Rob and Chip

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we continue to honor and support the heroes who put their lives on the line to rescue, rebuild, and heal in the aftermath of those tragic attacks.

Many still carry lasting physical and emotional scars, but as members of our Paws of War family, we are proud to stand beside them in their continued recovery.

To mark this milestone year, we are launching a special series of 9/11 videos highlighting our incredible Paws of War members. In this first reel, you’ll see the story of Rob Weisberg, a 9/11 first responder who found healing alongside his service dog, Chip.

Watch Rob’s story to hear how a steady canine companion and the Paws of War community have helped him navigate the long-lasting toll of 9/11. Stories like his are exactly why our mission means so much.

Ron and Dixie

Twenty-five years later, the memories of 9/11 still greatly affect former EMT Chief's Aide and Paws of War Member, Ron, but he does not carry them alone. Ron and his dog, Dixie, trained with Paws of War, and their bond has become an important part of his continued healing.

When the first tower collapsed, Ron was crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on his way to respond. Despite witnessing unimaginable devastation unfold before him, he continued toward Ground Zero to help.

When the second tower collapsed, Ron and those around him were engulfed by the dust cloud. Despite the chaos, he continued working.

Ron became deeply involved in communications at the command post, working day and night. He was also tasked with locating the crew of an ambulance that had been crushed in the destruction. Thankfully, the crew was later found safe at their station.

For weeks, this became Ron’s life. He worked communications during the day and often continued searching and digging through the night. His involvement at Ground Zero continued heavily through November.

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we are honored to share the stories of the heroes within our Paws of War family. Watch Ron’s story to hear, in his own words, what he witnessed, what he still carries and how Dixie and Paws of War have become part of his continued healing.

Gerard and Titan

25 years later, the day still lives with them. Paws of War salutes their service and dedication.

For heroes like retired Police Officer Gerard, the impact of September 11th did not end when the day was over. It is something he continues to live with each and every day.

Through Paws of War, Gerard and his Service Dog Titan received training at our facility and throughout the community. We remain committed to helping the heroes who served during and after 9/11 find greater independence, comfort and hope as they continue moving forward.

We will never forget what they did that day or what they continue to carry today.

randi and archie

For heroes like retired NYPD Officer Randi, the impact of September 11th did not end when the day was over. As she reminds us, survivors continue to carry the physical and emotional effects of that day.

In the aftermath of the attacks, a photograph was taken of Randi beside an injured man she was helping. When it appeared in People magazine, his family recognized him and was able to locate him and be by his side in the hospital.

Randi’s own fight continued years later when she faced and survived two cancers within a single year. After everything she and her family endured, they adopted a Lab mix rescued during one of Paws of War’s largest stateside rescue missions.

Their new dog has brought happiness, healing and a renewed sense of hope into their lives. After surviving cancer, Randi finally feels as though she can begin again and embrace this new chapter.

Watch Randi’s story to hear why honoring the survivors of 9/11 also means continuing to stand beside them today. We will never forget what they did or what they continue to carry. 

james and nova

Twenty-five years later, Paws of War continues to serve heroes like New York Air National Guard Veteran James as he lives with the lasting effects of his work following September 11th.

James served as a combat engineer, completing four years of active duty followed by 22 years with the Westhampton Air National Guard Base. After the attacks, he contacted his commander and was called into service.

Operating out of Fort Hamilton and working 12-hour shifts, James patrolled the Ground Zero area while assisting the NYPD. His responsibilities included searching for possible explosives and additional threats. At one point, he was sent into a church to search for a suspected bomb.

The devastation James witnessed left a lasting impact on him, but he does not carry it alone.

Years later, James received Nova through Paws of War. Rescued locally, Nova has become an incredibly important part of his life. As James says, she quite literally lifts him up when he needs it most.

Through Paws of War, Nova found the loving home she deserved, and James found a companion who helps him continue moving forward. Their bond is one of the ways we remain committed to serving the heroes who responded during and after 9/11, even 25 years later.

Watch James share his story and explain what Nova has brought into his life. We will never forget what he did or what he continues to carry.

michael and lucky

Michael’s entire world changed on September 11th. As an EMT with the New York City Fire Department, he faced unimaginable devastation, including the heartbreaking responsibility of transporting human remains to the morgue. What he witnessed and carried that day has never left him.

Michael went on to become a counselor for the Fire Department, using his own experience to help others cope with the lasting effects of trauma. It was at one of those meetings that he first connected with Paws of War.

Today, Michael brings his dog to train with Paws of War several times a week. The training, the bond they are building and the community he has found have brought meaningful change to his life.

Michael has spent years helping others carry their pain. Through Paws of War, he is receiving support for what he continues to carry himself.

We will never forget what he did that day or the difference he continues to make today.

richard and kali

Twenty-five years after 9/11, the people who answered the call still will not call themselves heroes. They will tell you they were simply doing their jobs. But the courage, strength and humanity shown by people like NYPD Detective Richard Vasquez must never be forgotten.

Richard worked on the pile at Ground Zero, searching through unimaginable devastation. He and his fellow responders found some people alive and recovered others who had passed. The pile was intensely hot, and he remembers watching the working dogs suffer injuries to their paws as responders tried to protect them. He also remembers the horrendous smell, something that has stayed with him for 25 years.

A friend later told Richard about Paws of War, and he began training with his dog, Kali, through our Service Dog Training Program. Together, Richard and Kali found a community that understood what he had experienced and what he still carries today.

We are honored to help Richard in this small way. He and the other men and women who served during and after September 11th are remarkable people, and it is a privilege to know them, hear their stories and stand beside them.

An entire generation has now grown up since the devastation of 9/11. They did not witness that day unfold, which makes it even more important that we continue sharing these stories. We must remind them of what happened, who answered the call and how the effects are still being carried today.

Watch the rest of Richard’s story. We will never forget.

jennifer and zoe

Twenty-five years after 9/11, retired NYPD Officer Jennifer Curti still carries memories of that day that words cannot fully convey. Jennifer arrived at Ground Zero on the night of September 11 and spent the following weeks working long shifts amid unimaginable devastation.

She searched the pile for identification and held onto the hope that someone might still be found alive. She later helped secure the frozen zone. Of everything she witnessed, it was the smell that stayed with her most. Even today, she has a box of photographs from that time that she cannot bring herself to open. But Jennifer also remembers September 12 and the extraordinary kindness that followed. Strangers brought food, clean clothing and places for responders to rest. That outpouring of compassion gave her hope during one of our nation’s darkest moments.

Years later, Jennifer reached out to Paws of War and trained her Golden Retriever, Zoe, through our Service Dog Training Program. She describes Paws of War as a second family that understands what she continues to carry. Jennifer may never call herself a hero, but we will. We are honored to play a small part in her healing journey and privileged to stand beside this remarkable woman. Watch the rest of Jennifer and Zoe’s story.

Jose and Nala

September 12 reminds us of what followed one of our nation’s darkest days: Americans standing together with an extraordinary sense of unity, compassion and patriotism. U.S. Army Veteran Jose Colon had joined the military in 2000. On September 11, 2001, he was at the dentist’s office on post when he saw the first plane strike the World Trade Center on television. He then witnessed the second attack and watched the towers fall.

Jose remembers feeling tremendous anger and an immediate desire to defend his country. He had spent years training as a paratrooper, jumping from aircraft and preparing for combat. After 9/11, he wanted to put that training into action. Jose deployed to Iraq in 2003 and went on to serve in both Iraq and Afghanistan during an Army career that spanned approximately 20 years. His service came at a significant physical and emotional cost.

After three back surgeries, Jose is now 100 percent disabled and has also faced depression as part of his journey. Through the Paws of War Service Dog Training Program, Jose trained his dog, Nala. Their bond has become an important source of companionship and support, and Jose is deeply grateful for Nala and the Paws of War community standing beside him.

As we remember the patriotism and unity of September 12, may we continue standing together for Veterans like Jose, whose sacrifices did not end when they returned home. We are grateful to play even the smallest part in supporting Jose on his journey.