Last Known 9/11 Search-and-Rescue Dog Dies

Bretagne, the last living 9/11 search-and-rescue dog, died on Monday at the age of 16.

The golden retriever was euthanized in a veterinary clinic in the Houston suburb of Cypress, according to Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, CBS News reports.

The canine worked with Texas Task Force 1 and handler Denise Corliss to search for victims following the terrorist attack that brought down the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. He was 2 years old at the time and spent 10 days searching the rubble for human remains.

In recent years, Bretagne had been working as a service dog, helping elementary students with special needs. Last September, he was treated to a birthday celebration that included a suite at 1 Hotel Central Park in New York City and a Tiffany & Co. sterling-silver bone.