Jake 's final owner , Mary Flood , is a member of Utah Task Force 1 . Utah Task Force 1 is a federal search and rescue team trained to respond to disasters . Following his recovery from his injuries , Flood helped to train Jake to become a federal " U.S. government certified " rescue dog . 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 . Jake 's owner later commented , " ... '' against all odds he became a world-class rescue dog '' . " Jake was most noted for his work following the September 11 attacks , where he helped search for human remains at Ground Zero . Jake , like other rescue workers and dogs , was honored by New Yorkers as a hero . 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 . Jake served as a rescue dog at the World Trade Center site for 17 days . Like the humans and other rescue dogs he worked with , Jake was exposed to the physical hazards of Ground Zero , including sharp debris and suspected unhealthy air
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Jake (rescue dog)