On September 11, 2001, Michael Hinkson and his guide dog Roselle were on the 78th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
Michael, who was born blind, managed the Quantum Mid-Atlantic office, overseeing sales and operations.
Roselle, a Labrador retriever who had been with Michael for less than two years, was his fifth guide dog and, in his eyes, the best.
That morning, as Roselle lay napping under Michael’s desk, the peaceful start to their day was shattered when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the building.
The loud explosion reverberated throughout the 78th floor, causing the building to tilt. Amid the chaos, Michael’s colleague, David Frank, began to panic.
But Michael, noticing that Roselle remained calm and wagged her tail, reassured himself that they were not in immediate danger. He knew that staying composed was essential.
Michael and David quickly decided to escort their guests to the stairwell and check for any stragglers before beginning the daunting descent down 1,463 steps to safety.
Michael’s familiarity with the building played a critical role that day. Having worked at the World Trade Center for some time, he had taken the time to learn all the safe routes and surroundings in case of an emergency. This preparation and his confident mindset guided him through the terrifying ordeal.
The air in the stairwell reeked of kerosene, and everyone moved in silence, staying to the right and focusing on the descent. Michael remained focused, giving Roselle clear commands while ensuring she stayed in good spirits.
His calm demeanor and control over the situation inspired others around him, boosting their confidence as they went down.
Thanks to Roselle’s steady guidance, Michael, David, and their five guests safely reached the ground.
Roselle then led Michael to safety inside a nearby subway station. Throughout the entire ordeal, Michael never let go of her leash, and Roselle never wavered in her duty.
After returning home that day, Roselle reverted to her playful self, eager to engage with her favorite toy and her senior canine friend, Loony.
Roselle was a remarkably easy-going dog who lived until the age of fourteen. She eventually passed away due to a disease called immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.
Today, Michael is accompanied by his eighth guide dog, a black Labrador named Alamo. Although he is grateful for Alamo’s companionship, Michael will never forget the loyalty and bravery of his best friend and guide, Roselle.
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