We were on our way to the Smithsonian Craft Show at the National Building Museum when we caught sight of a large fire station with a mural and this impressive monument on its premises.

From the plaque on the monument, sculpted by Austin Weishel: “The National Fire Dog Monument was created to honor all certified accelerant detection K9 teams for their service to the communities where they serve. These K9 teams are committed to responding to extremely hazardous incidents to reduce the negative impact of arson in their communities. Their search for evidence to reflect the truth, and dedication to the safety of the citizens they serve is what they live for. The unparallel[ed] bond between the working dog and their partner is the key to their proven success. Many of the canines selected for this elite program are rescued from environments where their value was minimized. These working dogs remind us that all animals have incredible value and when given an opportunity can possess unlimited potential.”

The usual iris, posted earlier: