Members of The Friends of Jim joined community supporters recently to honor Larry Arrowood for his longtime service and commitment to the Jim the Wonder Dog Garden and Museum and Marshall Welcome Center.

A news release says Arrowood began his service to the organization in 2009, serving as president of the board for the past 13 years. During his tenure, the group has built the water garden, remodeled the Van Dyke building into the museum and sponsored many community events and public relations activities to promote the life and history of Jim the Wonder Dog. All of this has had a positive impact on tourism for Marshall and the surrounding area.

Arrowood has worked tirelessly alongside other community members to achieve recognition of Jim the Wonder Dog as the State Wonder Dog of Missouri by the Missouri legislature in 2017. Since then, the museum and garden have seen a significant rise in visitors and related tourism spending in Marshall, including a visit by Governor and First Lady, Mike and Teresa Parson in 2021.

Larry and his wife LaDonna have spent many hours working in the garden, museum and welcome center. The couple has enjoyed meeting visitors and tourists throughout the years and telling them the Jim the Wonder Dog story.

“The life of Jim is truly remarkable. Adults smile when they hear of Jim’s antics and children’s faces light up when they hear about how he identified license plates or colors. I have sincerely enjoyed helping tell his story and seeing the impact it has had on tourism in Marshall. And of course, folks love to meander through the garden and read the story firsthand.” Arrowood commented.

Larry stepped down as president of the Friends of Jim in January. Lori Godsey, current president thanked him for his vision and years of service.

“Larry Arrowood has been the driving force for this museum and garden, and there are many Marshall citizens who have helped him achieve this dream for Jim the Wonder Dog and Marshall itself. Today we honor Larry’s community service and dedication. Thank you for all you have done, Larry.”

The museum extended its hours of operations in 2021 when the Marshall Tourism Coordinator position became housed at the museum permanently. Shelby Dawson now helps staff the museum most days, enabling it to be open more hours, therefore serving more visitors throughout the entire year. Volunteers staff the museum and welcome center on other days, keeping it open six days a week.

The annual Jim the Wonder Dog Day is scheduled to be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 14, in the garden and welcome center. The annual dog/owner contests will be held with prizes awarded as usual.

Everyone and their dog is invited.

For more information about the Jim the Wonder Dog Museum or Garden, or to volunteer, visit jimthewonderdog.org or call (660) 886-8300.

Photo courtesy Jim the Wonder Dog Museum and Garden