Banksy

My dog is named after the infamous graffiti artist that goes by Banksy.  His true identity is concealed because of the large amount of damage his artwork has done to public property.  It is known that he has artwork hung in some of the most reputable museums of the world under his true name.  Even some of Banksy's street work has been transferred to museums.

Some themes of Banksy's work include; anti-war, anti-capitalism, anti-fascism, anti-imperialism, greed, hunger, despair, and hypocrisy.

His artwork is relevant to the times and makes you think.  View more of his pieces at his website.  If you enjoy his work and want to learn more about street art rent his Academy Award Best Documentary nominated film Exit Through the Gift Shop.

Inspiration

Thank you to Philip Canton for inspiring me to start my own blog.  Unlike him, I haven't decided what will be included on the menu for my blog but I am open to suggestions.  Follow the ambitious Mr. Canton, Long List and Lots of Time.

Numero Uno

Starting out with an important new relationship in my life.  Banksy is a Norwegian Lundehund (Puffin Dog) who is approximately 11 weeks old.

He was found alone, hungry, and homeless wandering the streets of a suburb of Phoenix, AZ.  Puffin dogs were used in Norway to hunt puffins and puffin eggs, both of which were considered quite valuable by the local population.  Humans struggled to cash in though because puffins live in small caves.

The puffin dog breed is one of the rarest in the world.  During World War II, the population dropped to 6.  Their numbers have increased to an estimated 1,500 with only 350 in the United States.  Aside from the small population, this type of dog is rare for other reasons.  They have six toes (not including the dew claw).

This is how I was originally able to determine his breed and was relieved to discover that he is not a mutant mutt.  A second distinction of puffin dogs is their ability to spread their forelegs to the side of their body at a 90 degree angle.  A final distinguishing characteristic of puffin dogs is one that is shared with only one other mammal in the world; reindeer.  They can touch the top of their head to their back.

I am excited and grateful that Banksy will be spending the rest of his life with me.  He is a special pup and has already proven to be a great friend.