#somoma

Humanity’s best friend over the centuries has been that four-legged mammal we call a dog. Anthropologically, a life shared between dogs and humans can be traced through the ages and it is this ability to bond that perhaps has made dogs special in the hearts of people especially here in the United States.

Unexpectedly a local artist in the Wine Country town of Sonoma in Northern California has developed an entire series of works focused upon dogs. William Sig Rundstrom has been on “on a role” as he noted recently, painting one portrait after another of beloved canines, as well as other subjects.

He has painted dogs before. Such as, a large pastel entitled ‘Walk on the side.’ It is based upon actual open space that is off the trail area in Sonoma where Rundstrom walked every day with his large, black greyhound named ‘Jet.’ The painting is currently on display in Sonoma at the Creekside Clubhouse where Rundstrom lives.

Known as ‘Sig’ to family and friends, Rundstrom has been especially busy since the onset of COVID-19 back in March of this year. “I am painting obsessively many paintings at the same time,” he explained.

“I lost my beloved greyhound named ‘Jet’ in March, he said. Still, I continue my walks along the trails of Sonoma. I paint many of the dogs I meet along the way.” He presents them as gifts to the neighbors and friends Rundstrom has become acquainted with.

At present, Rundstrom is working on a painting of ‘Branson’ a young Irish Wolfhound who lives in the neighborhood. Rundstrom also just completed two paintings of ‘Rudy’ a large Poodle that he and his wife, Charlene just babysat. “Rudy is a real character,” he said.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are 48,255,413 households in the United States with at least 1 dog. That’s about 38 percent. It is a rough estimate as other statistical reports vary based upon surveys taken.

According to Statista, an online data source, there are at least 89 million canines in American homes across the nation. And that figure says Statista, represents an increase of about 20 million dogs since the year 2000.

One explanation of the increase in dogs per household for example might be Rundstrom himself, as he noted. “My initial paintings are of all the seven dogs Charlene and I have had over the years. They are in my dog series, he continued. We got Nika first, then Wolf, Princess Daisy, Juma, Finn, Zoie and until just recently, Jet.”

According to Psychology Today, a reason why dogs are so popular is because of their unconditional love. Described by some as a “pure love.” Regardless of the particular breed, a human seems to bond more easily with a dog more than other animals.

Yet, as The Atlantic also points out, the increase in dogs per household depends upon what country. The United States is the leader in this category, especially when compared to places like South Korea where dogs are considered literally as meat to eat.

Like many people, Rundstrom and Charlene welcomed dogs into their home from rescue shelters like Pets Lifeline of Sonoma. Since 1982 Pets Lifeline has achieved the ability through the help of many to save as many animals as possible to a 96 percent success rate. That includes attending to veterinary-medical needs, spaying and neutering and finding a ‘forever home’ for each animal rescued or surrendered by a former owner. According to Petpedia a pet-data collecting resource, there are 14,000 shelters and rescue groups in the U.S.

Rundstrom's work gives witness to the love people have for their dogs as he said. “Neighbors and people I have met while hiking are so surprised and happy to receive my painting of their dog.”

While the town of Sonoma might not be as ‘dog-inclusive’ as Carmel, which is (home to the late movie star Doris Day’s hotel – Cypress Inn, that treats dogs as guests), Sonoma is home to thousands of dogs.

Until recently Sonoma was one of the few places that had a bakery (Three Dog Bakery) just for dog treats and biscuits. It closed in 2018. No doubt that would have been an ideal place for Rundstrom to display his dog series of paintings.

For now Rundstrom is happy just to paint. His muse has guided much of Rundstrom’s obsession in the outpouring of his work since this past March. He refers to this muse as “Mr. Mojo.”

Rundstrom has just completed two dog series, “Art Dogs” and “Dog Days of Summer” which can be seen on his website.