The “Shilo” howling beagle statue now adorns the lawn in front of the veterinary college. A generous gift from veterinarian Mark P. Helfat and Mendy Helfat, owners of the Larchmont Animal Hospital in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, the artwork is named in honor of the Helfat’s own beagle, Shilo, and donated in memory of Mark Helfat’s dog-loving parents, Lucile and Bernard Helfat.

The unveiling and dedication ceremony held Sept. 28 was attended by several hundred members of the college community and guests, and included a welcome from Gregory Daniel, interim dean of the college, followed by special remarks from Cyril Clarke, Virginia Tech’s interim executive vice president and provost and former dean of the college, as well as Mark Helfat.

Sculpted by Vermont artist Jim Sardonis—a friend and former prep school classmate of Helfat—and cast in bronze by Glenn Campbell of Campbell Plaster and Iron Foundry in Rutland, Vermont, the sculpture took 18 months to complete.