Howard Flynn oral history interview conducted by Julie Broihier, June 9, 2010

About

At the time of 9/11, Howard, an equine veterinarian, was the president of the Long Island Veterinary Medical Association, with expertise in caring for animals in disaster situations. He organized veterinarians from Long Island to go to Ground Zero. Howard went to the site on 9/13, his truck loaded with supplies, a portable X-ray machine, and an ultrasound machine. The veterinarians from his Association worked twelve-hour shifts, four per shift for eight to ten weeks. They worked out of the SPCA spay and neuter truck and tents that were set up near the perimeter of the site. Search and rescue dogs and cadaver dogs were brought in. The dogs worked for three to four hours on the pile, and then were brought to the veterinarians to be examined and treated for cuts, as well as given IV fluids. Then the dogs would work another four-hour shift. The handlers and their dogs came from all over, such as Michigan, Ontario, Ohio, even from France. They arrived in NYC within the first few days. They came prepared, lived in their cars, and brought their own food and supplies. People from all over the country sent things, such as knitted booties to protect the dogs' paws, dog food and other supplies. The air was full of dust and soot, and it was a few days before they got respirators. Howard's persistent cough may have resulted from that exposure. Howard faced the challenge of scheduling and coordinating the veterinarians, who had their own practices, as well as dealing with interference…

Archive

Library of Congress, in Library of Congress

Licence or status

Rights statement at the Library of Congress, as the Library of Congress states it.

Credit

Library of Congress

Language

English

Country

United States

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