Frank T. Shane is the founder of K-9 Disaster Relief after 9/11. Frank is a board certified trauma responder and Diplomat and Fellow of the Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. He is past president of the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists. Following his work on World Trade Center, Ground Zero, he published “CANINES IN CRISIS: Mitigating Traumatic Stress through Canine Crisis Intervention.”
A Trauma Responder and Canine Trauma Services Specialist, Frank is an instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. He lectures and teaches courses in Canine Disaster Relief Services, the Human-Animal- Bond and the Psychology and Behavior of Dogs.
A pioneer in the field of the utilization of canines for therapy and disaster crisis intervention, he and his canine partner Nikie were the only credentialed team to work on World Trade Center – Ground Zero for ten months. As a team they provided both mental health and crisis intervention to workers, volunteers and victim families. Through the Foundation’s “K-9 for Kids” outreach program, Frank and Nikie visited over 4,000 school children in all five boroughs of New York City.
In 2001, Governor Pataki recognized K-9 Disaster Relief, Frank and Nikie for their relentless work both on Ground Zero and the crash of American Airlines Flight 587. In the Executive Chamber, the Governor made a special presentation during which he said, “K-9 Disaster Relief, Frank Shane and Nikie have positively assisted New York City firefighters, police officers, World Trade Center victims’ families, passenger relatives and children affected by the tragic events of September 11th and Flight 587 on November 12th – – Nikie is truly proving to be a “man’s best friend.”
Nikie’s legacy will forever be protected and preserved as his service vests, boots, credentials, photos, mementoes and other artifacts are in the permanent historical collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum. Through the donation and acquisition of these items, the curators and acquisition developers hope that displaying these objects will recognize and pay tribute to all the canines that risked their lives to save others, and the canine compassionate care unconditionally given in our darkest hours.
Frank Shane was the first consultant and canine services provider to FEMA/Department of Homeland Security’s outreach program for children – “Project Recovery.” Nationally, he collaborates with government and non-government agencies and disaster relief service providers. In an interview with CBS News, Frank summed up his humanitarian work:
There’s a special spot, I believe, in everyone that an animal transports you back to a child,” He said, In a disaster where your whole world has turned upside down and your trust is wiped out, here comes a loving and trusting animal that brings you back to a time where you feel safe and secure.
After their work was completed on Ground Zero, Nikie and Frank continued in disaster relief services all over the country. Nikie passed away in 2004. His son, “Buddy,” continued his legacy until his untimely death on June 28, 2010. Now a retriever named, “Chance” continues the work. His first assignment was on December 12, 2012 at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. According to Shane, “Chance teaches me something every day!” Talking about all his past canine partners . . . and now with Chance, he said,
The Human-Animal Bond will never be broken as long as you’re a confident leader of the pack and provide unconditional love, trust and a kiss on the nose.
Frank Shane can be contacted for appearances, workshops and courses: frankshane@frankshane.com
