Honoring Heroes

(Photograph by Tina Fineberg/AP/Wide World)

The September 11 attacks lifted a lot of everyday heroes to mythical status. Firefighters and police officers continue to be honored for their uncommon bravery in the face of terror, but the American Kennel Club wanted to express thanks to another category of heroes — search-and-rescue dogs.

To recognize the valiant work of the dogs that helped in the rescue efforts, and to raise money for search-dog organizations nationwide, the Kennel Club started a project called DOGNY in which artists paint fiberglass sculptures of German shepherds, which are often used in search-and-rescue efforts.

Both professional and amateur artists are painting the canines. The

sculptures are being paid for by patrons, some of whom have commissioned artists they know to do the work.

Starting this week, the sculptures — which are slightly larger than life-size — will be placed around New York City in front of police stations, fire stations, and some parks and private buildings, where they will stay until December 16. After that, Sotheby’s will auction them, and the proceeds will go to the Companion Animal Recovery Corporation Canine Support and Relief Fund, a nonprofit group affiliated with the American Kennel Club that provides resources and assistance to nonprofit search-and-rescue groups and veterinary groups.

So far, about 100 dogs have been painted and more artists are getting involved every day, says Daphna Straus, who is overseeing the DOGNY project.

Here, Omar Rivers, who is blind, touches a dog painted by Kristin Doney. Mr. Rivers was on the 71st floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center when the plane hit, but managed to get out of the building with the help of his guide dog, Salty.