9/11 And Katrina Search Dog Dies Of Cancer

Jake the black Labrador was abandoned on a street with a broken leg and a dislocated hip 11 years ago. The 10-month-old puppy would eventually grow up to rescue injured people from Ground Zero and disasters such as building collapses, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and avalanches.

[Jake eventually became] one of fewer than 200 U.S. government-certified rescue dogs — an animal on 24-hour call to tackle disasters such as building collapses, earthquakes, hurricanes and avalanches.

Jake’s owner, Mary Flood, put him to sleep after a painful battle with cancer on Wednesday after a final stroll through the fields in Utah, and a swim in the creek near their home. Some people attribute cancers in humans and pets who worked around Ground Zero to the debris and particles that filled the air. It’s unknown if Jake’s tumor was related to his time spent in lower Manhattan.

“He was a great morale booster wherever he went,” Flood said. “He was always ready to work, eager to play — and a master at helping himself to any unattended food items.”

Jake’s owner said Jake’s ashes would be scattered “in places that were important to him,” like his Utah training grounds and near his home where the black Lab swam and played.

Even in his death, Jake the rescue dog will continue to contribute to society. His necropsy results will be added to a veterinary a medical study on the Sept. 11 dogs conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. The report also says that scientists have yet to find significant evidence linking exposure to 9/11 dust and illnesses in pets

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All About Labradors blog sends its deepest condolences to Jake's owner, Mary Flood. Our hearts go out to you on the loss of such an incredible dog, who helped so many others along the way. RIP Jake.

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