Bad Dog

Diago was such a good sport about participating in this series of photos. Despite the fact that he desperately wanted to run off and chase the birds in the bushes that were making honking noises all around us. Luckily I had some tricks up my sleeve, in the form of cheese slices that managed to keep his focus long enough to take these photos. After we took these photos I put Diago on a long leash so he could enjoy a bit of a run around and we ended up having a nice walk. Even though Diago still kept trying to get to the birds.

Dalmatians are related to English Pointers, who are used in crossbreeding programs to ensure healthy bloodlines in Dalmatians. But while Dalmatians aren’t officially classed as bird dogs or hunting breeds…they absolutely should be. Which is why we had to set up cameras in the backyard, to check what wild animals are out and about before we let Diago outside. In a few months Diago will be turning twelve, and I have a lot of emotions about this. It feels like our time together has gone so quickly, far too quickly, although it has now been eight years since we adopted him. This year for the first time I’ve started to see the signs of aging, mainly in these last few months while it’s been cold and his arthritis has started to play up. Not that he’s let it slow him down, its just later in the day after bouncing around and running I’ve noticed a slight limp and wobblier legs.

John Cerney, an American artist who creates giant highway art contacted me this year asking for permission to make an art installation of Diago. He came across a photo of Diago on this blog and the mischievous over the shoulder look that Diago does was the perfect source of inspiration for his “Bad Dog” artwork. When it comes to art imitating life, John’s mural depicts a naughty dog who has ripped a little girls teddy, something that happens every time my nephew visits us. Because Diago really does think any soft toy that comes into the house is for him, because he’s the main character. The “Bad Dog” mural by John Cerney features a twelve foot tall Diago and stands in Dunlop, Iowa north of town off highway 30. So if you are passing through there and happen to see a giant dalmatian amidst farmers fields, that’s Diago.