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Designing Dogs: The Process
By Carol Vargo
Burton, Michigan

From left are Charles Philip Arthur George, Rosemarie Antoinette Celeste Josephine, and Rocco Antonio Luciano Giovanni. Here Rocky and Rosie listen carefully as Uncle Charlie laboriously explains the steps each of them must take to create a quality quilt block for Ami’s Leader Dog project.

“Don’t let Daisy down with mediocre workmanship,” admonishes the old uncle. “There now, cheerio, buck up, and on your way!”

Actually the project means a great deal to the old dog. Rocky and Rosie are leader dogs in their own right as Charlie lost his sight to glaucoma two years ago. At first, when he was frightened and confused, the little guys stayed by his side and helped him find his way, always whispering something in his ear, fetching him when he was lost in the yard. Now Charlie has regained his confidence, but the kids continue to let him eat first and generally treat him with great respect. In return for their kindness, Charlie never bites them!

A girl and her fabric stash are never parted! Perky, proud, and protective is Rosie. This is just the blue stuff. You should see her yellows and pinks!

Rocky begins dreaming up his design. Some nice paper, a fine pen, a little cherry dessert for inspiration. Note the intensity, the focused eyes, the drool…

Although Rocky is Italian, he dons a French beret while designing. He claims it separates your ordinary dog from the “artiste.”

Do you hear the music? in the background is Pavarotti singing “Nessun Dorma” which is Italian for “ain’t nobody gonna get sleep around here until this work is done!”

Ah, fortissimo, pianissimo, and linguine! Moved with inspiration and a little cherry dessert, Rocky takes pen in paw to create a lasting work of art. Meanwhile, Rosie if off in secret. She allows no one to view her while she creates. And although she is French, she never wears a beret. She declares she works better sans chapeau, which Rocky says is French for “empty-headed.”

Oooh! Artistic tempers are flaring! All that fabric in the stash and they both want the same fat quarter!

Rocky says nothing sews like a Bernina, but no machine will work if it’s not threaded correctly. Here he checks it all out…

…and burst into yet another area, this time something about a toreador and a really cool girl. His creation is coming alive, and he feels that life deep with his soul. In the meantime, Rosie is off in the attic alone with only water and a few crackers for nourishment. She frequently fasts her way into creativity. She was once quoted as saying, “For the arts, one must suffer.”

Voila! Presto! The happy dogs proudly show off their magnificent works, which are purchased on the spot by Nana. (The good woman always supports her grand dogs!)

Rosie has done a self-portrait and wants the world to know that her tongue is not sticking out AT anyone.

Rocky has interpreted himself as the sad clown from the opera “Pagliaccio,” a role he once played at the Met. Now we can all rest!

©2001 by Carol Vargo.

In case you were wondering how Carol’s photo-journelism went to the dogs, read her e-mail to me:

Dear Ami
I just came across your website and think the Leader Dog block idea is great. In fact, I thought I would make a couple even though the deadline is near. Well, I mentioned this to my three hounds—all Humane Society rejects and, except for the fact that we absolutely adore them, they are completely and totally worthless. Anyway, they are insisting upon doing their own designing, which is all very well but for the fact that Rose is very feminine and does not like the tongue sticking out. She thinks this is very rude and wonders if perhaps a wry smile or a toothy grin would be acceptable. What say you?

Her brother, Rocky, called her a “ditz” and a few other things. But then he was all enthused about this project because he thought we were helping Leader Dogs for the BLONDE! Our older dog, Charles Phillip, urged me to email you for advice.

Thanks,
Carol

Back to the Daisy’s Quilt Block.