A small remembrance gathering can begin with a name, then make room for lives whose names we will never know. The Wangwang Memorial Bench Vancouver is being established with that wider purpose in mind.
Remembering Wangwang and her three puppies
Wangwang was a mother dog in Jieyang, Guangdong, China. In June 2026, she and her three puppies became victims of an animal cruelty incident that drew international attention. Her story reached people in Vancouver and prompted the creation of this memorial.
Here, we hope to remember them without repeating distressing descriptions of what happened. A place to sit quietly can allow people to acknowledge their lives in their own way.
A memorial for lives that go unseen
The bench also acknowledges animals whose stories receive little attention, including those who have no known name. It offers rest to the people who continue to care for animals.
Remembrance does not require us to have known an animal personally. Nor does it depend on a story becoming widely shared. We can make space for a life without having every detail of that life.
The memorial plaque
The memorial plaque names Wangwang and her puppies, asks that their story encourage compassion, acknowledges unnamed animals, and offers rest to those who stand for animals. Its wording follows the final City of Richmond plaque layout:
FOR WANGWANG AND HER 3 PUPPIES
MAY THEIR STORY MOVE US TOWARD
COMPASSION, MAY THOSE WITH NO NAME
BE SEEN TOO, MAY THIS PLACE OFFER
A MOMENT OF REST TO THOSE WHO
CONTINUE TO STAND FOR ANIMALS
For the complete project history, read the original Vancity Officiant article.
A confirmed place, with installation still to come
The City of Richmond has confirmed the bench location along the Middle Arm waterfront, near the UBC Boathouse. Pawfect Witness established the memorial and has paid the full dedication contribution. The installation date remains unconfirmed.
A gathering after installation
F for Farewells is planning a small remembrance gathering following installation by the City of Richmond. We hope to remember Wangwang and her three puppies, acknowledge other animal lives that deserve to be seen, and share a quiet moment with others who care.
The location is confirmed. The gathering date will be announced once the City’s installation schedule is known. Registering interest lets us send you updates; it does not reserve a place or confirm attendance.
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