Who Let The Dogs Out?

Chicago has let the dogs out hailing its fallen cops with more than 100 fiberglass German Shepherd police dog statues. The 4 ½-foot-tall hand-painted dogs are standing guard on the famed Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue) and vicinity as part of the K-9s for Cops public art installation.

Launched by the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and PAWS Chicago, the campaign memorializes fallen cops in an effort to raise funds for their families as well as to provide free spray/neuter services through PAWS for residents in underserved communities.

dogs

Every statue is painted by Chicago artists and is funded by a local sponsor who paid $2,000 to commission the artwork. Once the public display campaign ends, the sculptures will be auctioned off on eBay with the goal of raising $250,000 in proceeds. Seventy percent of the proceeds will go to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and 30 percent to PAWS Chicago.

dogs out hailing fallen cops

These days, it has been a difficult time for our men in blue around the country. Chicago represents one of many cities working towards honoring their ‘own’ and assisting the families of those wounded or killed in the line of duty.

Art as Activism

dogs out hailing fallen cops

Public art installations like the Chicago Dog Sculpures have become a common way to raise awareness and funds for causes.

This past summer La Mer and Project Zero teamed up to bring together 50 of the world’s most influential artists and culture-makers to create their own wave-inspired, charitable works of art benefiting Ocean Protection efforts. The La Mer Wave Walk — held from May 20th to June 21st — featured their sculptures on display in New York City and surrounding boroughs. The artworks were then auctioned off at Sotheby’s with all net proceeds going to ocean protection efforts. — Abbe is Socially Sparked™ Tweet @sosparkednews & @asparks01