A guide dog named Roselle
Roselle and Michael are an inseparable duo, and for good reason. Roselle is a Labrador Retriever guide dog who saved her owner Michael Hingson’s life during the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City.
On that fateful day, Michael was working in his office in the North Tower of the World Trade Center when the first plane hit the South Tower. At that moment, Michael and Roselle began to evacuate the building along with other workers and their guide dogs.
As they descended the stairs, Michael noticed that Roselle was completely calm, despite the chaos and deafening noise around them. It was then that Michael realized that Roselle was doing what she did best: guiding him and others to safety.
During the 78 floors they descended, Roselle guided Michael and other workers through smoke, dust, and debris. When they reached the 50th floor, Roselle and Michael stopped to rest for a moment. It was then that Michael realized that Roselle was also scared, but she still continued to guide him with courage and determination.
Finally, after several hours of evacuation, Michael and Roselle reached the street and were transported to safety. Thanks to Roselle’s skill and calm, Michael survived the attacks and was able to reunite with his family.
After September 11, Michael and Roselle became symbols of hope and courage. They traveled around the world to talk about the importance of guide dogs and how these animals can save lives.
In 2011, Roselle passed away at the age of 13, but her legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew her and in public awareness of the importance of guide dogs. Michael continues to speak about his experience with Roselle, and he is an advocate for the cause of guide dogs and the importance of the work they do.
The story of Roselle and Michael is a reminder of the strength and courage of guide dogs and how these animals can make a difference in people’s lives. It is a story of bravery, love, and loyalty, and a testament to the incredible bond that can develop between a dog and its owner.
