On that tragic September 11th, 2001, as chaos erupted at the World Trade Center, an extraordinary story of loyalty and heroism unfolded.
Michael Hingson, blind since birth, was at work on the 78th floor of Tower One when a hijacked plane crashed into the building, just 18 floors above him.
But Michael wasn’t alone; by his side was Roselle, his steadfast Labrador Retriever guide dog.
As alarms blared and the tower began its agonizing descent into pandemonium, Roselle, calm and unwavering, guided Michael through a harrowing 78-flight journey down emergency stairs.
Navigating through smoke, debris, and panicked crowds, she led him to the lobby and then out onto the sidewalk.
Just moments later, Tower Two collapsed, a sound Michael described as a “metal and concrete waterfall.”
Without hesitation, Roselle continued to lead him, through the ash and debris, to the relative safety of a subway entrance, and then an incredible 40 blocks to a friend’s apartment.
In the weeks that followed, Michael and Roselle became symbols of hope amidst the tragedy, sharing their incredible story on national television and reminding the world of the profound bond between humans and their guide dogs.
Roselle’s bravery was recognized with the prestigious Award for Canine Excellence (ACE) in 2002.
She passed away in 2011, at the age of 14, but her legacy of courage, devotion, and unwavering partnership continues to inspire.
Michael, now an advocate for Guide Dogs for the Blind, has penned several books about his remarkable companion, ensuring that Roselle’s heroism will never be forgotten.
Roselle will never be forgotten! Thank you Michael Hingson for speaking out for her in books and interviews. Dogs are hero’s and they think of their owner before themselves. It was amazing that she even took you to a safe place after she got you out of the building. She has a GPS sense of direction. I had a Shih Tzu Service Dog after a Crainiotonomy and stroke. His name was Mozart. We were side by side for 14 years. He was my best friend and loving companion. We never separated in that time. It was hard for me to hear mean comments from people about my loving companion in restaurants and church. They didn’t know how faithful and dependable he was to me and how much I really needed him. Mozart helped others as well. I have many stories I could tell of the love he shared and the help he gave others. I was so proud of my boy! I have a little girl Shih Tzu now named, Layla. She is 3 and we are just making stories and building our life together.