Center — From left, Mayor Dorinda Borer, chief of staff Rick Spreyer and assistant admin Tianna Greene show off their “Big Dog Show” sweatshirts at the show’s kickoff April 30.
Right — From left, Deputy Police Chief Joseph Romano, Officer James Lanziero, Capt. Anthony Pacileo, K-9 Officer James Tortora and Officer Maren Lancaster at “The Big Dog Show” kickoff April 30.
By Lindsay Katz
Special to the Voice
The salty breeze off the Savin Rock shoreline carried a different kind of energy April 30.
Under the deepening sky, the silhouettes of 21 towering figures stood guard over the grass — a silent, steel “pack” that had officially claimed West Haven as their own.
Dozens of people gathered for the grand arrival of “The Big Dog Show,” the nationally renowned traveling art exhibition forged by Massachusetts metal sculptor Dale Rogers.
Each of Rogers’ weathering steel American Dog sculptures stands 8 feet high, their iconic forms — a hybrid of a golden retriever’s face and a Labrador retriever’s tail — becoming an instant landmark on the boardwalk.
Against a backdrop of music by DJ Bob DePascale, including “Who Let the Dogs Out,” Mayor Dorinda Borer joined Rogers to welcome the crowd.
Borer, a longtime champion for animal welfare, framed the event as a community triumph.
“It’s a win-win-win all around,” said Borer, referencing how the art is not only fun to look at but benefits the West Haven Animal Shelter too.
“This isn’t just about public art,” the mayor said. “It’s about coming together as a community to support a cause near and dear to our hearts.”
Borer then passed the mic to Rogers, who exclaimed, “What an introduction!”
He excitedly shared the dogs’ cross-country travels, from Kentucky to Connecticut.
“It truly is a real traveling dog show,” Rogers said.
The evening was a true “who’s who” of city leadership and support.
Attendees included Councilmen Gary Donovan, D-4, and Ronald M. Quagliani, D-10, alongside police and fire officials, including Deputy Police Chief Joseph Romano and West Haven Fire Department Deputy Chief William S. Johnson IV.
The impact was felt immediately: The benefit has already raised $5,000 for the animal shelter thanks to 21 local sponsors:
Augliera Movers & Storage. Baybrook Remodelers Inc, Beth Sabo/Michele Chartier, Bruneau’s Garage, Carole Gugliemino, Chuck’s Garage, Colonna Concrete & Asphalt Paving LLC, Dubel’s Café, Duffy’s Tavern, Ed and Roberta O’Brien, John DeGrand & Son Trucking, Liz Kennard, Max and Leo Bruns, Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, Moby Dick’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Pereira & Sons Construction Inc., Ron and Tracey Quagliani, Savin Rock Printing, SIGNlite, Tim’s Auto Center LLC, Winkle Bus Co.
The all-ages crowd watched as sponsors adorned their dogs with fun decorations.
The atmosphere was electric and family friendly. With music in the air, tantalizing smells from food trucks, smiles and photos — a little overcast weather couldn’t kill the vibe.
Families wandered between the massive sculptures, while police K-9 Officer James Tortora and his police dog, Gamble, drew gasps with their precision demonstration.
Sgt. Jared Zdru and his animal control officers collected pet food, care items and toys, answering the call for supplies to keep the city’s rescues fed and cared for.
Organizer Beth Sabo, who volunteers in the mayor’s office, said the sculptures will stay on the shoreline through Tuesday, May 26, standing as 10-foot-long symbols of the community’s compassion for their four-legged friends.
The exhibit, presented by Borer, is made possible by arts funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
For those looking to support the animal shelter’s mission, Zdru and his ACOs are accepting the following donations:
Pedigree dog food, dry and wet, Milk-Bone dog treats, medium size, Purina Friskies cat food, dry and wet, Purina kitten food, dry and wet, cat litter, any brand, kitten milk replacer.
Donations can be dropped off at the shelter at 7 Collis St., and monetary contributions can be made by scanning the QR codes located on the flyers at the exhibit site or at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DKLVKFD2M4JT8.
The Big Dog Show, created by Rogers in 2009, was inspired by the artist’s desire to create public art that invokes an immediate emotional connection.
Since its debut, the show has traveled to more than 23 cities across 11 states, raising over $250,000 for animal shelters and humane societies nationwide.
My brother & I just went there this morning, 5/7, to enjoy the art show. The dogs were big & we both enjoyed viewing the dog sculptures very much. For anyone who has not seen this, the show moves to another state in about two weeks. Come down & see them. It is worth the trip!