Jake was an American black Labrador who served as a search and rescue dog following the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina.

[4] There are fewer than 200 of these dogs, who are trained to respond within 24 hours to disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, wilderness, water rescue, terrorist attacks, or avalanches.

[2] Jake, wearing his search and rescue vest, was treated to a free steak dinner at an upscale Manhattan restaurant on the evening he arrived to work in New York City.

[1] Like the humans and other rescue dogs he worked with, Jake was exposed to the physical hazards of Ground Zero, including sharp debris and unhealthy air.

Jake helped other dogs to learn to track scents in difficult places and terrain, including under the snow and up trees.

[3] Cynthia Otto, who works for the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine, is currently conducting a study of the health of September 11 rescue dogs.