Friday 24 September 2010

Dog Days

"Dog Days" (Latin: diēs caniculārēs) are the hottest, most sultry days of summer. In the northern hemisphere, they usually fall between early July and early September. In the southern hemisphere they are usually between January and early March. The actual dates vary greatly from region to region, depending on latitude and climate. Dog Days can also define a time period or event that is very hot or stagnant, or marked by dull lack of progress. The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, in close proximity to the sun was responsible for the hot weather.

Though our weather has been far from hot and sultry of late this stagnant phase or 'lack of progress' sums up perfectly my lethargy and recent inability to write my blog.. or any other script for that reason. In fact I have noticed that my handwriting has suffered terribly since I became a slave to the keyboard.. Holding a pen feels quite alien these days.. which is regrettable as I once loved penning letters to friends and family.. but now I am ashamed of my spidery scrawl.
Anyway.. I digress...
My definition of dog days not only refers to this current state of inertia but of my fondness for a particular type of dog..

Dog |dôg|
noun
1 a domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, and a barking, howling, or whining voice. It is widely kept as a pet or for work or field sports. • Canis familiaris, family Canidae (the dog family); probably domesticated from the wolf in the Mesolithic period. The dog family also includes the wolves, coyotes, jackals, and foxes.

Nowhere in the definition of the word dog does it mention that they can be made of straw or mohair or have felt paws or glass eyes... but these are qualities that I have sought when collecting my favourite species of these four legged friends. I have always been a cat person.. having owned my first beloved 'Tigger' a tabby farm cat from the age of four. Tigger was half cat half monster and when not being a fluffy purring puddy tat.. was busy shopping for mice and next door's fantail doves, to bring home as unwanted gifts. Several cats later..

I have my darling 'Pickles' 'Mr Pig' 'Woo Woo' 'Piggly' just a few of the names I have given this half cat half human beast. He is one of a kind and I have vowed that come that fateful day when we have to say goodbye to this unique and adorable creature.. he will be stuffed to join my collection of moth eaten canines.

But back to dogs...
I cannot resist a vintage pooch and they come in all shapes, sizes and dubious pedigrees..
For instance..
This is 'Wilbur'... an unknown breed of mohair and straw with the most quizzical eyes..


Then there is 'Buster' who looks much more ferocious than he is.. he's a pussy cat really..


Mabel.. a girl of refined tastes and demeanour ...

'Pickles' not to be confused with my own version ...

Ethel... a quiet lass but most useful for storing pyjamas.. or those illicit midnight snacks!

'Harry' .. such a spirited and handsome little chap ...


Finally ..'Arthur'.. an all round champion and particularly nifty on his wheels..

There are several other members of my pooch family who are rather shy and retiring and refused to be put under the spotlight.. However you can meet a fair few of my Kennel Club at the Vintage & Handmade Fair in November where they will be groomed and preened to look their best. Give them a Bonio and they will be a friend for life! There are also some fine Heinz 57's in the emporium if you fancy adopting a furry friend.

Not forgetting the moggies...

..... though they prefer cat nip please!

17 comments:

Whitney-Anne Baker said...

I have a few of these myself and very more-ishe they are too. I always wondered how to clean them, they get so dusty on their shelf.
Especially like the dogs with wheels . . always makes me think of the Belle and Sebastian song "Dog on Wheels"

Nearly there Claire said...

Oh I love love love them! Such cute little expressions. I did think Wilbur was a sweet little chap but then I saw Harry, now he reminds me of a certain yellow boy who lives here with me! At least you know Harry will stay where you put him! xxx

Ragged Roses said...

Dottie you have the bestest pet shop in town! If Hinge & Bracket were ever to let me add to my furry friends, yours would be the only kennel I'd visit! Woof woof! May the dog days continue x
xxx

The Little Vintage Company said...

They are all very handsome chaps!! Wilbur reminds me of our naughty little dog Toby and I love the photo of Pickles...
Tamzin X

Country Cottage Chic said...

Maybe we should rename the V&H & call it Vintage (Almost) Crufts?

Jayne

Hen said...

Hi Michele,

Ooh I love them all, in particular Pickles, of course. I must confess I have rather surprised myself by considering having my beloved furry friends stuffed once they snuff it too! Can't wait to meet this bunch at the V&H, a girl can never have too many furry friends.
Hen xxx

BusyLizzie said...

what a lovely collection of beasts! Like you - I am a cat person at heart, but cannot resist a toy mutt when I find them! Have a good weekend. Lizzie x

VINTAGE HEART said...

HI, love all your wuffs , specially harry , could you let me know how much he would be, ad postage as cant make it too the fair, thanks Linda

Emma Bond said...

Love you, love your doggies! x

Emma Bond said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Clare said...

OOOooooooooooooh Buster and Mabel are the lovliest!I hope to meet them in person soon!

A time to dance said...

I love the cats....I always regret giving away a puss similar to one of yours...hope you are well, I know what you mean about blogging, so many of us seem so busy these days ... but the love is still there....

A Mermaid's Tale said...

At Shepton I found myself buying not one but two stuffed dogs! I blame you and Jane..............

sarah-jane down the lane said...

I am officially in love with Wilbur ~ so obsessed am I that my usual sweet and caring nature has been totally usurped!

Ordinarily I would take the time to empathise with the doldrums and dogmatic state of affairs but NO! not today I am simply going to click straight back to the portrait of Wilbur and gaze lovingly at him.

Sorry Mr.Lane, too busy oggling to provide breakfast today!

Lovely lovely post Michele, I really enjoyed it ~ especially as I am a little bit fascinated by the Dogstar,

Love Sarah x

Louise said...

Buster looks like he would make a good dribbler! x

claire Maraldo said...

I'm definitely a cat person too. Love your puss cat but what a lovely bunch of mogs and mutts.

Kattywhompus Primitives said...

I stumbled upon your blog this evening and had to comment on your wonderful collection of vintage pups! I too have an affinity for these old ragged pooches. :) Thank you for sharing your collection...very enjoyable.

Rhonda