Steel Dog Project

Steel Dogs Helping Real Dogs

FETCH a Cure’s steel dog sculptures were created as the signature piece of our pet cancer awareness campaign and annual fundraiser, Pets on Parade Benefit & Auction, held in November. Businesses, veterinary practices, and individuals sponsor the sculptures each year. Area artists then transform the steel dogs into community works of art that raise awareness of pet cancer. Through FETCH a Cure’s Steel Dog Project, #steeldogshelpingrealdogs, there are currently 200+ steel dogs out in our community.

When you see these sculptures, we hope that you: think about pet cancer, check your pet for early warning signs of cancer, and if your pet has cancer, you are filled with hope, knowing FETCH a Cure is here to help.

Steel Cats Helping Real Cats

Every year, several of our steel dogs and cats are also available at our Pets on Parade Benefit in the popular “Pick of the Litter” auction, usually painted and designed by Richmond artists. Unfortunately, one in four dogs and one in five cats are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. Like Steel Dogs Helping Real Dogs, our Steel Cats Helping Real Cats campaign works to raise awareness, education, and funding for lifesaving pet cancer treatments. Our Pets on Parade charity auction raises funds for our Companions in Crisis program, which financially supports families in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. who face a scary cancer diagnosis with their beloved cat or dog. We are honored to auction these unique steel cats and dogs to uplift our important work and to provide hope to pet owners during a difficult time.

About the Steel Sculptures:

One-of-a-kind sculptures are created each year, and every one is different! The dogs were originally created by Bruce Mickelson, an extremely gifted metal crafter. He designed the FETCH dog to represent all dogs and to stand proudly to raise awareness for pet cancer. The steel dogs, measuring about 40 inches tall and 41 inches from nose to tail, are made of everlasting, cold-rolled steel and set on wheels for easy transportation.

Bruce