K-9 Disaster Relief collaborated with the National September 11 Memorial Museum in October with a new museum interactive program for children, parents and caregivers ~ “Stories & Art” ~ created by Noaa Stoler, 9/11 Memorial Youth & Family Programs Coordinator. The Stories & Art program began with a video prepared by K-9 Disaster Relief featuring Nikie, his son Buddy and Chance, who started his work in Canine Disaster Relief Services on December 14, 2012 in Newtown, CT in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.
Nikie tirelessly worked on Ground Zero for ten months helping rescue/recovery workers and 9/11 families. He visited over 4,000 children in schools after 9/11. Nikie’s artifacts are on display in the 9/11 Museum.
Each child who attended Stories & Art received a special K-9 for Kids pin. One of the books chosen by the Museum was “Three World Trade Center Was Our Home” – – – a delightful story about the cat of two sisters who scampered off for a night of mischievous adventure. Thankfully, the tale had an unexpected happy ending. The father of these little girls was the General Manager of the Marriott Hotel after it was built in the 1980’s. Three World Trade Center Was Our Home has wonderful illustrations. After reading the book, Frank Shane of K-9 Disaster Relief shared a personal story about Chance, the night he decided to play “cat and mouse” in a hotel while traveling to visit children. It seems that Chance thought it would be amusing to ride the elevators for an hour while dozens of people tried to figure out which floor and door he would pop out of . . . and when discovered, scoot to the next open elevator door.
The Memorial Museum Stories & Art was a wonderful interactive program. Children were able to hold the type of boots that Nikie wore while he worked on Ground Zero. Also, the opportunity to create dog and cat sculptures. Stories & Art was a fun hour and a good way to be in the Museum.
About The National September 11 Memorial & Museum the principal memorial and museum, respectively, commemorating the September 11 attacks of 2001, which killed 2,977 people, and the World Trade Center bombing of 1993, which killed six. The Memorial Museum is located at the World Trade Center site on the former location of the Twin Towers, which were destroyed during the attacks. It is operated by a non-profit corporation, headed by Joe Daniels, with the mission to raise funds for program, own and operate the Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center site. www.911Memorial.org
About K-9 Disaster Relief a non-profit humanitarian organization to help traumatized victims of a disaster or critical incident through canine crisis intervention. Utilizing canines, this is achieved with handlers trained in Canine Disaster Relief Services. It partners with local, state and national disaster relief agencies and organizations. For more information on courses and workshops contact: info@K-9DisasterRelief.org
About Frank T. Shane a pioneer in the field of the utilization of handlers trained in Canine Disaster Relief Services. He is the founder and Executive Director of K-9 Disaster Relief, a non-profit humanitarian organization. He is a board certified trauma counselor and Diplomat and Fellow of the Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Frank Shane teaches courses in Canine Disaster Relief Services, the Human-Animal-Bond and the Psychology and Behavior of Dogs. He is available for special appearances, programs and trainings.
Contact: frankshane@K-9DisasterRelief.org
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