Pemberton & Oakes, Ltd. - Image Database

Feelings of love and trust fill this simple scene. The boy in it is using the tall grass around him for a bed and his dog for a pillow. He is about three and a half, or just the age to be running at top speed one minute and fast asleep the next. His dog looks relaxed and comfortable. Its ears are hanging loosely and its tail is lying still. Just now the dog seems to have turned its head to see how the boy is doing. It is staying awake and holding its head up to watch over its little friend. The dog looks like a big, strong, friendly one that loves to play with children and doesn't mind their roughhousing. Once it is sure the boy is asleep it may lay its own head on the grass and sleep too. "Of course the dog would be up in an instant if a rabbit darted across the field," Zolan says, "and as soon as the boy opens his eyes the dog will probably wag its tail as a sign to get up and play."

"Best Friends"