Dogs
Of the many quilt types there are, somehow, I really appreciate quilts that depict animals. They are wonderful! I have seen a number of them in quilt shows. This year, there was at least one at the Cocheco Quilt guild, and at least one at Quilter’s By the Sea show in Rhode Island. Some of those were memorial quilts.
Of course, some great books exist about making cat quilts that look very lifelike. The only animal quilt of dogs that I have made, so far, is a replication of a photo of a Dalmation. Here is a picture of it, in an unfinished state. When it was done, I sent to my great nephew in California whose Dad is a firefighter.
Dogs are great! There is a reason they are called “Man’s Best Friend.” Humans let them down, more than they would ever do the same. Like the Obama family, we are ready to adopt another shelter dog, preferably a “mutt.”
Purebred dogs are beautiful but often come with a high-strung disposition. We have been looking online, and have seen some great dogs at the shelters throughout New Hampshire. I even downloaded “adoption papers.” Today, one has to qualify by answering a slew of questions.
I have my own criteria for adopting: no more little dogs. A fat lady walking a tiny dog looks ridiculous, at best. I’ve owned a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and a miniature pinscher. Now, I think I would like a Golden Lab/ German Shepherd mix. Sounds like a combination made in heaven. I’m pretty excited about this new venture, but it will take some planning to make sure we have everything to make this a happy and safe environment for the teenage dog we hope to adopt.
Besides dogs, the shelters have ferrets, rabbits, many cats, horses, ponies, parrots, and other animals. There is a scaled fee associated with the transfer. The payment helps to offset the cost of neutering and care. In New Hampshire, only neutered animals are placed. There are many pitbulls available. They are hard to give away due to their reputation and territoriality.
I just really like dogs and I think this will be a great deal of fun. So, as we do with any decision, we will “study the possibilities.” Who knows? Maybe our new pet will inspire another quilt. I will have to put “doggie treats” on Santa’s list.
Patricia Cummings
