Immediately following the attacks of 9/11, nearly 100 trained search dogs and their handlers—enlisted from 18 U.S. states—were deployed by FEMA to join the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center in New York and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Alongside firemen and other teams sorting through the debris, the dogs worked tirelessly around the clock to locate survivors in the rubble—images of which deeply intrigued Dutch photographer Charlotte Dumas as the events unfolded in the news media.
A decade later, discovering that only 15 of these dogs were still alive, Dumas succeeded in locating each of them, visiting and photographing the dogs at their homes throughout the U.S. Dumas has released a book, Retrieved, that is a collection of these powerful portraits. It offers an intimate view into the lives of these highly specialized working animals, now sharing the vulnerability of old age as they once pursued a common heroic goal. The portrayals are of dignified, elderly veterans now in their twilight months. For dog lovers, the simple dignity of these canines will bring tears to your eyes. For anyone, these courageous veterans deserve our regard and respect. Retrieved is available at Amazon.com and other book retailers. www.charlottedumas.nl
