Here’s a 9/11 hero you don’t often hear about…
Omar has been blind since the age of 28. He found Salty through Guiding Eyes For The Blind. The morning of September 11th, 2001 began like any other day. Omar and Salty headed off to work at the World Trade Center to prepare for a meeting. They made it up to the 71st floor when Omar heard the first plane crash into the North Tower.
As the electricity shut down and panic set in, this was the point where Salty could have fled and escaped to save himself — but there was no way he was about to leave his owner behind. Salty ran back and forth to find Omar, alerting him to the fact they had to run to the nearest stairs. There wasn’t enough room in the packed staircase for Omar to hold tightly to Salty’s reigns, so he let go and the dog was completely free. Amidst the wind, smog, and darkness, Salty could have bolted again — but instead, he guided Omar down a whopping 71 flights of stairs. Salty saved Omar’s life before the building collapsed.
The moment at 3:32 had me in tears, when Omar says, “He was telling me, ‘I am with you. No matter what. You and I, together, and that’s no question. Don’t even ask me. Don’t send me back. I’m gonna be with you.'”
What a testament to the power of love and friendship. Please SHARE the story of this hero dog in remembrance of Salty and in honor of the heroes of 9/11.
