Quito to unveil monument for beloved community dog Max

The city of Quito will unveil a monument to Max, a beloved community dog who lived near the Escuela Politécnica Nacional (EPN) for over 15 years. The sculpture is scheduled to be revealed on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the intersection of Avenida Isabel la Católica and Alfredo Mena.

Known by various names including ‘Grandote’ and ‘Toby’, Max was a fixture in the daily lives of students, faculty, and residents in neighborhoods such as La Floresta, La Mariscal, and La Vicentina. He was supported for years by the EPN Animal Welfare Club, known as ‘Poliperros’, which provided him with food and veterinary care. Max passed away on April 6, 2026.

The ceremony, held on World Animal Day, will also include an animal blessing for citizens attending with their pets. The monument serves as a tribute not only to Max but also to all community animals that inhabit the public spaces of Quito. Following Max's legacy, the Poliperros group has also developed a manual for the responsible management of community dogs to be shared with the Municipality.