“Puppy Serenade” Dedicated June 15, 2021

“Puppy Serenade” at Rock River Park, Fort Atkinson

Daily Union – Puppy Serenade unveiling June 21, 2021 (link)

Fort Atkinson Online coverage:   https://fortatkinsononline.com/puppy-serenade-dedicated-in-rock-river-park/

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The evolution of Puppy Serenade:


Daily Union article 2020 10 Oct 19 (link)

A special “reveal” event on October 16th featured the unveiling of the clay model for Puppy Serenade, a bronze sculpture in development by local artist Mark Dziewior.  The sculpture will honor Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson founders Rita Hasel, Marleen LaPlant and Patty Beran, and their dogs.

When complete, the Puppy Serenade project at Fort Atkinson’s Rock River Park will provide a rest stop with a bench and watering fountains for canines and humans.

The project and reveal event garnered front page coverage in the October 19 edition of the Daily Jefferson County Union.  The extensive article by Managing Editor Christine Spangler is accompanied by many color photos, and details the development of the project, as well as plans for its completion.

Click the link above (below the photo) for a PDF of the Daily Union article.

 

Daily Jefferson County Union article Sept 14, 2020 (link)

Click the link above left to open the Daily Union article

The Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson (KCFA) is seeking monetary donations toward completion of its latest community service project, “Puppy Serenade,” which is underway at Rock River Park.

When complete, this project will feature a bronze statue by local sculptor, Mark Dziewior; a tri-purpose (human/canine/bottle filling) fountain; and a combination bench/pedestal by local artisan, Bob Muench, from Stonecroft Masonry.

The project will honor the three founding members of KCFA—Patty Beran, Marleen LaPlant and Rita Hasel—and their dogs.

This park-enhancing project is supported by a generous grant of $8,050 from the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation. The total estimated cost of the project is currently $19,000. A “reveal” of the project (including a clay model of the bronze statue) is scheduled to be held in early-October 2020. The bronze statue will be completed and installed in spring 2021.

KCFA is reaching out to individuals and groups who enjoy using the amenities of Rock River Park—walkers, dog walkers, runners, bicyclists, birders, archers, disk golf players, and anyone else who appreciates and wants to support the work of local artists.

To make a tax-deductible donation, please send your check, payable to KCFA, to: Mabel Schumacher, KCFA Treasurer, 848 Messmer Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Please indicate that the donation is for “Puppy Serenade,” and include your address so an acknowledgement and receipt can be sent.

In 1992, KCFA founders Beran, LaPlant and Hasel started meeting to train and compete with their dogs: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever “Cody,” Dalmatian “Dottee,” and Scottish Terrier “Scarlett.” Soon, word spread and others asked to join them in their training sessions, resulting in organization of The Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson.

Having celebrated the club’s 25th anniversary in 2017, KCFA offers puppy kindergarten and several levels of companion, obedience, and performance classes. Over the years KCFA has served an overwhelming number of Fort Atkinson-area families and their canine companions.

The Kennel Club of Fort Atkinson is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, offering community service, education, and training classes.

Puppy Serenade – work-in-progress: