Peckerwood Manor

 

          2023 Smithsonian Photo Contest Winners and Finalists  Grand Prize Winner                         If you are interested in viewing more photos, here is the link .      

In the canine universe, Dalmatians are the equivalent of a classic black-and-white film—timeless, charming, and full of personality and character. With their distinctive white coats accessorized with distinctive black spots, these pups are born to stand out like superstars, full of charisma, the kind of dogs that don't just have an interesting nature; they have a presence . The origins of the Dalmatian are shrouded in mystery. They're named after Dalmatia, a region that was once part of Austria, but their true origins are elusive and hard to pinpoint. These striking dogs have had more careers than Barbie: coach dog, war sentinel, circus performer, and the favorite firehouse mascot. In the past, they ran alongside horse-drawn fire engines, acting as the original siren and equine therapists all in one because they kept the horses calm and focused.  Dalmations are the Olympic marathon runners of the dog world, with enough stamina to multi-task and run their owners into the ground ...

As the world gears up for the annual clash of faux titans known as the Super Bowl, a different sort of showdown, captures the hearts of millions, offering a cuddly counter-program to the gridiron giants. Welcome to the Puppy Bowl, the furriest, most adorable event of the year, where the only penalties are for excessive cuteness, and the only thing inflated is the audience's heart rate from watching sweet little pups frolicking happily. Imagine, if you will,  a field of dreams where the athletes are just lovable puppies having a great time. These four-legged contenders are the epitome of everything good in this world, all willing toddlers in dog years with boundless energy and an attention span as short as their little legs. They're the kind of players who think nothing of taking an impromptu nap on the 50-yard line or mistaking a teammate's tail for a chew toy. Team Ruff and Team Fluff vie for the coveted "Lombarky" Trophy in this epic canine battle. It's not ...

Well, it turns out that the canine world has its own version of the fountain of youth, and it's all about the nose! Recent research has shown that small, long-nosed pooches, known as the dolichocephalic doggy elite, tend to outlive their snub-nosed counterparts. That's right, the Whippets, Miniature Dachshunds (I think Dachshunds and I think pushy broad. I do), and Shetland Sheepdogs of the world are strutting their stuff well into their frisky teens, with median lifespans of about 13.3 years. The Lancashire Heeler, in particular, is practically a canine Methuselah with an ancient median age of 15.4 years. If you're wondering about the purebred versus crossbreed debate, the purebreds are wagging their tails a little longer, with a median life expectancy of 12.7 years, compared to 12.0 years for the mixed breeds. As for the battle of the sexes, female dogs are winning by a whisker, with a median life expectancy of 12.7 years, compared to 12.4 years for males. If you're i...

For me, I find infinite comfort in the company of my dogs. They are always happy to see and love me no matter what I do or look like; it is pure and unconditional. I could never give them a fraction of the joy they give me. As a designer and artist, I spend my nights often alone except for the company of our pets, who keep the silence comfortable and less lonely. We have very important conversations and cuddles. So many artists I know have pets that they love almost more than people and, in some cases, a lot more than people.  Frida Kahlo and her Xoloitzcuintli(Mexican hairless dog) Lucian Freud and his beloved Whippet David Hockney and his cherished dog                                         Norman Rockwell and his pup companions Francis Knoll and her big furry friend Pablo Picasso and his Dalmatian Diego Rivera and his sweet pup

I am sorry this is so late today. I had some issues I had to deal with today. Nothing too stressful, but it needed my attention. I didn't have time to write a full post, so I am posting a cute Dodo video so you can post your photos. Enjoy! 

The dapper Sealyham Terrier Stache strutted his stuff and took home the crown at the 2023 National Dog Show! This little guy, with the big personality, showed those judges what he's made of, outshining the competition with his spunk and style. Handled by the talented Margery Good, Stache wowed the crowd and made history as the first Sealyham Terrier to claim the Best in Show title. With a registered name like GCHP Goodspice Efbe Money Stache, had to win. He is so adorable I decided to write about the rare terrier and find out more about this breed that barely anyone knows about.  The Sealyham Terrier originated in Wales and was developed between 1850 and 1891 by Captain John Edwardes at Sealyham House, near Wolfscastle in Pembrokeshire. Edwardes wanted to create a small white terrier with a strong jaw and wiry coat that could be used to hunt small game and eliminate vermin-like badgers.  The exact ancestry of the Sealyham is unknown since Edwardes did not keep detailed br...

The Australian Shepherd breed has a complex history with multiple theories about its origins. The breed's earliest roots can be traced back to the white-washed adobe missions established by the Conquistadors in the New World in the 1500s. As it is known today, the breed developed in California in the 19th century as a sheep herding dog for Californian shepherds. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is not actually Australian, and its progenitors came from the Basque region of the Pyrenees between Spain and France. Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs with a moderately long, double coat that can be straight or wavy. They are intelligent, energetic, and loyal, making them typically eager to please and easy to train. Aussies have a strong work ethic, are affectionate towards their families, and love them intensely. However, they can be reserved with strangers but are generally friendly and social once they warm up and decide you are also friendly. This breed tends to have a...

The dachshund is a dog breed of hound and terrier ancestry developed in Germany and was initially bred to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals. It is believed that the smooth dachshund gave rise to both the long-haired and the wire-haired varieties. The breed was required to go to the ground and flush out prey, and those cute little legs were bred to be effective when they did their job. It is hard to imagine those little pups as hunters, but they are, as their owners know they also use this instinct to steal socks and other items they can carry.  Nico from Velvet Underground The dachshund is described as clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness. Dachshunds consistently rank among the 10 most popular dog breeds, and their playfulness, adaptability, and moderate energy levels make them excellent family dogs. They are good with children as long as they know how to handle them and often get along well with other dogs as long as the other...