9/11 rescue dog celebrates her Sweet 16

Sophia Rosenbaum, NY Post

When the Twin Towers were destroyed 14 years ago, rescue dog Bretagne was rushed to the wreckage at Ground Zero to sniff around for any signs of human life.

For two weeks, she worked grueling 12-hour shifts, aiding search efforts and comforting firefighters and police officers during her first-ever deployment as a search-and-rescue dog.

Bretagne and a friend celebrate her 16th birthday Photo NY Post

Bretagne and a friend celebrate her 16th birthday Photo NY Post

More than a decade later, the golden retriever celebrated her milestone Sweet 16 birthday. She is one of two living rescue dogs who were deployed in the Ground Zero relief efforts in 2001.

The retired pup was flown from Texas to the Big Apple with her caretaker, Denise Corliss, for a weekend of pampering.

On Aug. 21, the duo arrived in Manhattan and took a tour of their ritzy suite at 1 Hotel overlooking Central Park, one of Bretagne’s favorite spots to go for a stroll.

She got all her favorite fixings, including a “dog-friendly cake” provided by Bubba Rose Biscuit Company and District Dog, according to BarkPost, a Web site for dog lovers that sponsored her trip.

Hudson River Parks presented the hero pooch with a “Key to the City” for her bravery following the terrorist attack.

She also was featured on a billboard in Times Square and had a cobblestone at the 9/11 Museum dedicated to her and Corliss.

The whirlwind weekend ended with a special treat — as Bretagne was reunited with Texas Task Force 1, the same canine crew she was dispatched with back in 2001.

Bretagne formally retired at age 9 from search work, but still uses her skills in classrooms, helping kids with special needs.

The only other surviving pup that was involved in Ground Zero relief efforts is Morgan, a 15-year-old English springer spaniel who was stationed on Staten Island.

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