From the very beginning of Norman Rockwell's career, dogs were integral to his art. Often they convey the emotion of a scene, as when a family pet bounds forward to greet a soldier returning from war, or sadly nuzzles a young man departing for college. Rockwell had a special facility with his canine models, who were sometimes his own dogs: Raleigh the German shepherd, Butch the springer spaniel, and Pitter the beagle mix. Faithful Friends reproduces fifty of Rockwell's finest paintings with canine characters, along with his drawings and reference photos of dogs, and rarely seen Rockwell family photos. A lively text takes the reader inside Rockwell's home and studio, illuminating his life with dogs.This attractive little volume will appeal to art lovers and dog lovers alike.