Dogs are amazing creatures.

At Dogtopia of Norfolk-Ghent, we don’t just say that — we truly believe it.

Our Noble Cause is to enhance the joy of pet parenthood and enable dogs to positively change our world. We live the first part of that mission every day. Our daycare doesn’t just help dogs burn energy; it helps them socialize, build confidence, and develop trust. A happy, well-rounded pup helps create a happier home, and that’s what makes pet parenthood so special.

The second half of our Noble Cause — enabling dogs to positively change our world — is something we support through the Dogtopia Foundation, which raises funds to help place service dogs with veterans. These incredible partnerships can improve lives in ways that are truly life-changing.

In celebration of International Women’s Month, we wanted to highlight a very special service dog whose courage reminds us just how extraordinary dogs can be: Roselle.

Roselle was a yellow Labrador guide dog who worked with her handler, Michael Hingson, who is blind. Together they navigated everyday life in New York City, commuting to work and moving through the busy world with the quiet teamwork that defines the bond between a guide dog and their human.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Michael and Roselle arrived at their office on the 78th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Roselle settled comfortably under Michael’s desk, just as she did every day.

Then the unimaginable happened.

When the first plane struck the tower, chaos and confusion filled the building. In that moment of crisis, Roselle did exactly what she had been trained to do — she remained calm, focused, and steady.

Through smoke, noise, and fear, Roselle guided Michael and a group of people down 78 flights of stairs — more than 1,400 steps — to safety. The descent took over an hour. While the world around them felt uncertain and frightening, Roselle stayed composed and determined, focused only on leading her handler safely out of the building.

Witnesses later shared that Roselle not only guided the group to safety but also brought a sense of calm and comfort during the long journey down.

Roselle continued working as Michael’s guide dog for six more years before retiring in 2007. She passed away in 2011, but her legacy of courage and loyalty lives on.

For her bravery, Roselle received the Dickin Medal, often called the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. She was also named American Hero Dog of the Year by the American Humane in 2011.

Her story was later shared in the book Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero, written by Michael Hingson.

Roselle’s story reminds us of the incredible strength, loyalty, and quiet bravery that dogs bring into our lives. At Dogtopia of Norfolk-Ghent, we see small examples of that courage every day — in the shy pup who learns to trust, the dog who comforts a friend, or the joyful companion who brightens someone’s life.

Dogs may not always make headlines like Roselle did, but they change our world in meaningful ways every single day.