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Statue of Dirty Biter.

Statue of "Dirty Biter" the Dog

Field review by the editors.

La Conner, Washington

"Dirty Biter" was an odd-looking dog, mostly from a broken jaw he got when he was a pup in the early 1970s. He belonged to Suzie Bacanello, who had purchased Dirty Biter for a few bucks at Clark's Feed and Seed in Bellingham. But he would wander, and one of his favorite hangouts was a First Street watering hole named the 1890s Tavern, where a bar stool was reserved for him. His favorite dish was the broasted chicken, but he never refused an offer of a steak or a burger.

Dirty Biter always came home from his travels, until he was killed in a dogfight in 1982. Heartbroken, the town named a small park on First Street for Dirty Biter, then added a life-size bronze of the little mutt. Dirty Biter sits on a metal bench, his tongue lolled out of his mouth, next to his favorite tavern.

A sign tells his story, and concludes, "Dirty Biter -- Our Hero."

Thanks to Suzie Bacanello for filling us in on the history of her loyal dog.

Also see: Roadside Pet Cemetery

Statue of "Dirty Biter" the Dog

Address:
First St., La Conner, WA
Directions:
I-5 exit 230. Drive west on Hwy 20 for six miles. Turn left onto La Conner-Whitney Rd. Drive south for four miles. At the traffic circle, take the first right onto Morris St. Drive one-half mile, then turn left onto First Street. Dirty Biter Park is three blocks on the right.
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