The roundabout dogs started appearing in Linköping, Östergötland (and were therefore originally called de östgötska rondellhundarna), after a dog that was part of the official roundabout installation the 26 of February 2006 by sculptor Stina Opitz had been vandalized in May the same year and later removed. The original dog was made of concrete and Stina Opitz was to make a new version of it after the vandalism, when suddenly someone had placed a homemade wooden dog in the same roundabout. Soon the dog was given a concrete bone by another anonymous artist. After media had reported about the homemade sculpture, the roundabout dogs started appearing in more places around the country.
Running wild Roundabout Dogs appear locally by local people. A few are vandalized, but most are left alone, or even restored if damaged. Without realizing the intent of the originators, the local media coverage probably is the best factor for the spread of Roundabout Dogs these pieces of folk art can now be found throughout Sweden, and seemed to multiply as fast as bunnies!
A Roundabout Dog spotter would have a wonderful time observing the different styles and dates of appearance. For a while there was also a sad prospect of removal of the dogs by traffic authorities, as there seemed to be disagreement as to whether or not the dogs distracted the drivers, thus creating a traffic hazard, until the 16 November 2006, when it was decreed that Roundabout Dogs are not illegal. They may still be a very welcome diversion for anyone travelling with children.
Welcome to Rondellhund.com History
It all started one day in April 2007. I made my first 3 Rondellhund and they were fast adopted by Family Van Kerkvoorde.
April 2007 rondellhund.com was born in a small woodworking shop outside Stockholm. Many dogs has since been born and found a home in one of the many roundabouts in Stockholm. Some has travel the world to find a new home.
Feb 2008 rondellhund.com open up the doors for visitors to come and build, design and experience the thrill of sneaking out in the dark to deliver your own wooden dog to a roundabout.
September 2008 rondellhund.com participated for the first time at an art&craft show.
July 2009 The first roundabout dog project in the world took place at a school in northeast Hampshire, England. Karen, one of the teachers coordinated and led a project to promote art&craft from other cultures. We made roundabout dog kits (like IKEA flat packs) for the project.
August 2009, Ann Sandell invented the design for our original Rondellhund, red base, with white and blue decorations (inspired by our red little cottage in Sweden).
September 2009 Hundstallet (local dog rescue center) teamed up with rondellhund.com at a local Art&Craft show in Huddinge. All proceeds from sales were donated to the local dog rescue center.
November 2009, Robin Fletcher made the first Rondellhund in Australia.
April 2010, Chris Horak encourage rondellhund.com to open a fan club on Facebook. It was opened on FB by Anna Karisma Sandell
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June 2010, rondellhund.com made 18 RoyalRondos to honor the Swedish Royal wedding between Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel June 19th.
June 2010, Bjorn and rondellhund.com was featured in Stockholm City newspaper, in the Royal wedding section.
  
August 2010 Bjorn and rondellhund.com was featured in the local newspaper Mitt i Huddinge.
August 2010, A Rondellhund from rondellhund.com turned up in a roundabout in Karlsruhe, Germany.
August 2010, rondellhund.com made the first Rondellhund street sign for a 50th birthday.
September 2010. rondellhund.com and the charity organization minstoradag.org teamed up at local art&craft show and all proceeds went to www.minstoradag.org
October 2010, five Rondellhund travel to Farnborough, England. In just a few days after roundabout delivery all dogs found new owners.
October 2010 First donation to Starlight Children's Foundation UK
January 2011 First Rondellhund on Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
February 2011 Roundabout dog greeting from St Paul MI
February 2011 First donation to GuideDogs UK and rondellhund support a guidedog puppy.
April 2011 Made Rondellhund for fundrasing in UK. 300 pound were donated to Guidedogs UK.
August 2011 Rondellhund were featured in a blogg http://www.mariejonssonharrison.com.au/new/index.php/2011/06/88-chevy-chase-and-roundaboutdogs/
September 2011 Rondellhund built and delivered a rondellhund to Cafe Rosen. All of the comission were donated to www.minstoradag.org
September 2011 attended for the 4th Art & Craft show in Hudinge Sweden. All proceedes 800 pound were donted to www.minstoradag.org
Wagging tails, who knows where a Roundabout dog will appear next, or even in which country.
Wouldn't it be fantastic, if a positive movement like this could spread its message around the world! (a dog) that has been vandalized taken from his roundabout home. Hopefully next day it will be returned home. Otherwise another homemade dog take its place.
Please join in and become part of the Rondellhund.com history.
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