News

‘Best in Show’ dog stolen

Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

HUDSON — Someone has destroyed one of the 62 “Best in Show” dog sculptures dotting the city of Hudson, leaving only the pup’s paws behind.

The dog sculpture, entitled Dada Doggy, was created by Karen Arp Sandel and sponsored by the Second Show, a thrift shop at 519 Warren St.. The statue was located on the sidewalk nearby.

“It was one of my favorites,” said Hudson Mayor Rick Scalera.

Dada was a 20th century art movement that incorporated non-traditional materials to make works of art.

“My first thought was that it’s so unfortunate,” said Scalera. “So many people worked hard to put this event on.”

The summer-long exhibition is sponsored by the Columbia County Council on the Arts and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.

Scalera said he felt very bad for the artist who created the work. “It’s disheartening,” he said.

The mayor said the list of others hurt by the incident include the sponsors and the not-for-profits that stand to gain from the auctioning of the dogs. Dada Doggy was supposed to be auctioned Oct. 12, along with the 61 other dog statues around Hudson, with the proceeds going to local charities.

According to Scalera witnesses said the incident took place in the early morning hours Tuesday and that the person responsible may have been drinking at an area bar.

“It’s idiotic,” he said.

The Hudson Police Department is investigating the incident.

Scalera said he had faith that HPD would catch the culprit. When and if they do Scalera promised that the guilty party would be prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law.”

“We’ll get this person,” he said.

To reach reporter Andrew Amelinckx please call 518-828-1616 or e-mail aamelinckx@registerstar.com.

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