CAPS: Dogs in art throughout history

Dear readers, a recent discovery in Saudi Arabia surprised scientists when they found illustrated panels depicting dogs as early as 8,000-9,000 years ago. The 349 different carvings show dogs in various hunting scenes wearing leashes. This suggests that man had already domesticated and appreciated dogs.

In ancient Greece and Rome, dogs frequently appeared in art. One of the most famous renditions from the 2nd century BCE is the “Cave Canem” mosaic from Pompeii. It literally translates beware of the dog. Despite the warning, it alerted visitors that a dog was present. Mastiffs and lapdogs graced sculptures and pottery.

Art in the Middle Ages often used motifs to represent virtues. During this era, dogs in art represented good things, because they are loyal. Many of the allegorical paintings from this period show couples with their dogs. This was to depict marital fidelity.

Known for their companionship, dogs were big during the Renaissance. Royalty and upper-classmen commissioned paintings with their dogs, and they became a status symbol of wealth. However, many paintings also featured hunting dogs showing the importance of working canines.

During the 18th century, dog breeds became standardized. This lead to dog portraits and dogs became the stars of paintings. There was a break from the naturalistic style of painting and the images became fanciful. In 1903, an iconic series titled “The Poker Game” featured a group of dogs playing poker. It cemented dogs as art subjects in modern art.

Contemporary works have shifted dogs from sidekick to stars leading to a variety of dog art.

Some of the today’s most innovative pop art artists have created fantastical depictions of man’s best friend. Jeff Koons’ larger-than-life Balloon Dog sculptures are epic. “Puppy” a giant 41 feet tall sculpture is on display at the Guggenheim Museum.

Is art going to the dogs? I certainly hope so because it seems they have found their niche in the art world. It is doggone great!

ATTENTION

June adoption special. We will discount any adoption for an adult dog by $50. Females are normally $150 now only $100. Males once $125 are now $75. All of our animals are healthy, spay/neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two handsome male puppies 10 months and one-year-old. BG and Diego are anxiously waiting to find their forever home. Come and check them out; they are cute!

We also have 15-week-old Border Collie mix puppies. Coming soon, we will have five kittens.

Policy, however, prohibits adopting out puppies or kittens under the age of six months to a home with children under 5 years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal.

Call 775-7500 for details.

IN NEED OF

Would you like to foster animals? We need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500 for details

Dog walkers, we desperately need volunteers to walk and socialize our dogs. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

Jazelle, Misty, Virginia, and Anthony from Cowgirl Cleaning for helping collect and donate a truckload of aluminum cans. You definitely have a can-do attitude!

All of our dog walkers. Our pooches give you smooches!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

June Holiday: National Foster a Pet Month.

If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.