Bum and Bobby

Every year, thousands of visitors descend on San Diego’s historic and trendy Gaslamp Quarter. Many come to enjoy the numerous bars and restaurants that line the streets of this vibrant neighborhood. Few are aware that tucked away in a corner of an oasis called Pocket Park, (adjacent to the Gaslamp Museum) reside two canine metal statues. 

These two effigies represent the cultural link between the Capital of Scotland and the Southern California city. On the left, sitting on a bench is Greyfriars Bobby, a mixed-breed terrier that represents Edinburgh. 

To his left, lying on the ground is Bum, a dog epitomizing San Diego. Both are immortalized to signify the love that each metropolis had for them, as well as to symbolize the sister city status they share.

Both pooches won the hearts as well as minds of residents through their heroic deeds towards the end of the 19th century. The two cities became interlinked in 1977. There is a celebration held annually in each city to commemorate the cultural link and friendship shared between the two municipalities.