See James Mellick’s ‘Wounded Warrior’ Dog Sculptures in Fremont

The dog sculpture, carved from quarter-sawn oak and carefully stained and sealed, is at once both beautiful and arresting. The craft and care put into making it is immediately obvious, but the story it tells echoes with a resonance that goes far deeper.  

The sculpture is artist James Mellick’s depiction of Flex, a Malinois canine that served in Afghanistan. He and his handler, 23-year-old Marine Cpl. David M. Sonka, were both killed by an insider attack by a member of the Afghan National Army while training soldiers in 2013. Those who were there said Flex died trying to protect David.

Mellick’s sculpture is one of nine of the artist’s works to be displayed at the Rutherford B. Hayes Museum & Presidential Libraries from Oct. 1 through 31 in “Warrior Dogs & Faithful Companions.” Mellick, an Ohio-based artist, will be on hand Oct. 1 for a free opening reception that is limited to 50 people and requires advance registration.

Following the opening-night event, the display of nine canine sculptures will be on display through Oct. 31 during museum hours and is included with admission. Each of the nine dogs in the installation represents a different military campaign. Mellick’s installation aims to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by our nation’s military veterans, and the assistance they need.

Artist James Mellick’s dog sculpture ”Remco CAD” (photo courtesy of Rutherford B. Hayes Library & Museums)

When we talked to Mellick for a feature in 2016, the artist told us his works illustrated the unique bond between the soldiers and the canines that served alongside them.

“There’s a saying that when a dog dies, it takes a piece of your heart,” Mellick told us in 2016. “That’s even more true when soldiers and their dogs are separated after they’ve been through thick and thin on the battlefield.”

President Hayes, himself a Civil War veteran, spent his later years as a strong advocate for veterans, making the museum honoring his legacy a fitting place to showcase Mellick’s thought-provoking and beautiful works.

“President Hayes viewed his military service as a defining event in his life and would spend his later years advocating for the rights of veterans,” said Julie Mayle, curator of manuscripts at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums. “Leading by his example, Hayes Presidential continues to honor our nation’s veterans. We are excited to have Spiegel Grove as the backdrop for these unique works of art and for the community to experience them firsthand.”

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