Although we know that at some point we must depart from this earthly life, we never feel fully prepared for that moment, nor for seeing our loved ones depart. Every moment should be seized to express our love, affection, and respect. Life is just that, moments! … Moments that, minute by minute, turn into years of shared and enjoyed experiences.
Our canine friends show us a faithful example of what it means to live with love and gratitude for every moment they share with us, regardless of the concerns, moods, annoyances, angers, or joys we may have. They simply exist in the present moment, gradually becoming the path we walk.
How beautiful it is to pause, look at the footprints we leave on the journey, these footprints give rise to the legacy we will leave behind in our passage through the earth, as is the case with Bretagne, this beautiful dog who, after 16 years, took her last breath.
This noble dog has been the last surviving canine rescuer of the attacks carried out on September 11th against the World Trade Center. Bretagne, only one year old at the time, was at the so-called Ground Zero with members of the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department’s K9 Search & Rescue team from Texas.
In the days following the terrorist attack, this dog worked tirelessly with her owner and trainer, Denise Corliss. They spent days that turned into weeks combing through the mountains of rubble in search of survivors and the remains of those who had tragically lost their lives.
Bretagne knew that there was a lot of pain, uncertainty, and anguish around her, so among her tasks, she also provided encouragement and emotional relief to all her teammates in their difficult task.
Hundreds of canine friends received assistance during the operations at Ground Zero, and the effort of each of them was immense. Over time, Bretagne became one of the last survivors of that great team.
Bretagne has been an example of perseverance and dedication to always help the rescue team in the midst of disasters that have caused so much damage. Not only was she present during the terrorist attack on September 11th, 2001, but she also made her mark in the heroic rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.
In 2010, Bretagne officially retired from active service, but that didn’t mean she would be inactive, as she continued to serve the community.
From that year until just a few weeks before her death, Bretagne visited local elementary schools to support students with anxiety and those who required some form of therapy through reading practice.
On the 14th anniversary of the great tragedy of September 11th, Bretagne was taken to Ground Zero to pay tribute. She was recognized last year as the last surviving canine of September 11th.
Bretagne’s life has always been very active, full of emotions, and filled with love for those who knew her. She was always ready to help anyone in need.
Denise and Bretagne maintained a wonderful bond, a true example of giving and receiving love. Countless moments will always remain in Denise’s heart.
As her face showed the years that had passed, and given that the health of this great dog began to deteriorate and worsen rapidly and progressively, Denise faced perhaps the worst and most difficult decision of her life: to end her friend Bretagne’s suffering.
The service members gathered to pay their deserved tribute and final farewell, to a brave canine friend and colleague who will always be remembered, leaving a legacy in everyone who knew and enjoyed her existence.
The Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department wrote a statement expressing that “Some may say it’s just the life of a dog, just a pet, however, to the over 400 members of the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department, Bretagne was an officer, a hero, and a family member; we will remember her fondly and continue to serve the community with her inspiration.”
The Dodo / Today
Share this story with your friends and let’s express our solidarity with the members of the Fire Department, accompanying them in their sense of mourning over the physical departure of a great example for society.
