MEDIA ALERT
SULLY H.W. BUSH STATUE UNVEILING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
BEGINNING AT 11 a.m.
America’s VetDogs – Administration Building
371 East Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
SULLY H.W. BUSH STATUE UNVEILING EVENT AT AMERICA’S VETDOGS ON NOVEMBER 10, 2020
Life-Size Bronze of George H.W. Bush’s Service Dog, Sully, Makes Its Debut in Smithtown, New York
WHAT: In recognition of Veterans Day, America’s VetDogs commissioned renowned sculptor Susan Bahary to create a life-size bronze of President George H.W. Bush’s former service dog, Sully, to stand proudly at the VetDogs campus in Smithtown, New York. The monument will be unveiled on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 11 a.m. during an outside, private event.
The life-size Sully bronze will feature Sully in a sitting positon holding his leash in his mouth, which depicts ‘Retrieve’ – a task America’s VetDogs trains its service dogs to perform for their handlers. Both Bahary and VetDogs sought to highlight Sully’s work as a highly trained service dog while also showcasing his devotion and joy in serving the president. The piece shows Sully wearing his official America’s VetDogs service dog vest, which includes the Great Seal of the United States on the back.
Special guests expected include Sully H.W. Bush, President George H.W. Bush’s service dog; artist Susan Bahary; Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Senator Monica Martinez, Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick; and America’s VetDogs President & CEO John Miller.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 10, 2020 beginning at 11 a.m.
Media Call: 10:45 a.m.
WHO: Visuals of Sully H.W. Bush with the Sully bronze statue
Interviews available with artist Susan Bahary and America’s VetDogs President & CEO John Miller
WHERE: America’s VetDogs – Administration Building
371 East Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Storck,
Allison@VetDogs.org, 631-334-2615
About America’s VetDogs
Since 2003, America’s VetDogs (www.VetDogs.org) has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to veterans with disabilities from all eras. In 2015, VetDogs opened its programs to first responders, including fire, police, and emergency medical personnel. America’s VetDogs is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation and serves clients from across the United States. VetDogs relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to help those who have served our country live with dignity and independence. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but America’s VetDogs provides its services completely free of charge to the individual. America’s VetDogs has been accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.
About Susan Bahary
Susan Bahary is a renowned sculptor dedicated to honoring Military War Dogs, K9s, and all service animals and their handlers through her work. In 1994, she created our country’s first official war dog monument, Always Faithful, commemorating the 25 dogs who died in the taking of Guam during World War II, which was unveiled at the Pentagon. Celebrating the service of human’s best friend, her monuments are located in prominent museums, universities, and military bases in the U.S. and abroad. Prior to Sully, her most recent piece is Sgt. Stubby, a life-size bronze of the Boston terrier mix who served in France during World War I and is widely recognized as the U.S. Army’s first Service Dog. She lives in California.