This lovely Border Collie looks very similar to our Lucy, who was not in a K-9 unit, but a awesome ball catcher!
I hadn’t intended to write more about 9/11 , but watching yesterday the terror and horror unfolding in Washington, I noticed the ever present Rescue Dogs working the area. I started thinking of the 9/11 hero dogs. In fact, wherever there is a tragedy , the brave men and women of the police or military are there with “man’s best friends” working to save as many souls as possible.
The most touching story I have heard about these rescue dogs came out of 9/11. They are trained to signal life under rubble …by smell or sound. Then the rescuers know where to begin uncovering the piles to reach the survivor. One of the men of a K-9 unit told this story. Hour after hour, and day after day, the brave dogs worked their hearts out trying to find life. They were not successful because there was no life under those tons of stone and steel. The dogs demeanor changed and the handlers, who knew them so well, believed the dogs were depressed and felt they had failed in not finding survivors. The humans on the teams began to hide in and under the rubble for the dogs to have some success thus feeling they had done their job. Such love, devotion and commitment of the human and animal teams always make me cry!
Please look at these pictures and read the wonderful testimonies about these dogs who are trained to work for all who need them.
The following is my favorite. . . . . I am sorry it is so small…try to read the words. . . . . .
Namaste. . . . . .This Is the World of Dogs
TalesAlongTheWay 
Beautiful Dogs! I didn’t know border collies were used in K-9 units. But it makes sense. They are one of the most highly intelligent of all breeds. Of course, I’m biased, my dog when growing up was a border collie.
Thanks for the post!
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Well, my husband did some research on just that topic and how the dogs were evaluated. A blanket is thrown over each dog and then the seconds are counted as to how long it takes them to escape. Border Collies first, German Shepherds second, Standard Poodles third. So they are undisputed the smartest dogs! I had never seen one on a K-9 Unit though.
When we were in England, we stopped when we were driving in the country when we noticed Border Collies in a yard. The farmer let the crazy Americans play with his Border Collies! Then in Scotland we saw some at working trials with sheep and visited a farm where they raise them. There was a demonstration of a group of 6 dogs , I think that is the number,. The man had a clicker and each dog was trained to a certain pattern of clicks…..amazing to see them work! They start out puppies “herding” ducks! Kind of like herding cats! Now you know all I know about Border Collies!
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wonderful post!
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Thank you so much . Glad you enjoyed it.
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what strikes me also is that as many first responders are now dealing with health issues relative to toxin exposures at the site, there were dogs exposed too. while humans were eventually covered with protective clothing and respirators, so many of those beautiful dogs had burned pads on their feet before receiving booties, to say nothing of their respiratory care. considering the years that have passed, the lifespan of a dog, and the potential ages of the ones that helped in the rescue efforts… so many of those canine first responders are likely gone now. this makes me think long and hard about donating to training funds and medical care funds for our dog emergency team members.
i’ve only just started reading about such organizations, but i’ve found some such as this: http://www.searchdogfoundation.org/ and see that they’re have tax deductible status. surely there are places like this in every state, and some that cover medical expenses.
i appreciated this post, anne. you really got me thinking. thank you.
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I am thinking about using your response as my post tomorrow. Would you mind? May I include your blog address?
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wow! what a kind compliment! thank you, anne. of course, i wouldn’t mind at all. perhaps someone else might be promoted to go looking for animal rescue training information and first responder donations sites, as i was after reading your original blog post. best.
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Amazing dogs! They’re beautiful… and they truly are man’s best friend! 😉
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Amazing dogs, indeed! Namaste. . . .
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Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
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Pingback: Response to Rescue Dogs Post | TalesAlongTheWay
Thanks for the reblog! Namaste. . .
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