'Warrior Dogs' Exhibit To Open At Napa Valley Museum Yountville

YOUNTVILLE, CA — Napa Valley Museum Yountville is set to celebrate the opening this weekend of a world-premiere exhibition, "Warrior Dogs: Honoring the Service & Sacrifice of America’s Four-Legged Fighters."

The opening event is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at the museum at 55 Presidents Circle in Yountville. Following that, the exhibit opens to the public at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, and runs through Aug. 25.

The emotional, inspiring exhibition is presented in partnership with the Tug McGraw Foundation and takes a deep dive into the heroic partnership between military dogs, their trainers and handlers and veterinarians, and other soldiers with whom they serve.

The exhibition includes 17 life-size wooden sculptures by acclaimed artist James Mellick from his "Wounded Warrior Dog" project. On display are Cairo, who deployed to Afghanistan with the U.S. Navy SEAL Team, and the debut of Mellick's sculpture of Torque, the Huey Helicopter dog who represents the 4,000 canines who did not return from Vietnam after the war.

A kid-friendly "petting dog" sculpture by Mellick is also included.

Visitors of all ages will learn about the history of dogs in combat, about puppies "born to be brave," their selection, training and specialized combat gear, and the handlers and trainers who make them battle-ready.

Through rare photos and stories, guests can learn about the extraordinary bonds warrior dogs share with the Armed Forces they serve and protect.

A portion of the exhibition is dedicated to working dogs serving veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, first responders, law enforcement firefighters, and other civilian forces.

To be among the first to see this historic exhibition before it opens to the public, tickets to Saturday's opening celebration are available through Eventbrite for $25 or $20 for museum members, veterans, active military, law enforcement and first responders; which includes museum admission, wine, beverages and light bites, plus the chance to meet Torque, the Huey Helicopter Dog, whose statue will be unveiled. Admission for the ope

Starting Sunday, admission prices for the exhibit are $15 for non-member adults 18-65; $10 for seniors 65+, veterans, law enforcement and first responders; $5 for youth 6-17; and free for Yountville Veterans Home residents, active duty military and children 5 and younger. Audio tours and add-ons are available at an additional cost.

For more information go to Napavalleymuseum.org.