A sculptor in Kazakhstan is working on a monument dedicated to Pshon, the dog celebrated for pitching in during last spring’s flood rescue efforts in the country.
Sculptor Azamat Kenzhegaliyev started the piece just days after learning that Pshon had died.
Pshon became widely known back in April of last year when footage of him hauling sandbags to help reinforce a dam along the Ural River spread rapidly online.
Pshon had belonged to his owner for over three years. According to Kaz.Press, he had been pitching in with his owner’s work ever since the flood-response effort got underway.
Pshon lived in the Kazakh city of Atyrau. His owner described him this way: “Our dog is harmless to humans. He is a dog that never leaves our side. He does whatever we ask him to do.”
“He even helped my friend that day. When we carry the bags, he goes in circles. The load he carries is not heavy, even having bags that do not contain anything inside,” the owner added.
Sadly, Kazinform reported on December 24 that Pshon had been shot back in November by staff from a local veterinary station tasked with culling stray animals.
The Astana Times reported that Pshon was killed alongside other stray dogs because he lacked registration paperwork and an ear tag, which meant he was officially classified as a stray under the country’s rules.
It remains unclear when the monument honoring Pshon will be finished.
That said, the Astana Times reported that the design shows Pshon rendered as a figure built from interlocking metal hearts, meant to represent the dog’s genuine affection, unconditional love, and devotion to people.
Pshon’s owners have also shared behind-the-scenes footage of the monument taking shape.
