‘Playful pup’ sculpture returns to Mercer Island park

After being stolen in the fall, the “Playful Pup” bronze sculpture was re-installed near the Lid Park on Jan. 26.

The pup was cut off of his base plate and taken in mid-October, but recovered shortly after and repaired by Artsite, a local art repair company, said Kai Fulginiti, special events and cultural arts coordinator for the city of Mercer Island.

“It’s good to have him back in the park,” Fulginiti said.

“Playful Pup,” by Gary Lee Price, is grouped with another sculpture titled “Stepping Forward,” by Dennis Smith. They are located in Aubrey Davis Park (formerly known as “The Park on the Lid”), just off West Mercer Way.

The pup was stolen in 2009 as well, but replaced by the original donors, and longtime Island residents, Loyal and Marj Moore.

For more on the sculpture, see its STQRY page here.

The two bronze sculptures, which look out over Lake Washington, are favorites among Island residents. Katie Metzger/staff photo

The two bronze sculptures, which look out over Lake Washington, are favorites among Island residents. Katie Metzger/staff photo