Circus Dog

Circus Dog

16" x 12"

oil on panel
SOLD

Growing up we had a lot of animals around. 

A pet dog Frank, a kind of grumpy Irish Setter,

 and barn cats who I think would have done anything 

for food that wasn't mice or dry cat food.

I was so intrigued about circuses, 

especially circus dogs and circus horses. 

I gave up on Frank learning tricks. 

We later got a little dog named Buttons.  

She was very smart and learned many tricks. 

SO fun. She would sit up, beg,

roll over, and play dead. I felt especially proud when 

I taught her to jump through a hula-hoop.

I would have her perform for my parents in the living room, 

with me pretending to be in the circus.

It was great!

Hey Rube Circus

This is what the Ringling Circus Museum 

has to say about the history of circus dogs:

"Performing dogs were often strays or purchased from the pound, because these mixed breed dogs were usually very intelligent and learned tricks quickly. The dogs traveled in special accommodations. Wagons 99 and 98 were designed specifically for the dogs, with each animal having its own space in the wagon. In between performances, the dogs were kept in outdoor kennels."

 

Terrierman's Daily Dose

A Diamond Fell From the Sky

I may not have a dog that knows how to jump rope, 

or a circus horse to do riding tricks on,

but I have not lost hope of either. 

A girl can still dream.

But I do have my toys for creative inspiration.

This red circus dog is a 1950's Cracker Jack 

toy prize made by NosCo. Cracker Jack's had a whole series of circus animals and acrobats.

Setting up for this composition 

I made the flags and created the 

box with the curtains.

completed painting

 Circus Dog

detail from painting

Circus Dog 

will be showing at 

Principle Gallery

Small Works Show

opening 

December 7th, 2013

208 King Street

Alexandria, VA

703-739-0528