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Sonnett- My 9/11 Rescuer

As for many people, 09/11/01 was a very dark day for me. I am a Paramedic/firefighter who was at the WTC when they collapsed. I lost two of my partners, who have now been added to a long list of my fellow first responders and friends, who have died in the line of duty.

The days following 9/11 were hard, but I was determined to be a part of making this country stronger, which included working with the Department of Homeland Security and working with several charity organizations. Among theses organizations was an animal rescue organization, which informed me that they had a dog that was considered to be unadoptable. I had previously worked with difficult dogs in the past and it was their hope that I might be able to help. The dog had been seriously abused by the former owners and had significant emotional issues. Even though I didn’t feel like I was strong enough, I just couldn’t see the dog suffer. The dog would pace and pant beyond the point of exhaustion, literally making herself sick. The first couple of months were truly challenging, trying to make the dog feel comfortable and secure again. I made a bed on the floor and would sleep there; little by little she made her way closer. She learned that she could trust again and that she could relax and feel protected. We have been together for 2 years now and she is my loyal friend, partner and companion.

The irony is, I thought I was rescuing her…the fact is, she did all the rescuing. God Bless you Mark, people like you make this world a better place.

Frank from PA