Claire Huber, Masters of Fine Arts, 2018, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia 

 

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is the oldest such institution in the United States. 

Founded in 1805 by men who participated in the American Revolution, its stated aim was “to promote the cultivation of the Fine Arts by….exciting the efforts of artists, gradually to unfold, enlighten, and invigorate the talents of our Countrymen.”  (December 28, 1805, Academy Charter)

It continues to do this.

 

 

 

Gated Community, 2018, oil on panel

 

They live in communities with restricted entrances.  They and  many species of dogs belonging to the affluent are referred to as ‘fur babies’.  I imagine this name cover cats, too.

Poodles. Sometimes their fur is dyed to match the interior décor or the passion of the moment of their owners.

 

There are dog bakeries and ice cream parlors and social clubs for dogs.  Their food includes human-grade dog food.  Also there is holistic, plant-based varieties of dog food; and food with  goat and wild boar. 

 

There are canine resorts.  Here the dogs sleep on queen-size beds.  Spa offerings include mud baths and blueberry facials; one pet-hotel franchise on the West Coast of the United States offers dog pick-up service in a Lamborghini.

 

 

 

Toy Poodle Carries Tennis Ball, 2018, oil on panel

 

 

They are trained to behave like ‘dogs’. They are not wolves, after all.  

 

These dogs have a whole roster of appointments with people who keep their coats in ship shape, and manicure their nails. 

And, of course, as many visits to the vet as necessary to to make sure their insides are working properly. 

There are special vets who take care of their psychological health if they seem unhappy or begin acting up.

 

In 2024, Dolce and Gabbana developed an alcohol-free fragrance for dogs: ‘Fefé’.  It is advertised as having “the cocooning and warm notes of ylang, the clean and enveloping touch of musk, and the woody, creamy undertones of sandalwood,” according to the company’s website. 

Nor is this the only perfume for dogs. Dog colognes and deodorizing spritzes seem to multiply every year.

 

 

Wedding planning may now include arrangements for the happy couple’s dog: a pre-wedding bath at a pet spa, for instance; and a a floral collar coordinated with the wedding colors. 

The services offered for people travelling with their dogs is too extensive for me to list.  But they are all delicious and delightful.

 

 

 

75 degrees, 2018, oil on panel

 

 

Even when it is hot outside, dogs are expected to behave.  But there are compensations when they come in:  DOGTV. 

This is a premium cable network program in the United States. It was launched in 2012 and provides all-day every-day (and night) programming, colour-adjusted, to relax and acclimatize dogs to the ‘life’ lived in the circle of their owners.

 

 

 

Spring Awakening, 2018, oil on panel

 

 

There are dog runs with protected access.  Friskiness and sociability expected there.  Dog handlers walk the dogs there for dog dates.

 

Legacies left by their owners will continue the lives to which these dogs have become accustomed.

And when these dogs predecease their owners, special pet cemeteries and canine death services are available. Ashes, if people prefer, in a variety of emotive containers.

 

It’s the American Dog Dream!