Roselle (guide dog)
Guide dog hero of 9/11 attacks
Roselle was a yellow Labrador Retriever who became an American hero on September 11, 2001, when she guided her handler Michael Hingson down 78 flights of stairs from the 78th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center during the terrorist attacks. Despite the chaos, smoke, and panic surrounding them, Roselle remained calm and focused, leading Hingson safely to the ground level and to safety. Hingson and Roselle were among the last people to evacuate the tower before its collapse. Roselle's story became a powerful testament to the bonds between humans and animals, and to the extraordinary abilities of service dogs under extreme duress. She was featured in Hingson's memoir and various media accounts, becoming a symbol of hope, loyalty, and heroism during one of America's darkest days. Roselle lived until 2011, spending her later years making public appearances and helping to promote service dog awareness. Her legacy inspired countless people and remains a touching reminder of unexpected heroes in times of crisis.
Notable Person
American
1998
2011
Thinking about the name
Roselle
French origin
“A French-influenced variant with doubled -ll, creating a name that sounds both delicate and distinctive. Roselle evokes botanical elegance with a hint of Parisian refinement, blending nature and sophistication. The name appeals to parents seeking something graceful and slightly unconventional.”