The Mail Online has a fantastic retrospective and photo gallery of the 12 surviving search and rescue dogs of the 100 heroic canines that scoured Ground Zero seeking survivors.

Photographer Charlotte Dumas traveled all over the country to find and photograph the remaining rescue dogs for a portrait collection called ‘Retrieved,’ and relates a bittersweet story about speaking with the owner of Bretagne, pictured above:

‘It was moving talking to Denise Corliss, who is the handler and owner of Bretagne, one of the Golden Retrievers.

‘She told me a touching story of one fireman who was there in the rubble, and how taken he was with Bretagne who comforted him as he sat down to catch his breath.

‘Years later at a Remembrance Ceremony, the same fireman recognised Bretagne and her handler and they had a touching reunion.

‘It developed that even though the dogs couldn’t find people still alive, they could provide comfort for the brave firemen and rescue workers of the emergency services.’

The article also includes some photographs from 10 years ago, including this photo of Bretagne and Denise taking a break:

The World Trade Center’s Heroic Rescue Dogs is an article from a week after the 9/11 attack that carries the reader back, and includes many amazing photos. One of the most dramatic was this incredible shot (click for larger view):

PHOTO CREDIT

Such brave heroes.