Lisa Peterson and DOGNY sculpture
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The worst terrorist attack on American soil became a catalyst for many of us to set aside our excuses and rearrange our priorities. The conversation about the dog we someday planned to get was no longer idle chitchat spoken with a need to be convinced. We made the K-9 decision; we changed our lives. And for those that owned dogs prior to September 11th, there developed a deeper, strengthened and more pronounced bond with their pet.
Lisa Peterson, Director of Club Communications for the American Kennel Club (AKC) wasn't surprised when we spoke to her about increased dog ownership following 9/11.
Lisa Peterson: People went after their dream house, their dream job and their dream dog. September 11th presented an emotional wake-up call. Besides seeking emotional comfort from animal companionship, they started asking themselves the question, 'What am I waiting for?'
Prior to September 11th, the 'want-to-have-a-dog-can't-have-one' types, joined co-workers for drinks after work, headed off for vacation without PCS - (Pet Consideration Syndrome) and woke up without the urgency to make sure Fido could relieve himself. Commitment fear coupled with other responsibilities had kept us from our pooch dreams.
The notion a of puppy boom, akin to a baby boom, was first introduced at the Washington Square Park dog run in New York City in 2007. The preponderance of 5 and 6 year old littermates sniffing, chasing and frolicking with one another made it obvious: after 9/11, new dog owners expressed their decision to get a dog because they were seeking comfort and bonding. Puppies full of unstoppable energy, capable of sponge-like tumbling and playing tournament tug-of-war games 24/7 brought us happiness in ways otherwise not possible.
Was increased pet ownership linked to post 9/11? Did a patch of fur accelerate the healing process for families and individuals and help them cope with a national loss? Was there a silver lining within the tragedy? For many of us, the answer was yes. Terror and fear could no longer prevail when there were wagging tails in our houses and in our hearts.
Kim Hastreiter, co-Founder and Publisher of Paper Magazine: That day I saw two planes hit the towers. The world around me was falling apart. Caring for a new puppy created a wonderful and healthy distraction for me.
Kim Hastreiter and Romeo
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In the dog run, Kim prefers to be known as Romeo's dog-mom and a promoter of Dandie Dinmont Terriers. Five years ago, her dog was the greeter and dog-run tour guide for Pomo, WOOF Patrol's mascot. Romeo's talent lies in his ability to ensure that human and canine counterparts always mingle and get along.
The relationships engendered inside the sandy pea gravel turf begin with the question: "What made you decide to get a dog?" When Kim responded to my query, she created an instant connection — one that I found comforting.
Pomo, WOOF Patrol's mascot
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She left me at ease to confess that Pomo was my 9/11-pup. Currently, 63% of households or 71 million homes own at least one pet, according to the August 2007 Business Week magazine cover story. This is up from 64 million 5 years ago. There's likelihood that many of those became new owners in order to free themselves from being hostage to 9/11.
Charles Wolf lost his wife Katherine at Ground Zero. She would always contend that Louie, their cocker spaniel, was the best dog in the world. However, Wolf would argue that the best dog status belonged to Allegro, his white standard poodle that he grew up with. Then on that fateful day everything changed, including best dog ever title.
Charles Wolf: On the night of 9/11, my bed felt empty without Katherine. But when Louie jumped right next to me and snuggled, his presence brought me comfort and made me realize that I was not alone. In his eyes was worry. I turned to him and told him that I'd find him a new mommy. I knew it wasn't possible, but my words were meant to ease the pain.
For weeks afterwards Louie stayed by my side. Whenever I would be talking about Katherine on the phone or thinking about her, Louie would get happy. He could sense her spirit. On October 15th, I remember waking up from a dream about Katherine and Louie was sitting up. We both felt her essence in the room with us. "It's okay," I told him and he put his head down and went back to sleep.
Charles Wolf and Louie
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Louie's companionship and comfort were unyielding, helping me through a difficult period. Coming home to him provided me with a connection to Katherine because he was our dog.
Louie had come into our life because two young college students living next to us at the time weren't always home to take care of him. We shared a balcony with them and too often they left him alone for long periods of time. He'd howl to go out and seek to be in the company of others. He just wanted to be scratched behind the ears. Once their sliding door was unlocked and I went in and took him for a walk. If our sliding doors were open, Louie would pop over to visit on his own. The boys were aware of the bond between Katherine, Louie and me. Only one time did they get upset - it was when they brought two girls over to see their cute puppy and Louie was out walking with us. They appreciated that we always cared for their dog's welfare but that evening didn't set the romantic mood they had hoped for. Finally, when they decided to move and would not be able to take Louie with them, we accepted their offer to purchase him.
Charles had met Katherine, a classically-trained pianist, 13 years earlier when she was visiting New York from London. Both were involved with an amateur operetta group that had staged a joint production with a Manhattan company.
In an interview with the BBC News last year, Charles shared a timeline of emotions. In a thoughtful way, he provided what we are often afraid to ask but want to know. It was love at first sight between Charles and Katherine. They were best friends, loved to be together and just 'live life'. Starting a family had been very much on both of their minds.
WOOF Patrol: Were there things Katherine did with Louie that you continued?
Wolf: She would always make sure he had ice at night. Katherine would take a Tupperware sandwich container, fill it with water and put it in the freezer every morning. In the evening, Louie would look forward to licking and moving around his icy treasure. I carried on the ice tradition after she was gone. Then there were other little things she would do, like her Welsh sing-song phrasing used when she'd talk to Louie. I find myself imitating her.
W.P.: So on the first night and for several weeks following 9/11, Louie remained by your side. It seems that he wasn't mournful but engaged and connected, right?
Wolf: Around mid-October of 2001, after the shock and several memorial services, Louie started going to the front door at around 5pm to sit and wait for Katherine. That was the time she usually came home. It became my turn to be there for him and provide comfort and understanding; to validate his feelings. He had lost his mommy. That's when I started talking to him like a young child, explaining to him, "She's not coming home." Perhaps Louie may not have understood the words spoken to him but the emotions expressed by the tone of my voice lessened his sense of loss. I provided another reality for him, letting him know that I was there for him. And that I would react to his needs in the same way he did, and continues to do so, for me.
"At the time people didn't want to travel. They were afraid to," said Nikki Rosenthal whose father owns the American Kennel store on Lexington Avenue in New York. Pomo, WOOF Patrol's mascot was purchased there after my excuses for not having a dog seemed less important. Between the years 2001-2006, shifting priorities not just for me and for others unveiled the realization that waiting for the 'perfect moment' needed reevaluation.
Nikki Rosenthal and pup looking for parents
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In a quieter, thoughtful moment Nikki asks me, "Did you lose someone on 9/11?" "Everyone did," I said.
That act of terrorism spared no American from harm. On that day, even those of us fortunate enough not to have lost a family member, close friend, co-worker, or casual acquaintance lost something.
Dr. Sally Haddock (St. Marks Veterinary Hospital): We had dropped my mother off at Newark Airport at 6:30 that morning. She and her boyfriend were heading back to California after spending a few weeks in the Big Apple. I was scheduled to go to work at noon that day. My husband called after we had returned from the airport to alert me that an airplane had flown into the WTC. I ran up to our rooftop to visualize the disaster. As I was taking a picture of the tower in flames, the tower started to collapse. A sense of horror filled me as I realized that many people had just lost their lives. I really internalized it even though I didn't know them. You just knew there was nothing you could do. We were also worried about my mother and her boyfriend and I wondered where they were and if they were safe. Since the phone lines weren't functioning well, I went to work to do what I was capable of doing - saving pets' lives.
Dr. Haddock went to her office and within days assumed 12 hour shifts with the MASH unit dispatched by the Suffolk County SPCA around Stuyvesant High School. She, along with other veterinarians, skilled technicians and trained professionals became the Veterinary Emergency Response Team (VERT). The MASH unit was fully staffed and stocked. It was also equipped with a surgery room.
Dr. Haddock: We wanted to help. We provided whatever care was needed for the search and rescue dogs so that they could perform their job. They were there searching for human life. Regular treatment was needed for the burns on their pads from walking on the hot surfaces. Lacerations and debris that caused eye irritations were also attended to by us. We'd wash the soot off their coats and constantly evaluate their breathing and respiration.
Dr. Haddock and other 9/11 VERT team members
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Various stations were arranged to make the process efficient. Our goal was to keep them healthy so they could do their work.
During this time if one of the ATF (Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms) dogs needed assistance we were also on call. Sometimes they'd pick us up and take us to the dogs that required their annual exams. Every SAR, security and police canine was needed. Maintaining their health was of utmost concern to everyone. Blood work, heart worm tests ... anything and everything.
Numerous 9/11 images are tattooed into our memories and all strike different chords of emotions for us. That day the largest deployment of search and rescue dogs in U.S. history took place. More than 350 dogs lent their paws to both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Approximately 100 of those canines were from FEMA; the remaining included SAR dogs from around the country, NY police dogs, and security dogs as well as certified and trained volunteers and their dogs.
Dr. Haddock acknowledges the canines and their handlers as very professional. We asked about the dogs and their spirit.
Dr. Haddock and cat pretending to be a dog
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Dr. Haddock: The dogs enjoyed their work. It's what they were trained to do. Some of them might have been frustrated because there wasn't a lot to find. They wanted to perform the tasks being asked of them. Their handlers provided the necessary breaks as well as paid attention to signs of canine distress or any indication of an injury. When a dog came in to be treated for a laceration, like us, they wanted to quickly return to the pile — get back to work, provide hope and save lives. The dogs wanted to find any signs of human life. You could see their determination and willingness to step back into dangerous areas as if they knew the risks but were more interested in the rewards.
W.P.: Have you noticed an increase in pet ownership post 9/11?
Dr. Haddock: Yes. There's also been an increase in micro-chipping pets. Many shelters know to look for the microchips so if there is a disaster of some kind and you are separated from your dog or cat there's a better opportunity to be quickly reunited.
W.P.: What supplies would you recommend pet owners have on hand just in case of an emergency?
Dr. Haddock: Eye wash. It is very important, especially if there is any debris flying around in the air. Consider too, an antibiotic eye ointment to protect them if something does get in their eyes. Also, not all pets will go for it, but if you are able to get them to wear paw covers that would be great. Being able to protect their pads if they have to walk over hot surfaces is something to be aware of. Another item would be a mixture of alcohol and water in a spray bottle that can be used to cool down their paws. And, pack disposable cloths for wiping dirt or soot from their coat. Putting together a little kit in advance is the best idea.
W.P.: If your dog has a heightened sense of anxiety would you recommend an appropriate amount of Benadryl?
Dr. Haddock: Sure, as long as your pet doesn't have any underlying diseases or contraindications for using this medicine. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian first. I also advise taking a look at The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals site. It is a wonderful resource for pet disaster preparedness. ( www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_emergency)
W.P.: The plane heading to California that your mother and her boyfriend were on landed in Kansas?
Dr. Haddock: The pilot's broadcast to the passengers on that flight while landing was: "History in the making was taking place." They didn't know what was going on. On the tarmac, others around them had cell phones; they didn't. From bits and pieces of overheard conversation, they understood the World Trade Towers had collapsed. Hotels were booked in Kansas and families offered their homes and hearts to those needing a place to stay. Word soon came through to us that they were safe. Because phone service wasn't always working we didn't get to speak for to one another for several days.
W.P.: Were your own dogs, Benson (Bernese Mountain dog) and Abby (Golden Retriever), a source of comfort for you?
Dr. Haddock: Absolutely. The bond between owners and their pets has always been close. But after 9/11 it took on a new role. Now our pets are family members.
Just after 9/11 the American Kennel Club established DOGNY, a public art initiative. The result was over 100 uniquely painted sculptures being displayed throughout the five boroughs of New York City on the first anniversary of September 11th. This initiative, including sponsorship, purchase and eventual auction at Sothbey's of the artwork raised more than $3 million for the continued support of Search and Rescue (SAR) organizations nationwide.
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Lisa Peterson informed me that DOGNY continues to assist SAR teams with the aid of grants and much appreciated donations. The AKC donated manpower and over $1 million in supplies to Katrina. AKC, a nonprofit organization, recognizes that volunteers as well as government entities often struggle with needed SARs funding. They maintain an active and ongoing role to increase public awareness of all aspects of canine needs. Known for their dedication to maintaining the integrity and registry of purebred dogs and sporting and agility competitions, the AKC sets the benchmark for responsible dog ownership as well as provides scholarships for veterinary students and technicians.
Peterson: 9/11 raised awareness of SARs dogs. These dogs are also used in other situations such as criminal investigations, drug detection and finding victims of avalanches, earthquakes and floods. They can be on active duty to locate lost children, locate Alzheimer's patients that may have wandered from their homes and — as we all witnessed on September 11th — show their strength and abilities during and after an act of terrorism.
W.P.: Were you working for AKC in 2001?
Peterson: On 9/11 I was running a pet sitting business. I didn't have a television at the time but right away my phone started ringing and that's when I heard: "We're going to the city to find —," "I don't think I'll be coming home tonight can you —," and various other versions of "please take care of my pet until we can". The area where I lived was convenient for those that commuted to New York. I believe you can tell a great deal about a community by the way they treat their animals. These people cared deeply about their pets. I was able to jump into disaster mode, check on my client's dogs and apply myself wherever I could help and with whatever situation needed to be taken care of.
W.P.: Did you sense the dogs knew something was up being that their owners did not come home?
Peterson: The pets under my care were not alarmed because they were used to me and it is important to keep them to their routines. But I did notice reverse pack issues, that is, when my clients did come home they tended to really need to seek their pet's companionship.
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Special thanks and gratitude are extended to Lt. Dan Donadio of the NYPD K-9 Unit. On September 11th, Lt. Donadio supervised and was in charge of the direct deployment of Police K-9 resources at the WTC site.
"Our work in canine search and rescue is more important than ever," said Lt. Dan Donadio of the NYPD Canine Unit. "That is why we appreciate all the help and support we receive from great organizations like the American Kennel Club." (June 25, 2002 News from the Blue Room press release #PR-162-02)
PHOTO: New York City search and rescue dog Apollo with handler Peter Davis (left), takes part in a ceremony Monday, Feb. 11, 2002, at the 126th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in Madison Square Garden, honoring the dogs that worked at the World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorists attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
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