The body of Sirius, the only search and rescue (SAR) dog killed while working at the World Trade Center after the terrorist attacks on September 11th, recently was found and handed over to the dog's former handler, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Officer David Lim.
Lim had placed Sirius in the Port Authority's basement kennel in One World Trade Center moments after the first plane collision occurred.
"You stay there. I'll be back for you," Lim told a Record reporter.
He then rushed to help people escape, and worked until he himself was caught in Two World Trade Center when the building collapsed.
Lim was rescued several hours later. He'd suffered only a mild concussion.
Sirius was not as fortunate.
When his body was found, Lim was immediately called to the scene.
"There was a flag over his bag and I carried him out with another officer," he said. "Everyone saluted. All the machinery was stopped — the same thing that is done for human police officers and firefighters."
SAR dogs that worked at both the World Trade Center and Pentagon were honored at the most recent Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The dogs were introduced one by one, and a check for $275,000 was presented to the National Association for Search and Rescue.
Sirius' remains were cremated at the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in Westchester County, NY. Lim has saved the ashes.
A memorial service that will be attended by a large number of SAR dogs and their handlers is scheduled to be held later this month.
"He was my partner," Lim said. "I still step over the spot where he used to sleep in my room because I forget he's not there."
