Ten years have passed since one ordinary day became the day that changed the world, a nation, and so many individual lives. Every year we struggle with the desire to forget that awful day and need to never forget those who were lost to it. As they say, time heals all wounds. And while we still may shed a tear, and we still bare a scar on our chest, we carry on; as a world, as a nation, and as individuals.
It’s now the time of year when we come together to celebrate the heroes acts and the lives of all those who were lost. Around the anniversary of September 11th we hear dozens of news articles and stories about widows and children coping with life after that fateful day. Some of those articles focus on the more positive and inspirational traditions that have emerged to honor those lost, celebrating their life each year.
This got me thinking about the heroic dogs of 9/11. What became of the search and rescue dogs that spent days and nights looking for people? Our search and rescue teams could not have done it without these dogs, many of which were civilian volunteers not associated with an emergency response team. Sadly, ten years is a long time in dog years. So while children of 9/11 are becoming teenagers, the heroic dogs are becoming senior citizens. One dog was actually cloned, many continued to work up into retirement, and while some are still enjoying retirement others have passed on. The book Hero Dogs of September 11th, written by Nona Kilgore Bauer, gives a touching look into the events and aftermath of that day, sharing inspiring pictures of recovery and stories of hope while paying tribute to the ‘unsung heroes of search and rescue’.Many people celebrate the heroic and selfless acts of these dogs by carrying on the cause. Search and Rescue dogs continue to be trained across the U.S., ready at a moment’s notice to help when needed. And although more dogs are always needed for those programs, not all dogs are up for the challenge, and that’s ok too. You can celebrate and remember in your own way. Here are a few dog-friendly events going on in Southern California this weekend…
Saturday, September 10th, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cucamonga Guasti Regional Park, 800 North Archibald Ave., Ontario, Ca 909-387-7460
Admission free with park admission- $10 per vehicle and $1 per dog.
Sunday, September 11th , 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
North Beach at Del Mar (Dog Beach)
Admission Free to watch, $35 - $55 to enter competition
Sunday, September 11th , 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Pioneer park, 1000 W. Foster Blvd. Santa Maria, 805-260-3740
Admission Free. $25 registration fee
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