Dog Art Today

The Fool and His Dog

 

The Fool by Arthur Edward Waite

I thought "The Fool" tarot card would be appropriate for today. According to Aecletic Tarot, "'The Fool' is the card of infinite possibilities. The bag on the staff indicates that he has all he needs to do or be anything he wants, he has only to stop and unpack. He is on his way to a brand new beginning.

But the card carries a little bark of warning as well. While it's wonderful to be enthralled with all around you, excited by all life has to offer, you still need to watch your step, lest you fall and end up looking the fool."

Enjoy your Leap Day, but heed your dog.

The Fool by Reinhard Schmid

 

The Fool by Melissa Launay

 

The Fool by Colomianit0

 

The Fool by Nancy Tolford

And Happy Birthday to my Aunt Phyllis, the greatest Leap Day baby I know!

Jackson Pollock + His Dog Gyp

Jackson Pollock and Gyp, "Years Ago," 1922, photographer unknown

From the Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner papers circa 1905-1984 via the Smithsonian Archives of American Art.

DOGTV for Your Dog (and You)

 

 

Relaxation

Have you heard about DOGTV?  It's the first cable channel designed for stay-at-home dogs.  I don't have it yet. Right now it's only available on San Diego on COX (channel 2635) and Time Warner (channel 148).  But you can subscribe to find out when it's coming to your area. 

I viewed three of their videos and felt better than I've felt in a long time.  Since Darby died, I've missed my fix of all-encompassing-dog-centric moments.  I think DOGTV might have several untapped markets including people like me who are craving dogs, but for whatever reason, don't have one.  And wouldn't it be great for dog artists to have it on in the background while they work?  I would even like to have it on while I blog.  I confess, MSNBC is my default ambient noise.  It's not healthy. 

If you and your dog get DOGTV, I'd love to hear a review. 

 

 

Stimulation

 

Exposure

Exposure is my favorite.   I love the dog's POV and the panting noises.   But there is some controversy that it glorifies dogs riding in the back of pickup trucks.   I agree.   I hate seeing that, even if the dogs looked blissed out.

Watch this video with Dr. Nicholas Dodman to understand the behavioral science and technical research behind the clips.  And see dogs watching DOGTV.  It really looks like they are enjoying it.

Dr. Nicholas Dodman Discusses DOGTV and How to Watch It

DOGTV really is made for dogs.   But I think, just like a real dog, it would be good for humans, too.