Why we love our dogs
A dog lover is someone who loves and cares for dogs. They may own one or many dogs and treat them as members of the family. Dog lovers may also volunteer at animal shelters or rescue organizations, donate to dog-related charities, and attend dog-related events. Children may love dogs because they provide unconditional love, companionship, and acceptance. Dogs can also be a source of fun and entertainment, providing an outlet for a child’s energy and imagination. Finally, dogs can help teach children important lessons about responsibility, empathy, and caring for others.
Love at First Site-showing the bond between children and animals
For the last couple of weeks I’ve been working on this life size sculpture called Love at First Sight. It is the first of many garden sculptures of children and animals. In my sculpture a dog licks the face and neck of her human. The childs head is turned slightly and she is grinning at the special moment that she will remember her whole life. The dogs joy is also expressed through a lifted tail (implying wagging) and in her half shut eyes while licking the girls face.
This sculpture was meant to embody the emotions I experienced when I adopted my first dog, PJ, at 14 years old. He was a beautiful golden lab, and though he was already in his golden years, I was overjoyed to have him in my life. While I was happy to care for him, I was also faced with the difficult lesson of responsibility when he passed away a few years later. I remember the pouring rain and muddy boots as I dug his grave behind my grandma‘s pool, aching with sadness and love. That experience taught me how much love is involved in being a responsible adult. And this love only grew as I adopted more cats and dogs throughout my childhood and adulthood. Even today, I still remember each of my amazing pets and the lessons they taught me.
The pose for the sculpture was also inspired by my love for Illustrator Norman Rockwell. I was aware of Rockwells art from a young age as my grandmother had a book on his paintings. They were a joy to admire as a child and continue to be as an adult.
Mrs. Barbara Bradley, the late and renowned teacher and illustrator who had a history of lecturing and teaching at Walt Disney Feature Animation, was also the inspiration behind Love at First Sight. During my time as a student at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, I had the pleasure of taking her class, “Children and Animals”. Mrs. Bradley’s class was considered a favorite among those who wanted to pursue animation, illustration, and the fine arts. We were taught the importance of drawing from real life situations. We often took field trips to elementary schools and the San Francisco zoo in order to sketch children and animals.
The life size sculpture of Love at First Sight will be cast in bronze and finished this Summer 2023. More details coming soon.