this one in from New Hampshire and more to come

This friend came from Patricia in New Hampshire the other day. I have another box or two to open.

I feel like I am having contact with so many wonderful creatures through this project, as well as wonderful folks who are keen to participate and share with the world a love of animals, and especially dogs. Our love of hounds is ancient and full of history, stories of rescue, courage, and good deeds.

 I am discovering how much people are attached to these objects, that they symbolize the history of deep relationships and exchange between human and animal, the bonds that link us, and the complexities there. These cartoony objects with simplified anatomy and google-y eyes are evidence of love, friendship, and many days of time spent together....or apart.

 They arrive shredded and disemboweled, sometime unrecognizable as anything but stuffing and fake fur. These are the roadkill of our dogs' activity and joyful play, stress release and anxiety therapy. I am fascinated by the shear variety of creatures live and constructed. 

The exhibit will be mounted at the end of July, and the show will open August 6th! See Patricia Ladd Cargea's Gallery on line. 

toys from all over!

Well, thanks to many of you the toys keep coming in! And great pictures of your dogs. The American Kennel Association published a small piece and photograph of the project as a call for art. I'll post that later. For now look at these great toys and dogs! More inventory and details to come.

Above, Tasha Dog in her elegant towel shows her tattered frisbee to Companion friends Elizabeth and Steve, and fellow creature-cats,  Jack and Loco have lots of fun with her in SoPo.We received this picture of two dogs wrestling, and I just had to include it. They must be friends of Tasha having a good romp.

 Elizabeth brought over Sunny's orange frog, which will be returned to her after the installation. Sunny is the lovely blond above.We have received toys from around the State, including Georgia, New Mexico and Texas just this past week. Keep 'em coming. Deadline is extended to 20 July.