The Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park launched Patriot Paws Plaza, the nation’s first memorial honoring veteran service dogs. The kickoff spotlighted U.S. veteran Brian Piaquadio and his white German shepherd, Tsusga “Chewy,” whose bond inspired the project. A bronze of Chewy by sculptor Sutton Betti will anchor the plaza.
Organizers unveiled a personalized brick campaign to fund construction, alongside commemorative merch. Phase One centers on Chewy’s bronze and plinth, with paths, benches, and landscaping to follow as donations come in. Local leaders, veterans, families—and plenty of dogs—turned out to back the effort.
Commemorative Bricks: Leave Your Mark
Supporters can purchase personalized bricks that will be set around the memorial, with a special color used for service-dog bricks. Options include: 4×8 ($100), 8×8 ($250), and 12×12 ($500). Bricks may honor a veteran, a loved one, or a beloved pet, and proceeds directly drive each build phase.
A Revolutionary-Era Connection
For those of us telling the Washington–Rochambeau story, the memorial echoes a deep tradition: George Washington traveled and campaigned with beloved hounds, including the famous “Sweet Lips.” Period accounts describe Sweet Lips as a staghound/foxhound (later retellings call the dog an Irish wolfhound), underscoring how canines have long stood beside Americans in moments of danger, decision, and recovery.
Why it matters: Patriot Paws Plaza will be a place to reflect, say thanks, and educate the public about the life-changing work of service dogs for veterans—linking today’s four-legged partners to an American legacy that stretches back to Washington himself.
