Famed 9/11 Rescue Dog Trakr Dies
April 30, 2009 by Paris and John
Filed under Celebrity Dog News, Dog News
The dog world received some sad news today: Trakr, the heroic German Shepherd known for his 9/11 rescue work, died peacefully early this week of old age at his home. He was 16, according to spokeswoman Linda Press.
First serving as a K9 police and a search and rescue dog, Trakr was credited with hundreds of arrests and recovered more than one million dollars in stolen goods.
After the 9/11 attacks, Trakr and his partner, then Police Officer James Symington, were one of the first K9 search and rescue teams to arrive at Ground Zero. In addition to locating numerous victims, Trakr found the last survivor buried beneath the rubble.
For his heroic efforts, Trakr was presented with the Extraordinary Service to Humanity Award by Dr. Jane Goodall, United Nations “Messenger of Peace,” and was featured in books and magazines dedicated to 9/11 heroes including Dog World and In the Line of Duty.
About his late K-9 partner, Symington said, “I am honored to have been Trakr’s partner, best friend and lifelong companion. He possessed a rare combination of uncanny intuition, pure heart, and relentless courage and has been an inspiration to so many. He’ll live in my heart forever.”
Trakr lives on not just in memory, however; his DNA will be used to be used to clone a puppy, which Symington, now head of entertainment talent management firm Prodigy Talent Group, plans to name Prodigy.
Rest in peace, Trakr, after a job well done.
For more information:
- visit the “Trakr – Heart of a Hero” Facebook page
Top photo of Trakr and James Symington; photo by Gabriel Bouys
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so sad to hear that.. we have to thank him for his great job as 9/11 rescue worker!! … what can you say about this article – shelter makeover winner? http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-12-zootoo-shelter-clash_N.htm