From the Black Dog series by @sophiegamand, whose work we featured in our summer 2020 Magical Beasts issue ✨ She says: I’m finally picking up my BLACK DOG series (which I started in 2014!). It was originally inspired by the fact that black dogs are overlooked in the shelter system. I wanted to make them visible, and glorious. But this series has evolved into a bit more than that. I am fascinated by stories of the Old World, where dogs were often described as guides to the human souls. The way you treated dogs in your life, would impact your transition. Because often, the Afterlife was rendered inaccessible by a river of blood or some other obstacle. You dog guide would help you cross it. In Aztec mythology, the Xolo (which you know I am obsessed with!) guided the deceased through the Underworld for 4 years before they reached their destination. When I was in Ecuador, a man told me that the elder thought black dogs were better than white dogs, because they were less afraid of getting dirty during the gruesome trip... Ciabatta is a good example of the prejudice that surrounds black dog. She’s been at the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace for a while now. Ciabatta was pulled from LA County Animal Services Palmdale campus. She had 4 little puppies with her. The family was fostered in a home until the puppies were adopted. Ciabatta is a baby herself, at only 1.5 years old, she cannot wait to find her own family. She did great in foster care, was a great house guest, and loved hanging out with her preteen foster brother. She walks very well on a leash, loves treats, and is easy to train. She is about 65lbs. She’d make a wonderful family companion! There is no reason for her to wait any longer! And not featured here are her insane ears! Check the comments for those :P For more info and to offer to foster or adopt Ciabbatta, head to the PetSpace page or visit www.annenbergpetspace.org.