Beneath the Pawprints of Valor: The Legacy of War Dogs Immortalized
On May 17, 2025, the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter unveiled a powerful tribute to the often-overlooked heroes of war: military working dogs. The newly dedicated War Dog Memorial, an 18-foot-tall bronze sculpture by renowned artist A. Thomas Schomberg, stands as a testament to the unwavering bond between service members and their canine.
“We’ve experienced, a lot of different production techniques, a lot of foundries over all those years.”
A. Thomas Schomberg
A Monument to Loyalty and Sacrifice
Tom’s sculptures are renowned for their smoothness and intricate details, a testament to his dedication to perfecting his technique. The challenges of replicating such detailed work are significant, yet they underscore the uniqueness and artistry of each piece.
The Visionaries Behind the Memorial
The inspiration for the memorial originated from Ruth Gordon and her late husband, Scott, who operated Delmyra Kennels in Exeter for decades. Their deep respect for the sacrifices of war dogs fueled a dream to honor these four-legged heroes. After Scott’s passing, Ruth remained steadfast in bringing their shared vision to life, stating, “Completing this memorial feels like fulfilling a promise we made together.”
The dedication ceremony was a heartfelt event, with Schomberg and his wife, Cynthia, traveling from Colorado to attend. Their presence underscored the significance of the memorial and the collaborative effort that brought it to fruition. George Panichas, organizer and committee member, emphasized the importance of the event, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment for the community.
The Visionaries Behind the Memorial
The inspiration for the memorial originated from Ruth Gordon and her late husband, Scott, who operated Delmyra Kennels in Exeter for decades. Their deep respect for the sacrifices of war dogs fueled a dream to honor these four-legged heroes. After Scott’s passing, Ruth remained steadfast in bringing their shared vision to life, stating, “Completing this memorial feels like fulfilling a promise we made together.”
The dedication ceremony was a heartfelt event, with Schomberg and his wife, Cynthia, traveling from Colorado to attend. Their presence underscored the significance of the memorial and the collaborative effort that brought it to fruition. George Panichas, organizer and committee member, emphasized the importance of the event, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment for the community.
Crafting the Memorial: A Collaborative Effort
Crafting the Memorial: A Collaborative Effort
The creation of the War Dog Memorial was a collaborative endeavor between Schomberg and the American Fine Arts Foundry in California, led by CEO Brett Barney. Schomberg praised the foundry’s exceptional craftsmanship, describing it as “the finest foundry he has ever worked with.” Barney’s leadership and the foundry’s dedication were instrumental in bringing the sculpture to life, ensuring that every detail—from the lifelike textures of the dog’s fur to the solemn expression of the Marine—was meticulously crafted. X (formerly Twitter)+3afafoundry.com+3LinkedIn+3LinkedIn
A Community’s Tribute
The War Dog Memorial stands not only as a tribute to the bravery of military canines but also as a symbol of the community’s respect and gratitude. Kasim Yarn, Director of Veterans Services, eloquently stated, “This memorial stands not only as a tribute to their bravery but as a reminder that heroism comes on four legs as surely as it does on two.”
The memorial serves as a place of reflection and remembrance, honoring the silent courage and unwavering loyalty of war dogs who have stood beside America’s heroes in the fiercest of battles.
References
AFA Foundry. (n.d.). A. Thomas Schomberg: Honoring Canine Heroes with War Dog Memorial Sculptures. Retrieved from https://afafoundry.com/a-thomas-schomberg-honoring-canine-heroes-with-war-dog-memorial-sculptures/afafoundry.com
Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services. (2025, May 17). War Dog Memorial Honors Military Canines at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Retrieved from https://vets.ri.gov/press-releases/war-dog-memorial-honors-military-canines-rhode-island-veterans-memorial-cemetery
BabyBoomer.org. (2025, May 15). Honoring War Dogs – Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery. Retrieved from https://babyboomer.org/shows/oscar-mike-radio/honoring-war-dogs-rhode-island-veterans-cemetary/
