Disasters involving VMAT Hurricanes - Andrew and Floyd Alaska Airline Crash New Mexico Wildfires Texas Floods World Trade Center Attack

Non-disaster events involving VMAT Democratic National Convention Presidential Inauguration State of the Union Address Winter Olympics

Activation of VMAT-3 It starts with a phone call...

First Impression “It was like being on the set of a movie. It didn’t seem like it was real.”

Deployment Teams set up in three locations: –Jacob Javits Convention Center –Staten Island landfill (Freshkills) –A few blocks from ground zero Mobile capability for access to ground zero

The Dogs Wide variety of breeds and sizes Navigation of the site was incredibly difficult

Dogs had other jobs besides search and rescue Therapy dogs brought comfort to the distressed

Rest and Rewards

…anyplace is a place to sleep.

Recognition came from the highest levels.

VMATs do their part Dogs were examined before during and after their shift Administered IVs for dehydration. Treated injuries, primarily on their paws. Flushed and checked ears, nose and eyes. Everyone got a bath.

Dogs weren’t the only patients

The bond between animals and humans is strengthened by events such as these.