NEWBURG, Md. — On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, the Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park hosted the kickoff event for the nation’s first Veteran Service Dog Memorial, officially named Patriot Paws Plaza. The project launch coincided with National Service Dog Month, making the day a milestone for veterans, families and supporters across Southern Maryland.
The memorial will be the first of its kind in the United States, dedicated to honoring service dogs who provide life-saving assistance to veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, mobility issues, seizures and other service-connected challenges. Service dogs were in attendance at the kickoff, standing alongside the community to mark the beginning of a project that will become a lasting place of honor and healing.
The driver behind the project is Brian Piaquadio, a U.S. veteran, and his service dog Tsusga “Chewy,” a 5-year-old white German shepherd. Piaquadio recalls visiting a litter of puppies where most ran toward his wife for attention — but Chewy came straight to him. In that moment, he felt Chewy was meant to be with him. Chewy was later trained at Applejack K-9 Academy in Southern Maryland, with additional support and guidance from My BFF Pet Services and Semper K9 Assistance Dogs.
Chewy is now his mobility service dog and constant companion, helping him manage daily challenges while also joining him in life’s adventures — even riding along in a custom motorcycle sidecar.
The bond between Brian and Chewy became the spark for the memorial. A bronze bust of Chewy will serve as the centerpiece of Patriot Paws Plaza, symbolizing all service dogs who give their veterans comfort, independence and purpose.
The sculpture is being commissioned to sculptor Sutton Betti, a Colorado-based artist known for patriotic and emotive work. Betti will render the likeness of Chewy in bronze, then apply a patina to replicate Chewy’s white coat.
For Piaquadio, the memorial is more than a monument. He envisions it as a place where the public can see the impact of service dogs, and where veterans can grieve, remember and honor the animals who devote their lives to them.
Piaquadio has received strong local support to help bring this vision to life. Julie “Sarge” Bryson, founder of Boots2Benefits, met Piaquadio in 2019 and recognized the importance of his idea. She partnered with him to build the project from the ground up, and together they approached Maryland Veterans Museum President Larry Abell. Approval came quickly, and the museum embraced the project as a meaningful tribute for Patriot Park.
Bryson said the memorial project beautifully reflects the purpose behind it. “The memorial project beautifully captures the profound bond between service dogs and veterans. Chewy’s journey and the monument are truly inspiring,” she said.
The response from Charles County has been swift and united, with community leaders, veterans and families rallying to make the project a reality. Piaquadio said he hopes the memorial reflects the deep bonds people share with their dogs: “Everyone has that one special dog in their life that means so much to them. We want this to be a connection for all who love dogs. These dogs save veterans’ lives, give them reasons to get up, and in some cases, take them out of the house.”
Brick Fundraiser Announced
During the Sept. 20 kickoff, organizers also announced the launch of a brick fundraiser, giving community members the chance to leave a permanent mark on Patriot Paws Plaza. The personalized bricks will be set around the memorial, so visitors can see and appreciate the names and messages each time they walk through the plaza.
Bricks may be purchased to honor service dogs, family pets, veterans or loved ones. The plaza will feature gray bricks as the primary design, with service dog bricks set in a special color to distinguish their role.
- 4-by-8-inch brick — $100
- 8-by-8-inch brick — $250
- 12-by-12-inch brick — $500
Fundraising is essential to completing each phase of the project. Organizers stressed that community contributions will determine how quickly the plaza grows from its foundation into a full memorial space with seating, walkways and gardens.
The memorial will be completed in phases, with timelines tied to fundraising goals:
- Phase 1 (2025): Bronze sculpture of Chewy and plinth installation.
- Phase 2 (early 2026): Addition of benches, brick plaza and walkways. Personalized memorial bricks will be introduced during this stage.
- Phase 3 (2026 and beyond): Creation of a botanical garden surrounding the plaza.
In addition to purchasing memorial bricks, supporters can also help by shopping for commemorative items. The Veterans Service Dog Memorial store offers decals ($10), Chewy pins ($15), dogdannas ($20), challenge coins ($30) and T-shirts, with proceeds going toward the project.
Local Officials And Supporters Help Mark A Historic Beginning
With Chewy as its model and the support of local veterans, families and advocates, Patriot Paws Plaza is set to become a cherished community landmark. The memorial ensures that the devotion of service dogs — and the unbreakable bonds they share with veterans — will never be forgotten.
The dedication drew a strong show of local leadership. Attendees included Charles County Commissioner B.J. Bowling, Commissioner Amanda Stewart and La Plata Mayor Jeanne James. Former Charles County Commissioner Peter Murphy was also in attendance and recognized for his role in helping the project take shape. Murphy, who provided the first donation of $2,500, received a special miniature sculpture as a token of appreciation for being an early and steadfast supporter.
There are many ways to be part of this effort. Supporters can purchase a personalized brick, make a donation, or shop for commemorative items like pins, decals and T-shirts — all will help bring the memorial to life.
Visit vsdm.org to learn more and join the community working to honor the devotion of service dogs and the veterans who depend on them.
Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park
11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664
Phone: 301-932-1900
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