Shocked: Just as the Bone Pile Got High, the St. Bernard Discovered the Back Room

Dogs playing poker has been part of Americana since the 1870s.  I have been drawing dogs since the 1970s and for most of that time Americans have been asking if I have a dog playing poker picture.  Once I figured I could include actual dog playing cards with a few twists, I quit resisting and tried it.  Most people have liked it better than most dogs who have seen it, but sometimes I see internal conflicts between people enjoying the idea with the feeling perhaps dogs playing poker isn't really art. –Artist statement