This Class was for the Dogs

By Kate Parker, Adams High School

Reprinted from The South Bend Tribune, Tuesday, November 4, 1991.

Artists never really know what they will be expected to draw. On a recent Monday, Adams students in Mrs. Weimer's fifth and sixth hour classes were surprised when two of Mrs. Weimer's [Kerry Blue Terriers], Star and Ziggy, and three of her friend Jane Amos' dogs, Skyler, Jonah and Taffy literally became the center of attention.

Adams High School students work on their canine creativity.

Star and Ziggy at right.

Photo by Joe Nguyen, Adams High School

As the five well trained dogs simply laid on top of two tables in the middle of the room. the students in the two classes were to make an attempt at drawing the moving figures. It was the first time for many to try and draw live models, and rather difficult for most. Randi Fisher, a freshman, stated, "It really was hard to draw their heads. They kept turning around and getting up and down while I was drawing."

As would be expected, all the dogs were extremely well-behaved. They all love being the center of attention and are therapy dogs that visit, comfort and entertain at many different places. The dogs have visited hospitals, nursing homes and treatment centers as well as schools such as Logan, Harrison and McKinley.

On that Monday, they also performed for the class by doing such tricks as skate boarding, spinning, dancing and waving. Not only do they know how to do these tricks, but they enjoy doing them as well. The experience showed a lot of students that there is never a dull moment in the world of art.

Drawing of Star

by Richard Gaines, Adams High School

Ziggy (Ch. Gifran's Ballyrag Zigzag, CDX, Can CD) and his buddy Andy (Ch. Blue Heather's Instigator) were two famous therapy and entertainement dogs in the late eighties. Ziggy and Andy had several skids. Their signature performance was when Ziggy would pull Andy on a skateboard. They performed at many senior homes, schools and festivals. They even has an appearance on local TV in Ohio. Their trainer and handler was Candy Weimer (Flora).