"Unsung Hero" -- HKC's DogNY Statue

Following the tragedies of 9/11, the AKC established The American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery Corporation Canine Support and Relief Fund to commemorate the tireless heroism of the many Search and Rescue teams.  The AKC/CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund is a charitable fund to support professional and volunteer canine search and rescue organizations throughout the United States.

One of the first aspects of the AKC/CAR project was DOGNY^sm, America's Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs, a hugely successful public art initiative.  The symbol for the Tribute is the DOGNY^sm dog -- a German Shepherd Dog sculpted by artist Robert Braun and cast at the Meisner Gallery.  More than 100 uniquely adorned dog sculptures were created and placed around New York City from August to November, 2002.  More about this project can be found at the AKC DogNY^sm pages.

To view a sampling of other "treatments" of how some of the many other statues were decorated and otherwise adorned, click here. 

HKC's support of the DOGNY project through the purchase of "Hero" is an expansion on its commitment to support the work of Dog-Assisted Search and Rescue.  HKC has provided grants to PA Task Force 1 -- K-9 Urban Search and Rescue, (which has also been the recipient of funds through the DogNY project) and has supported continued efforts at canine-assisted services. 

"Hero" was painted by artist Trystan Bates, a young painter from New York City.  [He is the curator of Fellissimo Design House, New York City.]  One of the features shows the dog being hugged by a person.  During the 2002 exhibition in New York City, Hero was "stationed" at the Robert Moses Park, next to the United Nations (1st Avenue at East 41st and East 42nd Streets).  Hero is exhibited locally at some HKC Shows and Events, and occasionally at other times and locations.

HKC's purchase of "Hero" underscores its support of all the those working in the rescue & relief efforts of the 9 - 11 disaster, both human & canine, and to show our support for the victims and their loved ones.

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01.28.07