Bretagne Dog's Heroic Search Work and Later Years

Bretagne was a highly skilled search and rescue dog who worked tirelessly to locate missing people, often in the aftermath of natural disasters.

She was deployed to numerous search and rescue missions, including the 9/11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina.

Bretagne's incredible sense of smell and agility allowed her to navigate through debris and rubble to locate survivors.

At the age of 13, Bretagne retired from search and rescue work, but she continued to be a beloved ambassador for her breed and a cherished companion to her handler.

Bretagne was a Golden Retriever rescue dog.

She was born on August 25, 1999.

Bretagne was trained for search and rescue work at just eight weeks old.

She worked with her owner and trainer, Denise Corliss, a volunteer firefighter with the Cy-Fair Fire Department.

Bretagne searched for survivors at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks, and she was the first assignment for her and Corliss.

They worked together at the site for 10 days.

Bretagne also participated in rescue efforts after Hurricanes Rita, Katrina, and Ivan.

She was retired at the age of 9.

After her retirement, Bretagne continued her community service as a reading dog at a local elementary school.

She helped first-grade students who were shy about reading aloud by lending a friendly listening ear.

Bretagne was euthanized in Texas in 2016, at the age of 16, due to kidney failure.

Firefighters and search and rescue workers lined the sidewalk and saluted as Bretagne was carried out of the fire station for the last time.

Bretagne was given a "hero's farewell" as she was carried out of a vehicle and set on the ground for a final slow walk to the animal hospital.

Firefighters and search and rescue workers bid a tearful farewell to her body as it was carried out draped in an American flag.

Bretagne, the last known Sept. 11 search dog, lived a remarkable life. She was 16 years old when she passed away.

Bretagne's first deployment was at the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11 attacks. She was just 2 years old at the time. She worked alongside her handler, Denise Corliss, for 10 days, searching for survivors and remains.

Bretagne was a dedicated worker, but she also knew how to have fun. She loved belly rubs and treats, and her calm demeanor made her a comforting presence for the human search and rescue teams.

After Sept. 11, Bretagne went on to respond to other national disasters, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ivan. She worked tirelessly to help those in need.

Bretagne retired from active duty at age 9, but she continued to work as a goodwill ambassador and a reading assistance dog. She visited first-grade classrooms and listened to young readers, providing a non-judgmental ear and soft paw.

Bretagne's age and declining health eventually caught up with her. She was euthanized on Monday, June 6, 2016, surrounded by firefighters and search and rescue workers who lined the sidewalk to salute her.

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