SPCA Albrecht Center searching for stolen dog sculpture

Stephanie Hill, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Jul. 8—The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is searching for its stolen dog sculpture.

The bronze sculpture sat on top of the center's entrance sign before it was stolen earlier this week; it was discovered missing on July 7, said Susan Gainey, the executive director for the SPCA Albrecht Center. The statue was sculpted by Barbara Nelson, who was a big contributor to the vision of the center.

"Barbara Nelson who was very instrumental in the design of the building, she is the one that personally sculpted it and donated it to the shelter, so it's kind of part of our history," Gainey said.

For Nelson, she said the fact that it was stolen speaks more about the state of people.

"It really is a judgement on the state of humanity that people would stoop to such a level to steal a statue from a nonprofit," Nelson said.

The bronze dog is a limited edition sculpture that Nelson donated to the shelter in 2012. The 68-pound sculpture was signed by Nelson and says "2 of 10." She wanted to donate the sculpture because of her involvement with the shelter.

"I was the chairman of the board at the time and heavily involved in the creation of the shelter, she said. "My friends and I built it, and I have a great heartfelt attachment to that facility."

The statue, titled "Jack Wants to Play," is of a Jack Russell terrier that was modeled after a Jack Russell terrier owned by Lydia Rose, who owned Aiken Saddlery and Supply at the time, Nelson said.

The estimated value of the sculpture is at least $8,000, Nelson said.

Nelson and Gainey are asking that whoever took the sculpture to please bring it back.

"No questions asked, bring it back and drop it off at the end of the driveway or building," Nelson said.

"If anybody is so inclined to returned it, we're happy to have it back up on our sign no questions asked," Gainey said. "If people can keep an eye out at area resale shops, we would love to have it back."

Anyone with information should call Officer Scott at 803-642-7620 or email bscott@cityofaikensc.gov.