Post-9/11 Hero Dog Loses Cancer Fight

Rescued as a puppy, Jake searched for WTC, Katrina survivors
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 26, 2007 12:40 PM CDT
Post-9/11 Hero Dog Loses Cancer Fight
Mary Flood leashes her black Labrador retriever search and rescue dog, Jake, near the World Trade Center in New York in this Sept. 22, 2001 file photo. Jake, who helped search the rubble following the Sept. 11 attacks and later worked in Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina, died Wednesday, July...   (Associated Press)

A black Lab who gained national attention with his rescue work at the World Trade Center site and later searched for Hurricane Katrina survivors has died. Jake, who lived in Utah, was 12 years old and suffering from cancer. Abandoned as a puppy with a broken leg, Jake helped train other rescue dogs and did therapy work with burn victims.

Some owners say exposure to the WTC site made rescue dogs sick, but cancer is common in older animals, the AP reports. Jake was part of a select corps on call for emergencies across the country. "He was always ready to work, eager to play," said owner Mary Flood, "and a master at helping himself to any unattended food items." (More rescue dogs stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X