The sculptures, of Labrador retrievers, honor the guide dogs that are partnered with disabled humans.

ST. PETERSBURG – Seven sculptures honoring guide dogs will be unveiled this afternoon (March 8) at Sundial.

The seven are the first of 50 sculptures of Labrador retrievers in the 2017 Southeastern Guide Dogs Superheroes on Parade campaign. The nearly life-sized statues will be on display throughout the St. Petersburg and Tampa area.

Last year, Sarasota and Bradenton enjoyed seeing more than 100 creatively decorated, caped Labrador retriever dog sculptures designed and manufactured by artist Scott Moore, sponsored by local businesses, and painted by area artists. The dogs were spread out at venues all around the Sarasota area. This year, the parade moves to St. Petersburg and Tampa with an equally exciting array of larger-than-life dogs that represent the superheroes of Southeastern Guide Dogs.

The first dog to be unleashed today is “Saint Pete,” sponsored by the city of St. Petersburg and painted by artist Geff Strik. Mayor Rick Kriseman will reveal “Saint Pete” and CEO Titus Herman and Southeastern Guide Dogs graduate Marine Cpl. (Ret.) Michael Jernigan, who was blinded in Iraq, will provide brief remarks.

Southeastern Guide Dogs transforms lives by creating and nurturing extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. Employing the latest in canine development and behavior research, the national organization trains guide dogs, service dogs and companion dogs for people living with significant challenges including those with visual impairments and veterans with disabilities.

All of Southeastern Guide Dogs’ services – which include selective breeding and expert dog training; comprehensive on-campus student instruction; and lifetime graduate follow-up – are provided at no cost to the recipients. The charity relies 100% on private donations and receives no government funding. Southeastern Guide Dogs has the distinction of being dually accredited by the two premier, global accreditation bodies: the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.

What: The unveiling of the first seven superhero dogs in the 2017 Southeastern Guide Dogs Superheroes on Parade campaign.
When and where: 5:30 p.m. today (March 8) at Sundial, 153 Second Ave. N.

For information about Southeastern Guide Dogs, go to GuideDogs.org.

Photo courtesy of Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Guide Dogs | Labrador Retrievers | Southeastern Guide Dogs | TB Reporter

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