Mighty Line Minute: U.S. National Service Animals Memorial Project With Susan Bahary

Mighty Line Minute with Dave Tabar - Talking Safety, EHS, OSHA, NFPA

Today, we have renowned animal sculptor Susan Bahary. Susan is celebrated for her incredible bronze sculptures that pay tribute to the deep connection between humans and animals.

My first encounter with Susan was during a memorable event at the MetroParks of Cleveland. It was a beautiful November day in 2005, Veterans Day to be exact. We were there for the unveiling of the Smoky Memorial, a bronze sculpture created by Susan in honor of Bill Wynne and his famous war dog, Smoky. This moment was not only significant for Bill and his family but also left a lasting impression on everyone present.

Susan has always had a profound love for animals, a passion that has driven her career. Growing up with dogs, she began showing and breeding Afghan hounds as a teenager, developing a deep appreciation for the human-animal bond. This connection ultimately inspired her to focus her artistic talents on creating sculptures that celebrate this unique relationship.

Her journey into the art world began at an early age. Susan recalls her first sculpture in sixth grade, an animal that earned her the only encouragement she received from her teacher. This moment ignited her passion for sculpting, leading to her first official bronze piece of a famous Afghan hound at just 18 years old. Despite trying other career paths, her love for art and animals eventually drew her back to sculpting in 1989.

Susan's work is characterized by her dedication to capturing the essence of the human-animal bond. Among her notable pieces is "Always Faithful," a life-sized bronze Doberman Pinscher unveiled at the Pentagon. This sculpture pays tribute to 25 Marine dogs who served during World War II, highlighting their bravery and sacrifice. Another significant piece, "Faithful Partner," depicts a German Shepherd police dog and was commissioned by the UC Davis Veterinary School. A second casting of this sculpture appeared in the MGM Warner Brothers’ war dog movie, Max.

One of Susan's recent works includes "Sully," a life-size bronze of the service dog trained by America’s Vet Dogs for President George H. W. Bush. This sculpture is displayed at the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library in Texas. Another notable piece is "Soaring Spirit," a bronze horse unveiled in 2017 in Queensland, Australia, honoring the service and sacrifice of Australian war animals.

Susan's sculptures evoke powerful emotions in those who see them, often bringing tears to the eyes of viewers. Her ability to capture the spirit and significance of these animals in her art has touched many lives.

Currently, Susan is working on the National Service Animals War Memorial, a project that has received unanimous approval from Congress. This memorial will honor all animals that have served alongside humans since the founding of the United States. It will include a wide range of service animals, from war dogs to therapy animals, recognizing their contributions to our safety and well-being.

The next steps for the memorial include site selection and finalizing the design. Susan invites everyone to support this project by visiting the National Service Animals Memorial website, where you can volunteer or donate to help bring this important tribute to life Thank you, Susan Bahary, for your incredible contributions and for sharing your story with us today.

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