Warrior Dogs - a must see exhibit
Honoring the Service & Sacrifice of America’s 4-Legged Warriors
Hello Friends!
As subscribers to The Leash, I know you’re all dog-lovers so I can say with certainty that you won’t want to miss the “Warrior Dogs” exhibit at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville, California. It’s presented in partnership with the Tug McGraw Foundation and has been extended until January 5, 2025. It is hands-down, a must see.
Since TL is relatively new I have the privilege of recognizing many email addresses as belonging to friends, family, clients and neighbors — giving me confidence in writing about a current, cultural event that will soon expire vs. a broader topic that everyone, no matter where they reside, can dig into.
The Warrior Dogs exhibit is beautifully curated, powerful and emotional. It not only honors the service and sacrifice of America’s four-legged warriors, but that of their human handlers, trainers, and veterinarians. These are stories worth telling to the world — keeping memories alive that may otherwise be forgotten.
I’m purposely not sharing photographs of the exhibit as I’d rather you experience it with the freshness of being there and be captivated by its impact. There’s nothing quite like seeing something for the first time.
What to Anticipate
Trigger Warning: As you delve into this month’s issue or visit the exhibit, be mindful that the content may be sensitive for those with a personal connection to military service or traumatic events.
You’ll be wowed with the enormous, wall-sized photograph that welcomes you into the exhibit. It’s not only striking, it sets the tone for the exhibit.
You’ll discover several small, intimate displays that showcase specific elements of the work military dogs engage in — including tactical gear specific to the task at hand, photos, videos, stories and in some instances life-size cutouts of the breeds used and the traits that make them suitable for the work.
There is a gorgeous bronze monument of a Belgian Malinois wearing its full deployment gear by Master Sculptor Lena Toritch (I’m a huge fan of her work) proudly displayed in front of the American flag. She’s carved out quite a niche for herself by creating monuments for the K9 Special Operations Forces within the various branches of the U.S. military.
James Mellick, recognized as a Master Ohio Craftsman, has loaned 17 of his wooden sculptures from his collection “Wounded Warrior Dogs” to the exhibit along with the stories and inspiration behind each sculpture.
You’ll learn about the history of military dogs from their first use in the US during the Seminole War of 1835 to their role modern day warfare as well at what the cost is to get a military canine ready for active duty.
The Warrior Dogs exhibit even discusses something near and dear to my heart: service dogs, emotional support dogs and therapy dogs. You’ll also discover our local-serving working canines and their handlers tucked into this exhibit so keep your eyes peeled — you’re bound to recognize a dog-handler team in those photos.
NV Museum Location and Hours
Napa Valley Museum (at the Yountville Veterans Home)
55 Presidents Circle, PO Box 3567
Yountville, CA 94599
707.944.0500
Wednesday – Sunday
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Monday - Tuesday
Be sure to visit their website for admission fees.
Source Notes:
https://jamesmellick.com | https://lenatoritch.com | https://www.tugmcgraw.org
