Bretagne, oldest surviving rescue dog from 9/11, has passed away

Bretagne, the K9 rescue dog who was believed to be the oldest remaining rescue dog of the 9/11 attacks, has crossed the rainbow bridge.

In a statement on their Facebook page, the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department said the beloved canine became a full member of the organization in 2000 and was a certified FEMA Disaster Search Dog. She was also a founding member and part of the K9 Search and Rescue Team.

Not only did she respond to the World Trade Center with her handler, Denise Corliss, but she also took part in rescues for Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.

She retired at age 10 and helped in training other search dogs. For three years, she was a frequent visitor to classrooms at Roberts Road Elementary School.

Last year, she celebrated her birthday at 16-years-old with a weekend in New York City.

Bretagne was given a salute as she was led into the hospital and when she was brought out, an American flag was draped over her body. Rest in peace, Bretagne.