The World Trade Center's Heroic Dog Yearbook

Our heartfelt thanks go out to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for providing many of these photos, but most importantly, for their tireless dedication during this crisis. Thank you also to the many individuals who assisted in the WTC recovery effort, sent us pictures and shared experiences that were undoubtedly very difficult to talk about. Welcome to our hall of fame.


Lynne Engelbert & "Lucy", age 10½ California Task Force 4 (Oakland, CA). "We worked 12-15 hrs., went through decon and back to the Javits where she was greeted by the VMAT folks (they were awesome!), bathed in warm water, given her nose-to-tail vet check, fed, walked and then I would go take care of me. Usually when I returned from the shower, she would be out playing tug with the firefighters. Endless energy! Lucy was able to locate numerous remains and help to bring closure for several families ... There are no credits on the rooftop shot. I just handed my camera to a nearby firefighter and asked him to take some shots. The rubble site shot was on the Marriott hotel site where Lucy located the remains of a firefighter. This photo was taken by Tom Clark, Structural Specialist with CA TF4 ... Thank you for your efforts to recognize these wonderful animals." — Lynne Engelbert. (See also July 23 article: "10 Months After 9/11, How Are the Dogs")			"Bear", age 12 (Partner: Capt. Scott Shields) Marine Safety Services. Bear worked at "the pile" for 3 months and has been credited with being the first dog to arrive on the scene to search the WTC. He is pictured here at a rally for survivors on Jan. 17, 2002. (Photo: Jeff Christensen / Reuters)

Ann Wickman & "Jenner", age 9 (at rest with canine pal "Hoke") Colorado Task Force 1 (Lakewood, CO). "Search dogs must exhibit all the same qualities as a rescuer—physical agility, intelligence and an emotional connection to the victim. But the over-riding attribute of a great search dog is courage." — Ann Wickman. (Photos: Michael Rieger / FEMA News)

Julie Noyes & "Hoke" Colorado Task Force 1 (Lakewood, CO). No comment necessary; Hoke's eyes say it all. (Photo: Andrea Booher / FEMA)	Kent Olson & "Thunder", age 5 Washington Task Force 1 (Puget Sound, WA). Kent Olson and his Golden Retriever partner "Thunder" were among the first to arrive at the World Trade Center disaster when hope still existed that there were survivors beneath the wreckage. Kent & Thunder coupled with Janet Linker & "Ricky" (see below) to form an unbelievably efficient system of searching through the debris, as highlighted in The Scoop Oct. 15 article. (Photo: Andrea Booher / FEMA News)

An unidentified FEMA team makes its way across a twisted landscape on Sep. 21, 2001. Behind them, what little remains of the WTC South Tower is charred beyond belief. (Photo: Andrea Booher / FEMA)	Janet Linker & "Ricky", age 3 Washington Task Force 1 (Puget Sound, WA) Ricky the Rat Terrier (at 17" tall) was able to worm his way into areas that nothing else could penetrate. He and "Thunder" (see above) located the remains of several victims, but mostly there wasn't much to find, says Ms. Linker. " You'd find clothing with nobody in it." (Photos: T.J. Hurst / Seattle Times; Andrea Booher / FEMA News)		An unidentified firefighter and an unidentified dog pause to share a rare and precious moment at the World Trade Center site. We have no information about this photo, but it really seems to speak for itself.

Medical teams were the heroes behind the scenes, tending to dogs' injuries & dehydration ...or just offering a few pats and encouragement to exhausted pooches. Dr. Laura Stein (left) and her team tend to this tired Retriever. (Photo: SFC Thomas R. Roberts / NGB-PASE)	Gary Flynn (L) & "Tascha" Ohio TF-1 (Miami Val., OH) Mr. Flynn looks on with concern as Tascha is administered fluids by IV. To see how Tascha looks when she's back in action, see WTC Heroic Dog Picture Gallery Page 3. (Photo: Andrea Booher / FEMA)	This tiny tribute deserves a big spot in the Hero Dog Yearbook, for it symbolizes the deep feelings and support that pour in from the home-front. These patriotic pins were designed and hand-made by a Scoop reader who has given them out to rescuers, the ASPCA, Officer Lim and the White House. To anyone who was at "the pile", please contact us, and we'll be happy to ask Paulette, the artist, if she has any more to spare. She told us: "I truly enjoyed making them. It was healing in a way. Make sure you tell people when they ask that they are made by a southern lady with two kids and big heart lol!"