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The Talking Statues project in San Diego was the first of its kind in the United States, bringing an innovative cultural experience to the city.
This project allows statues to “talk” by using QR codes placed near each statue. When a visitor scans the QR code with their smartphone, they receive a phone call featuring a pre-recorded message that provides a narrative related to the statue Talking Statues.
The Talking Statues project in San Diego features two notable dog statues: Bum the Dog and Greyfriars Bobby. Bum the Dog was a stray in the 1890s who arrived in San Diego on a boat with no owner.
He quickly became a beloved figure in the city and was even named San Diego’s official town dog. His statue lies in Pocket Park, where visitors can listen to his story as part of the Talking Statues project Gaslamp Foundation.Beside Bum is the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a famous Skye Terrier from Edinburgh, Scotland. Bobby gained fame for his loyalty to his owner, John Gray, whom he accompanied everywhere until Gray’s death.
Bobby continued to guard his owner’s grave for 14 years, becoming a symbol of devotion and loyalty. The inclusion of both statues highlights the sister-city relationship between San Diego and Edinburgh, symbolizing a cultural connection through these iconic dogs Atlas Obscura.These statues, part of the Talking Statues initiative, use QR codes to allow visitors to experience the stories of these dogs through narrated phone calls, enriching the cultural and historical fabric of San Diego Roadside America.