Koksijde Unveils Statue Honoring Service Dogs

Koksijde has unveiled a new statue dedicated to the invaluable service dogs that support emergency services, including police and fire departments. The project's patron is Ellen Callebout, a well-known personality from the reality television show 'De Verhulstjes.'

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I am very proud that I was allowed to unveil the statue, because it looks good.

Callebout expressed her pride in unveiling the statue, noting its aesthetically pleasing design. The artwork, located near Ster der Zee on Sint-Idesbald beach, visually represents the two distinct roles of a service dog. "The dog in uniform and the dog without uniform," Callebout explained. "The service dog performs a function, but at the end of the day, it is also a regular dog that lies on the sofa at home. When the uniform or harness comes off, it returns to being a family dog."

Stephanie Tourlouse from the West Coast police force affirmed the statue's accurate portrayal. "You see in the statue the dog that works, but also the dog that comes home and is part of the family. This applies to the dogs, but also to their handlers," she stated. Tourlouse is involved with the vzw K9, the organization that secured sponsors for the artwork.

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The dog in uniform and the dog without uniform. The service dog performs a function, but at the end of the day, it is also a regular dog that lies on the sofa at home. When the uniform or harness comes off, it returns to being a family dog.

The vzw K9 also organizes the K9-Day in Koksijde, featuring demonstrations with service dogs that continue until the evening. The initiative highlights the profound bond between these working animals and their human companions, recognizing their contributions both on and off duty.

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You see in the statue the dog that works, but also the dog that comes home and is part of the family. This applies to the dogs, but also to their handlers.