As Keats proclaimed, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” how much more so, when the one depicted as the object d’art is a four legged being regarded as man’s (and woman’s) best friend. From oft the printed page of the three titles listed below, surely you’ll find within an artistic representation of a beloved or nefarious canine, which speaks to you.

Dog: A Dog's Life in Art and Literature,by Iain Zaczek.

Dog - historical and symbolic, inscripted on caves, as sculpted pieces, depicted in oils and photographs, all with a European bent.  Poetry included - "The rich man's guardian and the poor man's friend, the only creature faithful to the end."  George Crabbe, as quoted on page 82, alongside Mayde Meiers Herberg's brilliant, On Vincent Oh.

Blue Dog Speaks, by George Rodrigue.

A blue dog, a blonde woman and a lonely artist - an illustrated love story.

The Art of Stephen Huneck, by Laura Beach

Sculpted dogs, a canine chapel proclaiming on its marquee, "Welcome all creeds, all breeds, no dogmas allowed."  Whimsical and adorable, this Vermont artist has given dogs life beyond their unfortunately abbreviated span.

As it has been said, "Ain't nothing like the real thing" ... If you'd like a four footed friend to share your life with, please visit the City of San José Animal Care Center today.