NYPD Search & Rescue K9 Unit Fundraiser Tuesday September 11, 2001 began as a beautiful, sunny fall day. By 9am, that beautiful day had changed into one of the darkest days most of us have experienced in our lifetimes and hope to never experience again. Like so many others, I was plagued by the horrific images and wanted to do something to help. I had come to learn too, just how personal the tragedy had almost become.

My brother made weekly business trips to New York City. He had a meeting scheduled for 8am on September 11, with one of his regular clients whose office was located in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. My brother had been ignoring an angry tooth in need of attention. Late in the evening of September 10, that tooth became so angry that treatment could no longer be put off. He had to cancel his scheduled meeting in order to undergo emergency dental surgery.

That toothache saved my brother’s life. Tragically, his client died in the attacks. It was an all-too jarring reality check.

Considering my brother’s close call, I started to think about what I would have done had he been there. How would he be found? I thought about the K9 Search & Rescue (SAR) teams. I knew of their training and abilities and how the dogs could smell and hear signs of life, often being the only link between life and death.

I knew then that I would do something to help the K9 SAR teams.

I surfed the Internet for information on what these teams needed. I saw a picture of a Search & Rescue dog. His paws settled upon jagged pieces of concrete, glass and sharp, cutting wires. As sore and cut as his paws were, he was focused on his job and trained to ignore all else.

As I researched further and made some calls, I was told most of these teams had never worked under conditions as serious as those encountered at Ground Zero. They were unprepared for the depth of ruin and the ever-mounting numbers of serious injuries the dogs were suffering.

Veterinarians had set up a triage to help the injured dogs. The majority of their injuries were to their paws from the cutting pieces of the crumbled towers and their lungs were affected from breathing in toxic gases and dust. I offered to go there in order to help the veterinarians, but in a city the size of New York, they had ample veterinary professionals to assist.

What they did need was protective gear for the dogs. In particular, dog boots.

I called Marianne Bertrand of Muttluks. Marianne is a former client, whose 3 Basset Hounds I’ve cared for while she was developing Muttluks – those soft, durable dog boots that keep paws safe from cutting ice, cold snow and burning salt.

Of course, they would be perfect to protect paws from shards of glass, sharp concrete debris and wire. Marianne told me I was a day too late. She had just sent over 800 pairs of Muttluks to Ground Zero. Good for her!

However, I still wanted to do something, but what?

Marianne gave me the phone number for Claudia Talarico in NYC; Coordinator for K9 SAR teams. I spoke with Claudia who held nothing back when she told me of the conditions. I was told of what we didn’t see on TV. Images that, to this day, I try not to dwell on.

Claudia told me about the Brooklyn K9 SAR unit. They had experienced particular loss. Their most seasoned dog being pulled from the team just that day due to a cancer diagnosis; other dogs suffering devastating injuries. My cause became obvious ... raise funds for the Brooklyn K9 SAR unit to purchase another dog and pay for its training.

I contacted friends, family and clients. The response was immediate and welcome! Everyone wanted to help. I went to work and told my supervisor. She immediately posted a company-wide email and within minutes, the company president pledged $500.00. I had intended to send the money immediately but each time I attempted to close my little impromptu fundraiser, more people would come forward with their donations. It was truly heartwarming.

On December 23, 2001, a cheque for $780.00 US was sent via Federal Express to the New York City Police Foundation, and given to Lt. Donadio, Brooklyn detachment and his K9 SAR unit. (See letter from NY City Police Foundation)

In February of 2002, I was watching the Westminster Dog Show on TV when lo and behold, out came a “parade of heroes”. Leading the way was Lt. Donadio with his new SAR dog, a beautiful young German Shepherd. The smile wouldn’t leave my face.

I have every reason to believe that dog has a little Canadian flag on his rump!

Again, to everyone who supported the efforts to assist the Brooklyn K9 Search & Rescue unit, my heartfelt thanks.

Special thanks to Marianne Bertrand
416-699-6922 1-888-688-8585
www.muttluks.com

January 29, 2002

Dear Ms Kimmel:

On behalf of the New York City Police Foundation, the entire New York City Police Department, its officers and their families, and all of those whose lives have been affected by September 11th, I would like to thank you for your generous contribution of $780.00 to The Heroes Fund for the K9 Unit.

The Heroes Fund was created immediately after the collapse of The World Trade Center, and will be an integral part of the rebuilding of our great city. Contributions will be applied for the purposes specified by the donor, if any, to aid the families of officers killed or injured in the relief effort and to provide emergency assistance to the NYPD.

As you know, your contribution is tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

Again, my heartfelt thanks to you for participating in this most worthwhile mission.

Sincerely,

Pamela D. Delaney
President

For some wonderful accounts and picture gallery of the canine heroes of September 11th, go to Dogs in the News

Top of page