Page 31 - Chiron Winter 2020

National Military Working TDogs Memorial UK
his project aims to develop members of the public and tourists and maintain the first alike. It will be the only memorial of national statue monument its kind in the UK, and the first in
within the UK, which will serve
as a national reminder of the contribution military working dogs have made and continue to make to the country's security. This memorial will form an important part of the UK's cultural heritage and allow visitors to connect with the conflicts which have shaped the world today.
The memorial will constitute a central domed cenotaph with four decorative paths leading North, South, East and West, culminating in four plinths which will each support a bronze statue depicting medal winning dogs representing the branch of the military service in which each served.
Located centrally in the UK within a well established Pet Cemetery
in North Wales, it will serve as an attraction not only for military veterans and their families, but also
the world to honour the contribution and sacrifices made to national security by dogs, by naming dogs who have died in service of the country.
Acclaimed artist Andy Edwards has been commissioned to sculpt the four bronze statues. Andy of Stoke-on-Trent said: “I am beyond delighted to have been chosen by the trustees to sculpt the bronzes for the National Military Working Dogs Memorial. It is certainly an honour to be working with such dedicated people towards such a deserving cause. I hope to capture the spirit and energy of these incredible
brave animals in my sculptures and seeing them incorporated in this new national monument, which
will be seen and appreciated by so many visitors in the future. This is a unique initiative in recognising the
Theo AES – 8260 representing the Army
remarkable dogs who have served and, in numerous cases, given their lives saving, rescuing and protecting the lives of so many alongside our military personnel over the last 100 years.”
The charity still has a long way to go to achieve the £150,000 target and welcomes donations and help with fundraising.
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