Dogs in the News: September 2021

Posted by Billy Francis

Similar to celebrities and political figures, pups often find themselves in the news. However, unlike their two-legged counterparts, canines usually grab headlines for all the right reasons. From honoring the hero dogs who searched for survivors during 9/11 to help for hounds abandoned during Hurricane Ida, here’s a roundup of dogs in the news this month.

Remembering the Rescue Dogs of 9/11

“We’ve got each other’s backs.” Photo by Denise Corliss

Twenty years ago, the world was shocked to the core by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This September, we remember all the kind souls who stepped up to help on that tragic day and in the weeks that followed, including the four-legged heroes. The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog will be hosting “9/11 Remembered: Search & Rescue Dogs” from September 1 through January 2, 2022, to examine the history of Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs and take a closer look at the rescue and recovery efforts of September 11, 2001. The display includes sculptures, paintings and photographs that commemorate the incredible work of more than 300 SAR dogs, including Bretagne, the final canine working at Ground Zero.

Help for Dogs Displaced by Hurricane Ida

“We all deserve a second chance.” Photo by Facebook.com/pcasap

Help is at hand for hounds who need rehoming in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Shelters across the country have stepped up to help animals caught in the path of the storm to find refuge. Pasco Animal Services in Florida has taken in 20 rescue dogs from Gulfport, Mississippi, and The Humane Society of Tulsa is currently at full capacity after accepting 86 dogs and 41 cats. These are just two of the many organizations that need foster families, donations and support during this challenging time. Contact your local animal shelter to see how you can help.

Law to Provide Service Dogs to Veterans

Fido at your service. Photo by Facebook.com/FirstDefenseK9

Service dogs can be life changing for people living with disabilities. These pups not only help their owners perform a variety of daily tasks, including pulling a wheelchair and retrieving items, but can also sense anxiety and distress in those suffering with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Due to the highly specialized nature of their training, service dogs can often be too expensive for people to afford. To help alleviate this problem, President Joe Biden recently signed the Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members Act, also known as the PAWS Act, which requires The Department of Veterans Affairs to pay for service dogs for veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Over the next five years, $10 million has been promised for this worthy cause.

Dog Saved From Cave After Two Weeks

“Who rescued who?” Photo by Facebook.com/HarrisonCountyAnimalControl

If a group of cavers weren’t exploring Dewey Hickman Nature Preserve in Indiana, a skinny black and white dog may never have been discovered trapped among the rocks at the bottom of a 30-foot drop. The group of outdoor enthusiasts acted fast, repelling down the pit and lifting the pooch out of the darkness and into the warmth of the sun. They named him Dewey, after the preserve, and took him to Harrison County Animal Control for recovery. Due to Dewey’s state of emaciation, animal control officials believe he was trapped in the cave for around two weeks, only surviving thanks to an empty turtle shell at the bottom of the pit collecting water for him to drink. Since posting the article on Facebook, the dogged hound has been reunited with his family, who were ecstatic to see Dewey (actual name Hawkeye) alive again.

New Roomba Uses AI to Detect Dog Poop

"We're gonna need three of these." Photo by Facebook.com/irobot

Robot vacuum cleaners can be an effortless way to reach dog hair in hard-to-access places. Simply press the button, release it and relax, right? Unfortunately, detecting doo-doo is not a strong point for these gadgets, which can lead to a seriously messy situation. iRobot, the company behind the Roomba, recently announced the release of the j7+. This futuristic fur finder is also equipped with AI to keep it away from poop and avoid tripping over power cords.

Korea’s First Honorary Rescue Dog

A hero to his country. Photo by Yonhap News

A dog’s loyalty, love and devotion has been rewarded in South Korea, earning him the title of South Korea's first-ever honorary rescue dog. During a recent rainstorm, Baekgu the dog was taken on a walk by his 90-year-old owner. Unfortunately, she became disoriented and ended up getting lost in rice fields near her house, eventually collapsing out of sight in the long grass. The little white pooch never left her side, cuddling up to her to keep her body temperature up. After 40 long hours, a thermal drone detected Baekgu’s thermal signature in the field, and the drenched pair were rescued. After hearing about his heroics, the National Fire Agency of South Korea made Baekgu the country's first-ever honorary rescue dog.

Doberman Nurses Abandoned Kitten

“There’s room for one more!” Photo by Brittany Callan

Cats and dogs don’t always get along, which is why a recent photograph of a Doberman named Ruby with her new litter of puppies is so surprising. Take a closer look at the picture and you’ll notice Ramblin’ Rose, the cuddly kitten, loving life with her adopted canine brothers and sisters. The kitten was abandoned in Geneseo, NY, and brought home by Ruby’s owner, where she has been nursing with the six puppies ever since.

Storm the Weather Dog Interrupts Live Weather Report

“It’s raining cats and dogs!” Photo by @stormtheweatherdog

A storm rolled through the Global Toronto studio recently, when Canadian weather reporter Anthony Farnell’s beloved mini Goldendoodle interrupted his broadcast. Storm the Weather Dog regularly joins his dad for a day in the studio, usually staying on the other side of the camera. However, this isn’t the first time that Storm has been the star of the show. Back in 2012, he rose to fame with his cameo during anchor Leslie Roberts’ evening news report.

What’s your favorite news story about dogs this month? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Yonhap News.