AROUND TOWN
Every dog
has their day
New Yorkers, their best
friends, and museum visit
BY TEQUILA MINSKY
New Yorkers love their dogs and they’re not
the only ones. A tourist couple from Toronto
walked there from the hotel with their Sheba
Emu, a visitor from Iowa brought her Burmese rescue,
and some buddies hopped a cab from the West
Side with their canine best friends—all to visit the
Museum of the Dog in Midtown on a furry Friday
night, Feb. 18.
The Museum of the Dog returned to New York
after a 30-year hiatus in St. Louis, settling in a lightinfused
space on 40th Street where it showcases the
art collection of the American Kennel Club, offers
digital/interactive experiences, holds special events
and more.
While a dog classic portrait might seem kitsch
when shown in a traditional art museum, these works
present themselves as dignifi ed and monumental
when shown exclusively among other similar pieces.
An Airdale, Poodle, Golden Retriever, Lurcher,
Schipperke, Salukis, Sealyham Terrier, Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel, Mastiff, Pointer, Bloodhound, and
English Foxhound are among the many breeds portrayed
in 19th century portraits.
A 1993-commissioned painting, a tribute to Robert
Bishop, 14-year director of Museum of American
Folk Art and Dog Museum supporter, is a delightful
folk art portrayal of public life, New Yorkers and their
dogs. Fifth Avenue/59th St./Pulitzer Fountain (across
from The Plaza) is where artist Kathy Jakobsen sets
her subjects—the multitude of people and dog activities
taking place on sidewalks and New York streets.
She includes many Dobermans and Manchester Terriers,
Bishop’s preferred breeds.
The fi rst President Bush’s English Springer Spaniel
Millie, and George W. Bush’s Scotties—Barney
and Miss Beagley are among the presidential
PHOTOS BY TEQUILA MINSKY
Some of the Museum visitors on a Furry Friday
night.
dog portraits.
On display is a selection of DOGNY, a public art
initiative, born out of the incredible post-September
11 search and rescue dogs. Commissioned artists
painted over 100 life-sized sculptures of a German
Shepherd Dog in honor of the incredible work of
these dogs and their handlers. Each dog has its own
special design.
Bronze statues and porcelain miniatures are also
among the three-dimensional works.
Judith Rahilly traveled from Jersey City to visit the
museum last week, on a Furry Friday night, when
dogs are welcomed.
She loved the interactive dog training display and
the community wall showing off the public-created
artwork produced in the library area. “What subject
could be more noble and alternatively adorable than
a dog depicted in paintings and sculptures,” she says.
Readily admitting she adds, “The live dogs really
were a great part.”
The Museum also has a very extensive shop carrying
numerous dog-themed gifts, from children’s
books, charms, to men’s ties adorned with dog images.
Its Furry Friday evenings are so popular that the
Museum now is open to dogs two Fridays a month.
Reservations needed.
Schneps Media February 24, 2022 25