Hoops, DePaul's contribution to the K9s for Cops campaign, will stand guard at 12. S. Michigan until Sept. 4. (DePaul University/Jamie Moncrief)
This weekend is your last chance to see Hoops, DePaul University's contribution to the public art campaign K9s for Cops. Standing 54 inches tall and donning a Blue Demon-themed vest, Hoops is a blue-painted German Shepard stationed at 12 S. Michigan Avenue. Hoops and the other 100 canine statues will be on display along the avenue through the end of Labor Day.
Today, about 70 canines work with the Chicago Police Department every day. The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation launched K9s for Cops to honor Chicago's two- and four-legged officers. Established in 2004, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit that provides support to the families of officers killed or permanently injured in the line of duty.
Following the campaign, the statues will be auctioned off and part of the proceeds also will benefit
PAWS Chicago. In addition to adoption opportunities, the no-kill animal shelter provides underserved communities with free spay/neuter services and medical care for their pets.
For more information about the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and the K9s for Cops campaign, visit the
foundation's website.