On Saturday, September 18, BDOG was invited to attend and speak at the Third Annual Search and Rescue and Service Dog Day at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in NYC. This annual event, sponsored by the Bear Search and Rescue Foundation, honors all K9s and their trainers who provide therapy, assistance, detection and rescue services to humans. Over 50 organizations, such as U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Therapy Dog International and Guilding Eyes for the Blind, participated in the day-long event. The event included a moving Service Awards to Humanities Ceremony presented by Capt. Scott Shields and a powerful keynote speech by Dr. Jane Goodall who spoke on the life-affirming bond between animals and humans.

BDOG President, Patricia Barry, and Dr. Marilynn Glasser from the Town of Bedford were on hand to announce that Bedford will be building the U.S. Forest Service Living Memorial to honor Bear and the Working Dogs of 9/11.

Throughout the event, BDOG met individuals and units who had volunteered their time at Ground Zero and were touched by the planned tribute. Of special interest to many was the K9 Training Center being built at the Park, which will be this region's first K9 Training Facility. Many felt moved that our Tribute Park honored their past efforts by providing a regional resource where they could continue to train in the future.

Thank you to Capt. Scott Shields for including us in your wonderful event and for giving us the opportunity to meet with K9 Search and Rescue Teams who we will be honoring at the Bedford Canine Tribute Park.