I thought my dog-owner days were over. I grew up with a Miniature Schnauzer, and we continued with this breed as newlyweds and again when our children were young. When the second Miniature Schnauzer died and our daughters went off to college, the idea of again having a dog seemed impractical.
But over time my husband thought otherwise and so began our quest for the perfect Irish Terrier. If I harbored any uncertainties about dog ownership after children, Rayven caused such concerns to vanish. In fact, she stole my heart.
I’ve become a dog lover all over again: eager to go for pre-dawn walks; keen to talk about her antics; and even an Animal Planet devotee.
As a dog lover, I’m not alone at the Woodson Art Museum. Almost all my co-workers have – or had – four-legged friends. Photos of Parker, Angel, Iggie, Max, and Dexter fill office bulletin boards and tales of pet exploits are shared over lunch.
It should come as no surprise then that we leapt at the opportunity to schedule a dog-focused exhibition for the Museum this spring. And, one project led to another and another. Elliott Erwitt: Dog Dogs will be joined by Canine Beauties: Sleeping or Otherwise and a four-day residency with dog-portrait photographer Butch McCartney in mid-May.
All dog lovers can get in on the action, too, by submitting snapshots of your favorite dog dressed as a storybook character for Once Upon a Paw, a photo contest. Look for details in the newspaper and on the Museum’s website soon.
Let others see the dog that stole your heart in Once Upon a Paw on view at the Woodson from April 17 through June 20.
