Roselle the Guide Dog Who Led Blind Owner from the 78th Floor on 9/11
How calm courage and canine training helped Michael Hingson survive the worst day in New York
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| Image Credit: Pxhere |
On that clear morning in September 2001, Michael Hingson was on the 78th floor of the North Tower at the World Trade Center. Blind since birth, he had just started his workday when a deafening boom shook the building. His guide dog Roselle, a calm yellow Labrador, leapt into action. She navigated through smoke and chaos, guiding him toward safety.
Roselle led Michael and around 30 others down 1,463 stairs. They passed first responders heading up as Roselle kept a steady pace and unwavering focus. An entire hour later, they reached the street. Moments after exiting, the second tower collapsed behind them, showering the streets with dust and debris.
But Roselle’s job wasn’t done. She guided Michael through the chaos, dodging crowds and smoke thick as a blanket, all the way to a nearby subway station where they helped another survivor who had been temporarily blinded by falling rubble. Eventually, they reached a friend’s home about 40 blocks from ground zero.
In the days that followed, Roselle and Michael became symbols of hope. Their story spread through news interviews and national attention. Roselle received the prestigious Dickin Medal along with fellow guide dog Salty and was later named American Hero Dog of the Year in 2011.
Michael captured their journey in his bestselling memoir Thunder Dog, a tribute to the unshakable bond between human and canine. Roselle passed away in June 2011, but her legacy continues to inspire. Today, her story is a powerful reminder of how training, trust and quiet courage can shine even in the darkest moments.
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