Madison's First Public Pet Memorial Unveiled at Quann Dog Park

On April 30, 2023, Madison took a meaningful step in recognizing the bond between people and their pets with the unveiling of a unique memorial sculpture at Quann Dog Park. The installation marks a first for the city—a public space dedicated to commemorating the four-legged family members who have touched so many lives. "This is the first of its kind in the city," said Pierce Sullivan, a board member of the Madison Parks Foundation, the organization that donated the custom sculpture. 

A City That Welcomes All Family Members 

Madison's commitment to public parks and open spaces doesn't stop at serving people—furry friends are included! The city currently boasts nine off-leash parks dedicated to letting dogs be dogs, with ample open space to run and play, waste stations for convenient cleanup, and rest benches for pet parents to kick back and make new friends. These parks range in size from an intimate 1/3 of an acre to a sprawling 37 acres, ensuring there's a perfect spot for every pup, from small lap dogs to energetic retrievers. 

A Playful Tribute 

The memorial sculpture at Quann Dog Park captures the joy that dogs bring to our lives, depicting two dogs engaged in a spirited game of tug of war with a rope. But what makes this memorial truly special isn't just the artwork itself—it's what it represents for the community. Surrounding the sculpture are dozens of spaces for personalized plaques, each one an opportunity for pet owners to create a lasting tribute to their companions. These plaques transform the sculpture from a beautiful piece of public art into a collective memorial, a place where the community can gather to remember and celebrate the pets who mean so much. 

Introducing Furever Tags 

"They're family members," Pierce explained, capturing what so many pet owners feel. "We have a lot of ways to memorialize lost family members, and there was no way to do that in a public setting for our pets until now." The Madison Parks Foundation invites community members to celebrate their loved pets with a Furever Tag—a lasting gift that gives back to the dog parks where so many happy memories are made. Our pets are important members of our family and community, and these tags offer a beautiful way to pay tribute to the joy they bring us. Each Furever Tag is available for $100, and all proceeds go directly back into supporting and improving Madison's dog parks.

Purchase a Furever Tag

Growing to Serve More Furry Friends 

The foundation isn't stopping with the memorial. They're actively working with the City of Madison Parks Division to expand the city's network of off-leash dog parks, with plans to raise funds for three additional parks strategically located on the east side and near the southwest areas of Madison. This expansion will ensure that more Madison dogs—and their owners—have access to safe, welcoming spaces where they can play, socialize, and build community. 

For those who want to honor a cherished companion, the memorial at Quann Dog Park offers more than just a plaque—it offers a place to visit, to remember, and to know that their pet's memory supports a space filled with the same joy and energy they brought to life.