Bretagne Corliss: A Life Well Lived

Title: Bretagne Corliss: A Life Well Lived.
Speaker: Angel Ranjel, Grand Rapids Community College, COM 131 student.
Specific Purpose: A special occasion speech of tribute, to appreciate the selfless life of service dog Bretagne (pronounced Brittany), who recently passed away.

Thesis Statement: Bretagne only lived to be 16 years old but made sure to make those short 16 years count. Devoted, heroic, and incredibly loving, Bretagne was and still is a symbol of those who serve our communities and respond to disasters. She was more than just a pet, or a best friend. She is a national hero.

Introduction
I. Attention-getter: September 11, 2001, the U.S. is paralyzed by an unsuspecting terrorist attack leaving a part of New York City in piles of ashes and rubble. But there at

Body (the number of main points will vary)
IV. Bretagne searched tirelessly alongside her handler Denise Corliss during the 9/11 aftermath risking possible injury or death.
A. She worked diligently and carefully for two weeks straight, 12 hours a day to hopefully find any survivors, sometimes taking naps between searches on street benches. But that did not keep Bretagne and Denise from continuing the search day after day. Unfortunately, there was no bodies to be found only remains of those who perished in the attacks. However, Bretagne was always ready for action and wore a smile wherever she went.
B. As the days became longer and darker many of those searching gravitated towards Bretagne’s warm smile and calm demeanor. First responders and family members of those missing would reach out to Bretagne and find comfort by petting or talking to her. She not only served as a search dog, but as a great therapy dog.

Internal Summary: Bretagne was proof that even at the darkest depths of despair and tragedy man still had a loyal friend walking at his side.

Transition: Now we will note Bretagne’s career progress beyond