Hundreds Of Dog Statues Will Soon Line Magnificent Mile To Honor Fallen Police

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jan 24, 2017 9:02PM

Chicago Police Department

Starting this summer, Chicago will get its latest parade of animal-related public art. Some 200 dog statues will be on display downtown, primarily along Michigan Avenue, as part of a collaboration between the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and PAWS Chicago.

Dubbed K-9s for Cops, the initiative aims to honor police officers who died or were injured in the line of duty.

Chicago businesses have the option to commission an artist, who will then paint one of the 54-inch-tall fiberglass German Shepherds. Proceeds—and those generated from statues' eventual auction—benefit PAWS Chicago, specifically the shelter's efforts to provide free spay or neuter services and medical pet care to low-income residents. Updated Jan. 25: businesses around the city will be able to sign up to commission a dog statue to be placed outside their store, not just on Magnificent Mile, according to John C. Chikow, president and CEO of the Magnificent Mile Association.

Never let it be said that the city didn't learn the public-relations/tourism lesson offered by the old Cows on Parade and its mega-success.