Essay --

There has been much said about the relationship between humans and dogs. Some believe that dogs are a man’s best friend, while others believe that dogs are meant only to be used to perform a certain job. Even though some see dogs only as a tool, dogs have been known to help humans in times of despair and need. Whether it be a dog helping a disabled person, or searching for a human amongst a pile of rubble, dogs can be a key factor when it comes to the well being of humans. In enormous tragedies, such as September 11th, dogs were a key element in piecing back together the parts of America that the terrorists had destroyed when they administered the attacks. Dogs are able to bring unity and support in times of tragedy. While both the working dogs and firemen contributed to the restoration of 9/11, the dogs that helped in the aftermath of the attacks were needed for much more than locating trapped victims; they were needed for support, unity, and comfort as well. There are many different types of service dogs. There are dogs that work with police and firemen, there are dogs that work with the military, there are guide dogs, and there are dogs that help people with a variety of disorders. In Debra McKinney’s online article â€Å"Service dogs provide barrier against anxiety† she researches the relationship between a woman named Sara and her service dog Hannah. Sara had a severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder as well as severe depression and social anxiety. She had tried many different medications, different therapists, but her brain was still overwhelmed with constant thoughts of suicide. When it seemed like all was lost, Sara found Hannah. Hannah was a golden retriever Labrador trained specifically to help Sara with her multiple... ...ference between humans and dogs is that once a human gets over something traumatic, the dog will not leave. A dog is not going to run away only to be seen when the next tragedy strikes. A dog is one of the most loyal and loving creatures on the planet and will be available before and after tragedy strikes. The service dogs of September 11th not only did their job by finding survivors and victims of the attacks, but they were also a source of support, unity, and comfort. Not only for the firemen but the survivors as well. The urge to bond between humans and animals and the comfort and support that dogs can give to people came in handy in the aftermath of September 11th. Had it not been for the support, unity, and comfort that the working dogs of September 11th brought, the emotional toll that this already traumatic event placed on people may have been much worse.