddly selves, highlights the therapeutic power of man’s best friends.