AVMA President Dr. René A. Carlson honors heroes – human and canine – on anniversary of 9/11 Schaumburg, IL — As the nation reeled from the worst terrorist attacks in its history, many of the emergency responders who helped in the 9/11 response efforts were working dogs. And these dogs – and the partners, trainers and veterinarians who worked with them – deserve recognition and thanks.
 AVMA President Dr. René A. Carlson (podium) honors heroes – human and canine – on anniversary of 9/11 and is joined by AVMA Director of Scientific Activities, Dr. Heather Case (left).That was a message delivered by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. "There are many unsung heroes from that awful day and those difficult times. We would be remiss if we didn't remember all of them and the sacrifices they made," said Dr. René A. Carlson, president of the AVMA, during a Finding One Another: Courage Beyond Measure recognition ceremony in Liberty State Park, Jersey City, N.J., across from Ground Zero.
Dr. Carlson was there to speak about the many search-and-rescue teams, the local veterinarians who were the first to respond amid terrible chaos, and the Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) that responded after the required request for assistance was received.
"During the 9/11 response effort, 51 members of four VMAT teams worked at the heart of Ground Zero aiding in the search-and-rescue efforts, providing more than 900 medical treatments to the 300 search-and-rescue dogs that served at the disaster site," said Dr. Carlson. "Facing repeated exposure to biological and chemical agents that penetrated the area – not to mention the tremendous emotional strain under which all the first responders worked – members of these courageous veterinary medical teams often had to be forced to end their days after 18- or 20-hour shifts."
VMATs ensure high-quality care of animals during emergencies like 9/11 and natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina. VMAT teams also provide training and other support programs to help national, state and local emergency organizations prepare for and respond to disasters.
"Serving others at whatever cost is what the local veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and VMAT teams did 10 years ago at Ground Zero. They did what they do best – they took care of the animals. And, in their own way, they took care of the dog handlers – giving them the peace of mind that came with knowing the finest emergency veterinary medical services were immediately available should their dogs get sick or injured," Dr. Carlson said. "There will always be a special place in our hearts and minds for the veterinary medical teams who have served this nation for almost 20 years – but never more courageously than at Ground Zero. You have the unwavering admiration of your colleagues in veterinary medicine, and the heartfelt appreciation of your nation. Thank you for your service to this great nation, and the nation's animals."
For more information, please visit www.avma.org.
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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 81,500 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. The year 2011 is being celebrated by veterinarians around the world as Vet2011, the 250th anniversary of the birth of veterinary medicine and education.
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