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crying." The woman's husband, who worked in the World Trade Center, had once surprised the family with a Merle Collie, which is bluish gray and looks very much like a Keeshound. "He loved dogs," she said, asking the name of Ehler's dog. When Ehller's told her it was Tekva, she gasped, "That means hope. I'm Jewish, and Tekva is Hebrew for hope." Ehlers said that the woman was convinced that Tekva had traveled all the way from Oregon to help her deal with the tragedy and bring her hope that she would be able to come to terms with what happened. Down at ground zero, where dust swirls, generators drone and the clang of metal against concrete rings in the air, the mood is somber and the work is painstaking and grueling. Hundreds of workers take breaks at Red Cross respite centers, where they can sit down with a cup of fresh coffee or a plate of hot food, relax in front of a television or get first aid from a Red Cross nurse. On Monday, at the St. Johns University respite center, they got to visit with Tekva and Kate. "What kind of dog is that?" said one firefighter, reaching down to pet Tekva, a short, gray and black furry ball of a dog. "I have two labs at home," said another, stroking Kate's golden head. "The dogs have been providing a lot of emotional support, especially in the days right after the attack," said Ehlers. "It's so hard for those guys down at the perimeter. It's their job to rescue, and the whole world is watching, but they haven't been able to do it. Every time they can't rescue someone, they grieve, and now they're just feeling helpless." The workers struggle to detach themselves emotionally to do their jobs, but the dogs help them get in touch again. The dogs remind them of home, of family, and of happier times. "Over and over again I've heard the men say, 'that dog made my day,'" Ehlers said. "They pet Tekva and say how soft she is when all they've felt is iron or cement." The firefighters usually ask to feed the dogs, and Ehlers always agrees, understanding their need to help. "They're always asking me, 'Can I feed her or give her some water? Does she need anything?'" Ehlers said. "I let them feed her awful things -- hamburgers, fries, cookies -- because it allows the workers to feel helpful again, at least for a moment." Even at the end of the day, after Tekva and Kate have been walking throughout Lower Manhattan to bring people comfort and hope, the dogs don't stop working. "When we get back to our hotel, I sometimes have to go through emotional detox," said Kate's handler, Pat Dickinson. "While Cindy is in the shower, I'll just sit on my bed and cry a bit. Before you know it, Kate is at my side licking my hand and Tekva has jumped into my lap. You just can't help but smile." |