Theodore the Rescue Dog plays with Coastie.

“Coastie” the Auxiliary’s robot boat, ambassador of boating safety, paid a visit to the recent Atlantic City, NJ Boat Show. Auxiliarists from Southern New Jersey, Divisions 7 and 8, accompanied “Coastie” on this particular outing.

While at the Atlantic City Boat Show, Coastie had an opportunity to meet and play with “Theodore the Rescue Dog.” Theodore is the son of BEAR the multi decorated “American Hero” search and rescue dog. BEAR, with his “Dad,” Captain Scott Shields, Safety Officer for New York’s Harbor events, spent days at ground zero searching through the decimation, first for survivors, then for remains. Among the “too many” victims BEAR located was New York City Fire Department Chief Peter Ganci.

Coast Guard Vessels played a large part in delivering emergency personnel and equipment to and from the areas near Ground Zero. BEAR was even provided with water and food on the Coast Guard Cutter “Katherine Walker.” The “Katherine Walker” was the lead vessel in the rescue mission convoy.

BEAR subsequently died as a result of injuries resulting from the 9-11 rescues. A book has been published covering the life of BEAR. It is entitled “Bear, Heart of a Hero.” In the book there is a chapter entitled “Coast Guard to the Rescue.”

You may purchase this book via the Web at: www.herodogpublications.com. A portion of the profits from the sale of this book will go to “The Bear Search and Rescue Foundation.” This foundation helps pay for search and rescue training and veterinarian bills incurred as a result of rescue mission injuries.