The playful bronze dog that accompanies a sculpted little girl in the west corner of the Park on the Lid was stolen sometime between July 14 and 15. The statue, called “Playful Pup,” was sculpted by renowned artist Gary Price. Former Island Residents Marj and Loyal Moore donated the sculpture to the city in 1997 in memory of Nancy Mottet. The bronze girl that accompanies the little dog, titled “Stepping Forward,” was left intact. The girl was crafted by a different artist, Dennis Smith, and installed in 1995. The playful pup joined her two years later.

The thief pulled the bronze dog and its base, which costs more than $1,500, from the grass where it was implanted. The Mercer Island Police Department is currently investigating the case. No suspects have been identified.

This is the second time that public art has been stolen from the Park on the Lid this year. In January, four sculptures were stolen from the Sculpture Park, located along the Sunset Highway. A fifth work of art was vandalized. The art pieces, which included concrete, glass and wooden sculptures, were found weeks later in bushes at the park. Police failed to identify any suspects in the case.

“It’s really sad. I don’t understand why all our art is under attack,” said Amber Britton, Arts and Cultural events coordinator for the city. “We’ve notified the family of the donors, and hope it turns up.”

If any information is known about the missing bronze dog, please call the MIPD dispatch at (425) 587-3400.