[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 91 (Thursday, June 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E864-E865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          BRETAGNE: A K-9 HERO

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2016

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, heroes and servants of our country 
come in all shapes and sizes. Sept. 11, 2001 is one of those days that 
will live in infamy. The shameful attack of that morning, as President 
Bush noted in his address, was meant to frighten our nation. But we did 
not descend into chaos and retreat. September 12 was a day that saw our 
country united and resolved. A helping hand was extended by individuals 
and organizations from all across this nation.
   We all came together, and in doing so we won the first battle of the 
war on terror. The men responsible for that attack wanted to shake the 
foundations of America, but in the wake of the disaster we demonstrated 
the power of our country, e pluribus unum, in full glory.
   An example of that glory manifested can be found in Texas Task Force 
One, which came over 1600 miles to lend a hand in the search for 
survivors. One invaluable member of that force was Bretagne (pronounced 
Britney), a rescue dog of the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department in 
Cypress, Texas. She helped members of the rescue team search the rubble 
of the World Trade Center.
   It is important that we show tribute to all, even the four-legged 
soldiers. Sixteen year old Bretagne, a golden retriever from Cypress, 
Texas, was the last living search and rescue dog who worked at Ground 
Zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. She recently passed away at age 
16. She was a beloved member of the team, and we are grateful for her 
service to this country.
   She first became a rescue dog in 2000, at the Cy-Fair Fire 
Department. Bretagne not only aided the heroes of 9/11, but also 
located and rescued hundreds of citizens after natural disasters such 
as Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. When in Houston, Bretagne visited 
elementary schools, as a symbol to the children that courage doesn't 
just have one face.
   To the despair of the Cypress community that so loved and adored 
her, brave little Bretagne's health declined. Her years of loyal 
service and devotion to the American people began to take a toll, and 
the veterinarians were given no choice but to put her down.
   She was given the hero's salute by the fire department just the 
other day, as she made her last walk into the office. I too salute you, 
Bretagne, and all other surviving heroes of 9/11. Our nation deeply 
thanks all of you.

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   And that is just the way it is.

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