Blind since birth, Michael Hingson relied on his guide dog Roselle to escape from the 78th floor of the North Tower during the 9/11 attacks. On that fateful morning, Hingson was at his office when the building shook violently after the plane struck. Flames and smoke filled the sky outside his window, and debris began raining down.

Despite the chaos, Roselle remained calm, helping Hingson navigate the stairwell during the grueling descent of over 1,460 steps. Along the way, they encountered frightened coworkers and burn victims. At one point, a woman struggled to breathe and doubted they would survive. Hingson and his group offered comfort, with Roselle providing affectionate licks that lifted spirits.

As panic rose near the 50th floor, Hingson’s calm leadership helped steady the group. “If Roselle and I can do this, so can you,” he told them. Firefighters ascending the stairs gave Roselle quick pets, sharing a rare moment of joy amid tragedy.

Finally, they reached the lobby but were told to stay inside due to falling debris. Finding another exit, they made it safely outside, witnessing the devastation of the Twin Towers. Hingson and Roselle’s journey is a powerful testament to courage, trust, and the extraordinary bond between a man and his guide dog.