Dog Days by David Hockney is a book that all dachshund lovers should have in their book collection.
It has just a brief written introduction by the artist, followed by page after page of paintings and sketches of the author’s own dogs, Stanley and Boodgie.
He captured the dogs over time, shown in various positions of leisure. The dachshund, often mocked due to its long body & short legs, can maneuver itself into shapes one might think impossible of such a body type.
I don’t actually remember where or when I came to own this book. After our first dachshund, Auggie, joined our family in 1995, we found ourselves picking up dachshund collectibles at every opportunity. Life was busy, and we moved twice. Hidden treasures remained in boxes for years. Not that long ago I uncovered this one, and I saw it through very different eyes.
Many years have passed, Auggie came and went, as did Billy. We now have Oz. All three are very long, red standard dachshunds. The artist’s dogs are stubbier and chubbier, but I see glimpses of all our cherished trio in the pages of the book.
There is the one ear extends on their bed while in a restful state pose. And then the no modesty, show it all to the world, lying on the back position. My favourite, and one Billy was well known for, is the dachshund doughnut, an all curled up, nose to toes pose (see below).
The artist recounts the challenges of capturing the images of these excitable pups, something all dachshund folks can appreciate. Trying to take a non-blurry photograph can be an exhausting experience. Trying to get the models to cooperate for a painting or sketch is quite an achievement.
I have often wished that I had the talent to draw our pets, but I was not blessed with such a gift. Dog Days has captured those treasured images and allows me to relive the joys and memories.
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