Various sculptures and memorials have been placed on and around Wawel Castle over the years. Strolling along Czerwieński Boulevard near the famous hill, one can come across an exceptionally meaningful monument. The small sculpture commemorates Dżok, a dog whose story touched the people of Krakow and became a symbol of the animal’s unconditional loyalty to man.
In the early 1990s, Dżok’s owner died suddenly of a heart attack. An ambulance took the man away from the Grunwaldzkie roundabout, and the black mutt had to stay. For almost a year, he did not leave the place where he saw his master for the last time. The people of Krakow, moved by this act of unconditional fidelity, began to feed and care for the animal. Dżok was eventually taken in by Maria Müller, widow of the well-known activist Władysław Müller. After her death in 1998, the dog was left alone again. He escaped from the shelter and died a short time later, hit by a train in the railway area in Borek Fałęcki.
The initiative to commemorate Dżok
Initially the city authorities were not in favour of the idea of honouring the dog, but thanks to the determination of the people of Krakow and the support of many organisations and well-known people, the project was brought to fruition. The Krakow Animal Care Association, media representatives and artists including Zbigniew Wodecki, Jerzy Połomski and Krzysztof Cugowski were involved in the initiative. The author of the monument was the outstanding sculptor Bronisław Chromy. The ceremonial unveiling took place on 26 May 2001 and was accompanied by an artistic setting by the “Małe Słowianki” Song and Dance Ensemble. Among the participants were the mayor of the city, Andrzej Golas, Agata Buzek, Janusz Wojciechowski and Teresa Starmach. The symbolic act of unveiling was performed by a German Shepherd named Kety.
Symbolism and form of the sculpture
The form of the monument is very meaningful and symbolic. It depicts a dog surrounded by human hands that protect him like caring wings. By extending his paw towards the viewer, the Jock expresses trust and the need for closeness. The sculpture is read as an expression both of canine fidelity and also of the deep, trans-species bond between man and animal. The statue features a bilingual inscription that takes a closer look at the story of Djokka as ‘the most faithful of the faithful’ and ‘a symbol of canine fidelity’.
The dog Jock in culture
The story of the dog Jock has inspired many people. In 2007, pupils from Primary School No. 117 in Krakow, supervised by their teachers, created a book entitled “Dżok – the newest legend of Krakow”, based on stories and drawings. That same year, Barbara Gawryluk published a story entitled “Dżok. Legenda o psiej wierności”, while Karol Kozłowski produced a poetic version in the book “Pies Dżok. The most faithful of the faithful’. As early as 1991, the Kraków branch of Polish Television prepared a documentary impression, recording a story that touched the hearts of thousands.
The monument to Dżok – a contemporary legend
Dżok was not a fictional character, but his story, thanks to his exceptional devotion and tragic fate, has passed into urban folklore as a legend of modern Krakow. His monument is an expression of respect for the dog and a tribute to universal values such as loyalty, memory and selfless love.
Source: krakow.travel, psilos.org
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