The Shanghai International Flower Festival will draw to a close on 10 May, but the hugely popular ‘Scruffy Puppy’ green sculpture will not be saying ‘goodbye’ just yet. This 5.2-metre-tall green sculpture, modelled on a West Highland White Terrier, has become an instant hit since its debut. Recently, the relevant authorities in Jing’an District confirmed that the display period for this piece will be extended by at least three months. According to the project organisers, taking into account weather changes and viewing experience, the “puppy” is expected to undergo a “makeover” in mid-to-late June, whilst the frequency of watering will also be increased. The surrounding giraffe green sculpture and the flowerbed at the “puppy’s” feet will remain in place until the end of June, whilst other floral displays will be gradually replaced with lawns as the flowering season progresses. Since its official unveiling in mid-April, this “shaggy puppy” has quickly attracted large numbers of tourists and local residents. With its fluffy appearance, it looks like a real and adorable pet, and many people have found it “heartwarming”. Project manager Feng Rui stated that whilst the team had anticipated it would be popular, they had not expected it to become “this popular”. Among all the feedback received, what made the deepest impression on him was the ‘tolerance’ shown by the public. Many people viewed the little dog as ‘cute’ or ‘scruffy’; even when it looked a bit dishevelled after the rain, or wasn’t quite ‘perfect’, few criticised it—instead, they found it authentic and amusing. This attitude has encouraged the design team and given them greater confidence to experiment with new design approaches. Currently, the puppy’s “fur” is primarily made of fine-leaved stipa, whilst its “flowered waistcoat” is composed of petunias; these plants are at their best in spring. However, as summer approaches and temperatures rise, the fine-leaved stipa may enter the flowering stage, diminishing its visual appeal. Consequently, a “fur change” adjustment is necessary. It is reported that a new design plan is currently being drawn up. In future, golden sedge or Everest sedge may be used for the ‘fur’, whilst the ‘flowered vest’ may be replaced with variegated grass or sunflowers. The maintenance team plans to conduct trials first, before completing the full replacement in mid-to-late June. The entire transformation is expected to be completed within a single day to minimise disruption to visitors. However, due to the differing characteristics of the plants, the overall appearance will still undergo some changes following the transformation. As temperatures rise, watering will become more frequent. Currently, the plants are watered approximately every two to three days, but once summer sets in, this may change to once in the morning and once in the evening. In the event of heavy rain or a typhoon, the overall structure will not be seriously affected, but the shape may need to be re-adjusted after the storm has passed. On social media, the ‘scruffy puppy’ has become a trending topic. Some have joked that it ‘needs to work overtime’ or is ‘too scruffy’, whilst others have shared how it mirrors their own lifestyle. The project team also posts videos of the green sculpture being ‘bathed’ and ‘groomed’ to engage with netizens. It is through these discussions that the artwork has gradually formed a unique emotional connection. Interestingly, the lighting originally designed for night-time illumination did not adequately illuminate the puppy’s face, resulting in a poor viewing experience after dark. Following feedback from the public, staff worked through the night on 2 May to make adjustments, adding new lighting to the footbridge to make the ‘puppy’s’ outline clearer at night and enhance its visual impact. The popularity of the ‘Scribbled Puppy’ has also boosted the development of the surrounding commercial area. Data shows that during the Flower Festival, both footfall and spending in the nearby shopping district increased significantly. For example, in the Suhewan area, footfall more than doubled in just 18 days, and spending also rose markedly. During the May Day holiday, it attracted a large number of tourists who came to take photos. Now, not only do visitors hope it will remain, but the commercial district and relevant authorities are also discussing how to ensure the ‘puppy’ has a long-term presence. A public naming competition has even been launched, and plans are underway for cultural and creative product development, with the aim of establishing it as a cultural symbol of Shanghai in the future. From a temporary floral exhibition piece to an urban landscape that has attracted widespread attention, the ‘Scribbled Puppy’ is not merely a green sculpture; it has become a microcosm of the emotional interaction between the city and its people. It demonstrates that art in public spaces is not merely decorative, but can also serve as an outlet for emotions and a bond connecting urban life.