June 23, 2007
Rikko, German Shepherd K9 Police Officer
Rikko, German Shepherd K9 Police Officer, originally uploaded by sdonley.
Memorial portrait of Rikko, North Versailles, PA Police K9 Corps, 9×12 inch graphite pencil drawing by Susan Donley, PetsPictured.com.
I was glad to be commissioned to do a memorial portrait of this devoted K9 officer to be given to his human partner Scott Kucic of the North Versailles, PA Police Department. Not only did Rikko serve his local community day in and day out, but he also served his country by working search and rescue at “The Pile” at Ground Zero after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on NYC’s World Trade Center.I was struck by the look of devotion in Rikko’s eyes while I drew and hope I captured that in the portrait, for the sake of everyone who knew him. My condolences to Scott, his family, and the members of the North Versailles Police Department who served with him everyday. It was an honor to honor this canine hero!
I’ve set up a Rikko section at CafePress where you can order t-shirts, mugs, and more graced with Rikko’s dignified image — enjoy!Those of you who knew or worked with Rikko, please write a comment below to honor his memory and tell the rest of us something about him.
Wow! Beautiful.
Absolutely awesome! Amazing how the subject of a drawing can look like it’s going to step right off the page and be your friend. In Rikko’s case make that friend and guardian. He radiates with every bit of the dignity and honor of one who is called to serve – be they canine or human… Carole
Comment by Carole Anderson — June 23, 2007 @ 6:18 pm