Though many men and women who participated in the search and rescue efforts at ground-zero have been hailed as heroes, there is one group that has not received the same attention, until now.
The Tufts Animal Expo 2001 was dedicated to hundreds of search and rescue dogs and partners that aided in search and rescue and security in Pennsylvania, Washington, DC and New York City following the Sept. 11 attacks.
Among those honored were ten-year old Barkley and his partner Michelle Eldridge, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) US Army Reserve (USAR) search specialist.
The Expo also recognized the Animal Medical Center and Bide-A-Wee of New York for offering support to animals affected by the Sept. 11 attacks. Veterinary behaviorist Nicholas Dodman spoke about the cases of post-traumatic stress disorder among many of these animals.
Following the ceremony, Eldridge talked about the role of search and rescue dogs in New York City. She described the intense training and selection process that culminates in a rigorous national certification in urban search and rescue. She also gave her account of the efforts she and Barkley made in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Expo organizers altered the event after the terrorist attacks to recognize animals' roles in the search and rescue efforts and to show appreciation for the people who care for these animals.
"We created Tufts Animal Expo last year to bring a sense of community among all who provide for the well-being of animals," Veterinary Medicine School Dean Philip Kosch said.
"Tufts is the only the veterinary school in the world that's done this," said Barbara Donato, assistant director of public relations at the Grafton school. "We're very proud of that."
In recognition of heroic efforts in a time of great peril, Expo organizers donated $5,000 to the K-9 unit of the Boston Police Bureau of Special Operations and another $5,000 to the Massachusetts Canine Training Fund for FEMA USAR teams.
The Expo also provided extensive educational programming and a trade exhibition. The educational programs were geared toward veterinary continuing education - an annual requirement for licensed veterinarians. Pet First Aid, CPR, small animal dentistry, and urinalysis were also among the topics discussed. All attendees of the conference were encouraged to participate in a number of hands-on workshops.
This year's event was much anticipated after the success of the 2000 Expo. And according to Kosch, bringing together experts in the animal health care community is a unique achievement in its own right. "This model is very much like human health care, where varied groups of professionals come together and evolve a comprehensive team approach in the way they care for human beings," Kosch said. "We want to extend that concept to animal health care as well."
The trade exhibition was filled with a display of pet food, medical products, grooming supplies and other esoteric goods intended for the avid pet lover. Companies like Petco, Old Mother Hubbard Pet Food, and the Iams Company were in attendance to advertise their latest products.
The event attracted more than 3,000 veterinarians, veterinary technicians, groomers, trainers, and pet food company delegates from around the world. It was held on Oct. 10-13 at the Boston Hynes Convention Center.
