Starting this Sunday, July 23rd, through Labor Day weekend, The Magnificent Mile will celebrate the Year of Public Art with a special fundraising initiative. Over 100 locally-designed K9s for Cops statues will be on display indoors and along the public way on Michigan Avenue.
As with the much-loved Horses of Honor of years past, the K9s for Cops public art campaign serves to memorialize Chicago’s heroic fallen officers while supporting the families of police officers killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit PAWS Chicago’s “PAWS for Life” program, which works to provide residents in underserved communities with free spay/neuter services and medical care for their pets.
The German Shephard statues will be individually designed and painted by artists working with sponsors. Each statue will be approximately 54 inches tall, locally manufactured using durable and weather-proof fiberglass, and attached to a concrete base.
Noteworthy K9s include a statue autographed by the Chicago Blackhawks (sponsored by The Flesch Family, painted by Fred Moss) at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. The Cubs Charities’ K9 (painted by Megan King) will be at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Huron Street, outside the team’s store.
For generations, police officers have used dogs as partners to assist in solving crimes and keeping communities safe. Currently, 65 canines help officers protect Chicago every day.
Visitors are encouraged to share photos of the K9s for Cops statues using #K9sforCops and #TheMagMile on social media.