Did you know that October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month?

You'd be hard pressed to find a greater return on an emotional

investment than the love you receive from a rescued dog.

Not only is adopting a shelter dog a good idea, it can actually
improve your life. Studies have shown that people with dogs are
more likely to accept change, are better able to deal with stress,
and have fewer doctor appointments than non-dog owners. 

So, how does this relate to decorating and collecting?  Since
mankind first learned to 'tame the beast' we've included canines
in our packs and in our homes.

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Bo & Jangles

What a delightful contradiction - a contemporary
art dog and an antique chair.  I love it!

There are as many different types of canine
collectibles as there are different breeds:   

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Chalkware dogs from the 1940s


and kitschy dogs from the 1950s

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Victorian Staffordshire dogs

Antique dog prints and paintings

The Polished Pebble

An antique cast iron Hubley collectible door stop

This handsome cast iron door stop belonged to my husband's grandmother

and has traveled around with us for almost 25 years.  Laddie, as we refer

to him, is approximately 8 inches tall, a foot long, and weighs over 4 pounds.
Stubbing your toe on Laddie is a rite of passage.



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I spotted this Hubley collectible dog on eBay for over $200.

And this little cast iron cocker spaniel is listed for $300:

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  Yes, Laddie has become an even dearer member of the family.

Since photography became affordable to the common man we've chosen to include those things we hold most dear in our pictures.  Libby Hall, the archivist for the Kennel Club of Mayfair, has compiled an amazing photography collection of the dogs of old London.

Spitalfields Life

Dogs of Old London

Whether pedigreed or mixed, the loyalty of a dog is a thing of beauty.

If you have room in your house for a furry bundle of love

think about adopting a shelter dog.  You'll never regret it.