WAG

From the desk of Bay Woof Editor Mindy Toomay

Despite the obvious brilliance of such classic paintings as Da Vinci's The Mona Lhasa and Vermeer's Greyhound with a Pearl Earring, dog-inspired works of genius are still relegated, for the most part, to the sidelines of the fine art world. This issue of Bay Woof aims to rectify the situation by shining a spotlight on the work of several outstanding Bay Area artists for whom the canine is both companion and muse. (No more groaners from me, I promise; those are Herb Canine's job.)

We begin with a writer, pen name of Diane Baxter, who launched a series of mystery novels some years ago inhabited by a great many animals and a veterinarian turned amateur sleuth who counts on them for help in her investigations. Turns out Baxter's real-life pets serve as constant inspiration. Read all about it here.

Next we bring you the gorgeous photos and professional insights of five local pet photographers at the top of the game, including Jesse Freiden, voted Best Pet Photographer by Bay Woof readers in our 2010 Beast of the Bay Awards. All are experts at capturing the very essence of their canine subjects, and you can be, too, if you follow their simple tips.

Delaine Hackney is a popular East Bay mosaic artist and teacher who frequently turns to canines for inspiration. Her impressionistic portraits are truly one-of-a-kind. Check out some samples. And don't miss the back cover story about Mutt Lynch Winery's 2010 dog art label contest. The winner graces one of winemaker Brenda Lynch's best new releases, the 2008 Rusty Muttitage, no doubt worth a trip up to Healdsburg for a taste, furry travel companion by your side.

Perhaps our dogs appreciate art, but there is no question that they appreciate the great outdoors. Fortunately, there are plenty of dog parks and play areas in the Bay Area where they can mingle and move to their hearts' content. Gail S. Green, author of Dog Parkin' It, a book-length guide to such Rover refuges in California, reports on the burgeoning trend. There you'll also find out where the most recent ribbon-cutting occurred (hint: an East Bay city named after the son of Zeus, which also happens to be the name of my Uncle George's Mastiff).

To make more room for great art, we cut Good Dog! this month, but the other regular features are here. If you've ever wondered how testosterone makes male dogs so ... well ... male, see Ian Dunbar's enlightening overview. To learn more about canine anatomy, specifically a veterinarian's advice on dealing with canine urinary incontinence without turning to toxic drugs. Who knew this common problem could often be cured quite simply?

Scott Delucchi of the Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA writes about his organization's anti-cruelty work. It has the rare privilege of employing two full-time investigators, a situation others would do well to emulate, for the good of dogs and the entire community.

Herb Canine adds a dash of wit to the mix, and that wraps up our September issue. As soon as you've finished reading it, you may begin looking forward to October and our annual special issue about Canine Health and Medicine.

Wishing you and your pups plenty of fun in the harvest time sun.

~ Mindy Toomay, Editor