K-9 monument at Anaheim park honors city's brave police dogs

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- A monument was unveiled and dedicated at La Palma Dog Park in Anaheim Sunday in honor of the brave K-9s that serve alongside the city's police officers.

Dozens of people attended the dedication ceremony at the park in the 1100 block of N. Anaheim Boulevard.

The life-size bronze sculpture created by artist Susan Bahary was inspired by Bruno, an Anaheim police dog who was shot in 2014 while trying to apprehend a man who had opened fire on officers.

Police officers shot Robert Moreno dead after he wounded the 7-year-old German shepherd in the jaw and chest. Bruno had to undergo several surgeries following the incident and has since retired.

City officials hope the privately-funded monument will remind people about the sacrifices made by K-9 officers on a daily basis.

"This will serve for generations, that our community can gather here in our parks, and truly reflect on the beauty and the courage and the bravery and the valor of our K-9 unit," Anaheim City Council Member Kris Murray said.

A statue will be erected at Olive Hills Dog Park in the near future.