Fire Dogs
12 January 2010

 

The history of the Dalmation gives them staying power to run beside carriages and fire engines. They are fearless in protecting human life, and in the United States they are recognised for their fearlessness in fire fighting. So what better location to paint Hogey in the winter of his life but in front of his favourite fire with its fire dogs!

 

 

 

It is hard work sitting for a painting and Hogey likes the occasional reassurance from his master!

 

 

Dalmations are companion dogs, they hate being left alone, and attach themselves to their family with a characteristic devotion. They are fun-loving, energetic clowns as well as stubborn, hard-headed, independent dogs. In a loving family they are friends, partners and great companions. Hogey has been all of these --- he has raced around the grounds at Marley Hall, falling down rabbit holes, badger setts, old drainage pipes – indeed, we think that the manuals should add a section on the ability of the Dalmation to seek out holes by falling in them!!! So in his later years Hogey has spent more than 24 months visiting the vet and being adorned with all colours of vetrap to protect his injured hind legs. But Hogey loves food, so why not eat the vetrap – until he realises that not everything which goes in one end comes out the other,  and we have life saving dashes straight to the vet and on to the operating table!

 

Now an advert for acupuncture, Hogey has assumed the quieter characteristics of a mature, senior Dalmation. He is devoted to his master and mistress, guards them, loves them, and hates to have then outside his sight or hearing. Hogey tracks and controls with all the subtlety, stubbornness and high intelligence which befits this aristocratic breed. Just as Hogarth painted his pet dog, David Atack is now immortalising Hogarth's namesake -- and well earned too Hogey!!!

 

 

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