One of the many things I’m passionate about (alongside pets of course) is art, so when I discovered a man who has successfully integrated the two, I thought it was amazing. Although William Wegman intended to pursue a career in painting, he is best known for his unusual photographs of his  Weimaraners in various costumes and poses.

It was while he was in Long Beach that Wegman got his dog, Man Ray, the dog became a central figure in Wegman’s photographs and videotapes. In 1982, Man Ray died. It was not until 1986 that Wegman got a new dog, Fay Ray, and another collaboration began.

With the birth of Fay’s litter in 1989, Wegman’s cast grew to include Fay’s offspring — Battina, Crooky, and Chundo — and later, their offspring: Battina’s son Chip in 1995, Chip’s son Bobbin in 1999 and Candy and Bobbin’s daughter Penny in 2004.

Out of Wegman’s involvement with this cast of characters grew a series of children’s book inspired by the dogs’ various acting abilities: Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, ABC, Mother Goose, Farm Days, My Town, Surprise Party and Chip Wants a Dog. Wegman has also published a number of books for adults including Man’s Best Friend, Fashion Photographs and William Wegman 20 x 24.

Photo Credit: http://wegmanworld.typepad.com/wegman_world/dogs/