When I spied New York-based artist Donald Lipski‘s public sculpture, I was literally racing in a taxi on the FDR to a meeting on the other side of town. Here was this giant Dalmatian balancing a real taxi on its nose next to a jammed city highway, saying to the world, “I got this.” I vowed to find out about it — gleefully spilling the beans about my latest public art “find” to my fellow animal health colleagues.
Spot by Donald Lipski
A few days later I returned to 34th Street. Spot, a 38-foot tall fiberglass dog with attached taxi was commissioned for the new Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at 34th Street within NYU Langone’s Kimmel Pavilion. The sculpture was constructed in Wisconsin and then trucked to New York City. The yellow cab is an actual Prius, donated by Toyota, sans the motor.
On to Pet Sitter’s International’s “Take Your Dog to Work Day!” My grandpup Lola is in Kansas City and I’m in New York City today, so I’m “live” dogless. But, Spot reminded me there are still so many ways to celebrate dogs in our lives even if we can’t have one with us every day. Spot will brighten the workers’ day today, and each day when the children and their families and the medical workers start arriving when the hospital finally opens its doors. In hospital therapy dog (and cat) programs are the next step.
We can all use a little art in our day. And animals, too. When we can’t have them live, imagined is sure pretty nice too! If you have a dog with you today, enjoy “Take Your Dog To Work Day!” with your furry friend. If not, enjoy our canine companions any way you can. I will, too as I get ready for Superzoo next week. And about the balancing act…
Interestingly, another of Lipski’s most recognizable works, The Yearling, is posited outside the Denver Public Library. In another few weeks I’ll be getting ready for the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Annual Convention taking place in Denver July 13-17. I just might benefit from a trip down to the library – and others might too…
Hope to see my pet and veterinary colleagues at SuperZoo, AVMA or both, with a little art thrown in for good measure. It’s nice to have balance. Spot on NYU Lagone for bringing Mr. Lipski’s talents and our love of animals to the public.
@lgerminder, @leagerm
#germinder20, #goodnewsforpets
