It has been wonderful to see people’s reactions to the sculpture of Max the Miracle Dog, now in situ on his Honister slate bench in Hope Park, Keswick.
I was absolutely thrilled when the owner of the world’s favourite Springer Spaniel, asked if I would accept a commission to sculpt ‘Max’. It would be a lasting tribute to the service dog that has been his lifeline and has since helped so many people.
A fundraising page was set up before I was asked to take on the commission and more than £26,000 was raised in just one day. With £15,000 needed for the original commission, Mr Irving pledged any additional funds raised to the PDSA, knowing they would put the money to good use.
I was excited to accept the commission and to work with Aron McCartney at the McART Studios, who would turn my original wax sculpture into the beautiful bronze you can see today.
It has been quite a journey.
The Max the Miracle Dog statue will be forever displayed in Hope Park, in the heart of the Lake District. It will commemorate ‘Max’. Aron and I hope it will give a much-needed boost to Cumbrian tourism and local businesses. I am so pleased that I was asked to create this tribute to a wonderful little dog who means so much to so many.
