Downtown Juneau in Juneau Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Patsy Ann: her statue
Fifty years after Patsy Ann met her last ship, admirers led by June Dawson organized the Friends of Patsy Ann. The group raised funds and commissioned a statue so Patsy Ann could once again greet visitors on the dock.
Sculpted by Ann Burke Harris of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the statue was cast at the Shidoni Foundry in New Mexico. Bits of their own hair and pets’ fur were sent from all over the globe by those who fondly remembered Patsy Ann. Those tokens were pressed into the wax before the final brass casting, making the sculpture a “spirit piece.” In the tradition of the sculptor’s Lakota and Cherokee heritage, a spirit piece is believed to give the contributors’ spirits a bit of immortality.
When the sculpture arrived in Juneau in 1992, Princess Cruises hosted a reception and unveiling abord the Regal Princess. Cy Peck Jr., an Alaska Native spiritual leader, blessed the sculpture in the name of harmony and in the spirit of friendship between animals and humans. He prayed that the spirit will carry over into humans’ relations with one another. Please greet Patsy Ann as she greets you and, in leaving, carry the blessings of friendship throughout your life’s journey.
All proceeds from Friends of Patsy Ann activities are donated to the Patsy Ann Education and Scholarship Fund at the Gastineau Humane Society. The fund is dedicated to the achievement of new levels of understanding, respect, kindness and compassion.
Fifty years after her death, this bronze statue was installed on the docks and Patsy Ann once again became the Official Greeter of Juneau, Alaska.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Arts, Letters, Music • Native Americans • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1992.
Location. 58° 17.915′ N, 134° 24.329′ W. Marker is in Juneau, Alaska, in Juneau Borough. It is in Downtown Juneau. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Marine Way. The Patsy Ann marker is located behind the statue on the boardwalk, directly adjacent to docked ships. You cannot see it from the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 256 Marine Way, Juneau AK 99801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lighthouses of Alaska (here, next to this marker); Patsy Ann: her history (here, next to this marker); Cape Decision (here, next to this marker); Sentinel Island (here, next to this marker); Five Finger (here, next to this marker); Mary Island (here, next to this marker); Tree Point (here, next to this marker); Guard Islands (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Juneau.
Regarding Patsy Ann: her statue. Patsy Ann was a deaf bull terrier who stole the hearts of the citizens of Juneau, Alaska in the 1930's. Her spirit lives on to this very day.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2013, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 869 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 24, 2013, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.