DC Police Ask For Help Finding Stolen Dog Park Statue

WASHINGTON, DC — D.C. police are asking for the public's help after a 500-pound statue was stolen from the Virginia Ave Dog Park.

In a statement released Tuesday, police said the bronze dog statue called "The Scottie" was stolen on Jan. 24 from the park located in the 1000 block of L Street. Southeast. Police said the statue was taken between midnight and early afternoon.

According to the dog park's website, "The Scottie" was created by artist Will Fleishell, who also created the portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the $5 bill.

The statue was erected to honor teacher Bernadette Blum, who taught preschool in Washington, D.C. for nearly 40 years. According to the dog park's website, Blum often took her students to the FDR Memorial to see the statue of the former president's Scottish terrier, Fala.

"The Scottie" was forged at New Arts Foundry in Baltimore, the same place that cast the Fearless Girl statue on Wall Street.

Anyone with information about the theft or possible suspects should contact police at 202-727-9099 or text a tip to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently offering a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for the crime.