AB Pop Art makes your pet pop! Interview with artist Alicia Banks

The artist and her loyal German Shepherd, Truda.

Alicia Banks of Texarkana, Texas sees pets in a whole new light. Bright, bold, vibrant colors make pets come alive in her unique pop art pieces custom-made for pet owners. Working under the name AB Pop Art, Alicia creates art that not only memorializes treasured pets, but turns them into models for kitschy and fun art that will liven up any decor. Ms. Banks was kind enough to grant Mad About Pets an interview about AB Pop Art, and offer some insight into her creative process.

(Mad About Pets) Why are pets your preferred subjects (versus other subject matter?)

(Alicia Banks) I choose to paint pets over any other subjects because I have always loved animals, dogs in particular. Before I started selling my artwork all I would sketch and paint were animals. Growing up I would always bring home abandoned animals or animals that needed to find a good home (dogs, pot belly pigs, a turkey named Lucky Tom, turtles and so on.) I also worked as a vet tech and I have been a groomer for the past 7 years, so I have always worked with or around animals my whole life. Why not paint something you absolutely adore?

I see that you paint with watercolors. Why is that your preferred medium?

"The Gang"

The reason I chose watercolors as my medium is because they are easy to blend. Everyone always asks me why not use acrylic; honestly, I have never worked with acrylic. If you were to look at my paintings you would never even know they were watercolor paint, they look exactly like acrylic because I paint the colors on so thick.

Do you have a favorite type of animal to paint?

My favorite type of animal are dogs, I have never owned a cat but I do enjoy painting them as well. My favorite breeds to paint are German Shepherds, Great Danes and English Bulldogs.

Your paintings are very bright and bold. Is there an artist whose style you most admire, or who has influenced your work? 

I have always admired Andy Warhol-- his bold and vibrant colors always put me in a happy mood. Another artist that I admire is George Rodrigue. Even though he only paints the same "blue dog", he uses a ton of colors like me. I actually follow his wife Wendy Rodrigue's blogs and soak up every bit of what she writes about him.

Do you have any pets of your own? If so, how do they inspire you?

I own a German Shepherd named "Truda"; she is a little over a year old and has been by my side from day one. She is a big part of my life and my inspiration. I have painted a few pieces that she is included in, one being "The Gang" which features a German Shepherd in the middle, a Rottweiler to the right, Pit Bull to the left and an English Bulldog in the lower bottom of the painting. I was inspired to create this painting because when my husband and I were searching for places to live here in Texarkana, every place had a breed restriction list. These four breeds were usually on every list! It actually made me more upset than anything, so I created in my own mind that these were the coolest breeds. Yet they were banned from everywhere! That's how "The Gang" was thought up . I even added sunglasses on them to make them look even cooler.

Is there a painting of yours that you are particularly proud of?

I am really proud of all of my work because every painting that I paint has a story, but one in particular would be a baby Pug that I painted for a friend of mine named Karen. She worked with my mother for several years and had one of the biggest smiles that would literally light up a room. Karen was very ill from fighting lung cancer and asked my mother if I would paint her sister's dog for her. I was thrilled to do this for her. I finished the painting and by the time it got there, Karen had already lost her battle. But I know that it will always be treasured by Karen's sister and her family.

If you are interested in a piece from AB Pop Art or would like to see more of Alicia's work, please check out the website and Facebook page for examples, pricing and contact information. 

Why does my cat smell something, then open his/her mouth?

We cat owners have all seen it...you’re laying on the couch, minding your own business, when the cat jumps up and takes a big whiff of your feet. Your cat then opens its mouth and grimaces as if your feet are the worst smell it has ever encountered. Really makes you feel self conscious, doesn’t it?

A cat exhibiting the flehmen response.
Photo credit: fabcats.org

When this happens, you are seeing your cat’s Jacobson’s Organ (or vomeronasal organ, if you want to get fancy) in action. This organ is located on the roof of the mouth right behind the front teeth, and is connected to the nasal cavity. Many types of animals actually have this organ, even insects and reptiles. There are several theories about the use of the Jacobson’s Organ, but the most common theory is that the organ helps to sense pheromones and chemical compounds. Your cat accesses this organ through the “flehmen response”; this is where the cat opens its mouth and literally inhales the scent.

Cats generally utilize their Jacobson’s Organ when they encounter a scent that is unusual to them (like your sweaty feet.) Basically, your cat is trying to figure out what this scent means. Is it related to reproduction? Is it a scent marking? Is it food? The Jacobson’s Organ is not quite smelling, but it’s not quite tasting either. It’s a different sense altogether (one that science suggests humans lack.)

The Jacobson’s Organ is just another amazing way our cats become familiar with their surroundings, locate suitable sexual partners, and avoid danger. 

Why do cats use a litter box?

The litter box: one of the best and worst things about owning a cat. Cats are great because they go potty in a box, and don’t have to be let out several times a day to “go.” Of course that means there is a box in your house full of cat waste. It can be a pain to keep the litter box clean, but still…it’s better than waking up at 2:00 a.m. to let the cat out!

Your child's sandbox is the ideal "litter box" for feral cats.
Photo credit: lowes.com

But why exactly do cats use a litter box? Well, it all goes back to before cats were domesticated. By burying their feces, cats break the scent trail and protect them from predators. It’s much easier to dig in sand or loose dirt than digging a hole in the regular soil, so they naturally gravitate towards those easier digging spots. Ever notice that feral cats will seek out a child’s sandbox to use as a litter box? Naturally indoor domesticated cats will seek out a place that is easy to bury their waste, and the best choice for them is the litter box. They prefer a finely ground litter that resembles sand, which is why fine grained clay litters tend to be the most accepted litter choice for cats.

In the “wild”, cats urinate and defecate in different spots. For this reason, it is always best to have 2 litter boxes in a single cat household. You may find that your cat prefers to urinate in one box, and defecate in the other. This is a call back to natural, wild behavior. In a multi-cat household, the rule of thumb is “1 box per cat, plus 1.” So if you have 3 cats, you should have 4 boxes. 4 cats, 5 boxes. And so on.

Mother cats teach their kittens how to potty properly.
Photo credit: pupsispups.blogspot.com

Most cats are taught by their mother how to properly bury their waste and where to do it, but some kittens raised from a young age by humans may have missed out on mom’s lessons. In that case, simply placing the kitten into the litter box after meals, play sessions, and other rigorous activity should be sufficient to potty train the kitten. The natural desire to ward off predators is in a cat’s very DNA, and they will naturally be inclined to use a litter box when provided.

Always remember, though, that cats are impeccably clean creatures. As such, they require a clean litter box that lives up to their standards. Try your best to scoop the litter box at least once per day, and sanitize the box frequently to get rid of the ammonia build-up from urine.

Why does my cat slowly blink at me when I look at him/her?

I know my blue eyes are lovely, but please
refrain from staring at me.

The eyes are another aspect of our cats' complicated body language. To directly stare at a cat is considered a threatening behavior. Think about it, though…doesn’t it make you uncomfortable and a little creeped out when someone stares at YOU too long? Sometimes the cat may look away if you stare it directly in the eye. Sometimes it may continue staring back at you, unwavering. But sometimes, the cat may slowly blink at you. The slow blink is body language stating, “I am not a threat to you.” As a cat owner, you may find your cat staring intently at you from across the room. If you slowly blink at the cat, it will probably blink slowly back at you. By slowly blinking at the cat, you are giving him the message that you are not a threat. By blinking back at you, your cat is telling you, “Hey, neither am I. I’m pretty comfortable here.” Cats also use the slow blink with other cats to break up an aggressive stare down.

Some behaviorists use the “slow blink” trick when meeting new cats. It can be a way to “break the ice” with the cat, showing her that you are not a threat. To be honest, the best way to show you are not a threat to a cat is to not stare her in the eye to begin with! Though the cat may slowly blink in submission, staring the cat in the eye IS a threatening gesture, and most cats respond better if you simply look past them or off to the side. Ever notice that someone who dislikes cats seems to be the most attractive person to a cat? That’s because people who dislike cats tend not to pay them any attention, and that (in feline language) is a non-threatening gesture and an invitation for further contact. For “cat haters”, it’s almost a catch 22.

The best rule of thumb? Never stare a cat directly in the eyes. It’s just not nice.

5 Unique and Unusual Dog Breeds

Have you ever watched the Westminster Dog Show and realized just how many dog breeds you're NOT familiar with? Personally, it seems like I am learning about new breeds all the time. Here are some of the most unique and unusual that I've encountered.

Photo credit: dogfamily.org

Komondor

You may recognize the Komondor from the cover of Beck's 1996 album Odelay. The Komondor has a unique corded coat, basically the equivalent of dreadlocks! Komondor puppies are fuzzy and soft, and it takes about 2 years for the undercoat and outer coat to lock up into the characteristic cords. The breed is a highly effective livestock guardian, and the corded coat is thought to protect against bites from prey animals like wolves.

Photo credit: pets-puppies.blogspot.com

Chinese Crested

Is it just me, or does this breed look like it belongs in an 80's glam rock band? The Chinese Crested is a mix of hairless and long-haired, with a naked body and tufts of fur on the feet, tail and head. Having 2 types of coat means double the grooming needs. The naked skin needs to be treated like a human's, and can be prone to the same sorts of problems like acne and sunburn. The furry parts can matt easily, and as such need to be brushed and combed frequently. The amount of fur varies from dog to dog, and some dogs in a litter of Chinese Crested may be born with a full, long coat and almost no hairlessness whatsoever!

Photo credit: nicholasspyer.com

Peruvian Hairless

The Peruvian Hairless dog is a very old breed indeed, documented by the Spanish in the 1500's and exhisting well before that time. The dog is considered a hairless dog, though it can have small amounts of hair on its body (particularly on the head and tail.) Many of the dogs sport a rather fashionable mohawk! The skin can come in any color from pink to black, and mottled with any color in between. Peruvian Hairless Dogs (or Peruvian Inca Orchids as they're sometimes known) in America tend to all look rather similar, as they are bred from a small breeding pool of imported dogs. However, the breed tends to be more variable in its native South America. It is a fairly small dog, ranging from about 25-50 pounds (though sometimes smaller.) Extra care needs to be given to the skin to slough off dead skin cells, and the skin should be protected by sunscreen when the dog is in the sun.

Photo credit: woofahs.com

Klee Kai

At first glance of a photo, it is hard to see anything unusual about the Klee Kai. It looks just like a regular Husky, right? Well, yes AND no. Though the Klee Kai may look like a common sled dog, it is actually a miniature version of the Husky! The Klee Kai looks more-or-less like a Husky puppy that never grew up. The adult height is between 13-17 inches (for comparison, that's about the size of an average Beagle.) The Klee Kai retains the same personality and active lifestyle as other sled dogs, but it's all packed into a tiny little package. The breed was released to the public in 1988 and is a member of the American Rare Breed Association and United Kennel Club.

Photo credit: breederretriever.com

Basenji

The Basenji is a unique breed not because of what you see, but what you hear...or rather, what you don't hear. Considered by many to be the most silent breed of domestic dog, the Basenji simply doesn't bark! It is nicknamed the "Barkless Dog" for this reason. Though it may be considered "barkless", it's not entirely silent. It has a characteristic yodel and makes other unusual noises. Some theorize that the unusual vocalizations come from a selective breeding of sorts. The dog originates from Central Africa, and it is possible that louder dogs with a more traditional bark were killed to keep human villages safe and less visible to rival neighboring tribes. Whether or not this is true, the unusual sounds are biologically caused by an unusually shaped larynx.

Interactive Treat Toys for Dogs

Treat toys for dogs are great toy ideas for several reasons. Did you know that bloat is considered to be the leading cause of death in dogs? For dogs that eat too quickly, treat toys can cause the dog to slow down and as a result gulp less air in. Slowing down a dog's eating is the best way to prevent bloat. Another reason treat toys are great is because they stimulate your dog mentally. Many of the toys are puzzles and cause your dog to use problemsolving skills. A mentally stimulated dog is a happy dog!

Here are some great treat toys to consider for your dog:

Nina Ottosson's Dog Tornado

The idea behind the Nina Ottosson's "Dog Tornado" is for the dog to dislodge the removable bones, then turn the revolving sections to reveal the hidden treats. The Tornado has many variables to increase the level of difficulty as the dog's skill improves. With a little practice he will soon learn to dislodge the bones and turn the Tornado to access the hidden rewards.

Aikiou Interactive Dog Bowl

The Aikiou has compartments in which you can hide different types of food. This will keep your animal busy during mealtimes, turning the wheel and opening the sliding doors to access the food. This system adds brain stimulating component to feeding, slowing down the rate at which food is ingested and thus reducing digestion problems. Making mealtime an intellectual activity is very positive and stimulating for your pet since he will need to use his senses to hunt for his meal and is rewarded when he succeeds. This bowl can also be used for education and interactive games both pet and owner can enjoy. Simply hide food rewards in the compartments and encourage your pet to find them. For Balanced, Entertaining Mealtimes! Let your dog discover how much fun it is to eat from an Aikiou dog food bowl. Using his paws and muzzle, your pet must turn the wheel and open the sliding doors to access the food that is hidden underneath. Suitable for dogs of all sizes. Your dog will discover how much fun it is to eat from an Aikiou bowl, with its unique search and find system. Can hold up to 3 1/2 cups of food.

Kyjen Dog Games Treat Wheel

With eight treat or food chambers, Kyjen Dog Games Treat Wheel combines the difficulties of Star Spinner and Paw Hide. The dog must use its mouth to lift each cup, then spin the top to reveal more treats. Rubber soles prevent slippage.

Buster Food Cube

Smarter Toys make their dogs work for their food which provides healthy mental and physical stimulation. The Buster Food Cube is the most difficult treat dispenser and features an adjustable hole to control difficulty level.

Premier Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Dog Toy

Premier Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble makes dogs work for their food in a fun and challenging way. Mentally and physically stimulates dogs by appealing to their natural prey and stalking drives. Holds approximately 2 cups of food. The Treat Meter on either end of the balls randomly dispenses kibble and treats.

Do you have a favorite interactive treat bowl or toy for your dog?

Why does my cat purr?

The short answer: Lots of reasons.

The long answer: Here we go...the first and most common reason cats purr is because they're content. Cats purr when they're happy; some even purr while they eat. If your kitty is laying next to you purring up a storm, you can be pretty darn certain you've got a happy kitty on your hands.

The face of contentment.

Purring is not solely a response to contentment, however. Cats also purr when they're frightened, threatened, or giving birth! This seems to suggest that purring is also a way for a cat to comfort itself. Cats purr at about 25 Hz...the same frequency used for ultrasound therapy in humans. Since 25 Hz ultrasound therapy can help to manage pain in humans, it stands to reason that a cat's purr would do the same. It seems cats have their own built-in comforting and pain management system in the purr! This evidence suggests that a purring cat may have therapeutic benefits to humans as well (but of course we cat owners already knew that.)

It is also possible that cats under stress might purr as sort of a nervous gesture. For example, a cat being brought to the vet might purr even though it is clearly unhappy. It's almost as though the cat is saying, "See, I'm nice! Please don't hurt me." Just like people may smile uncontrollably or laugh inappropriately when we're nervous, some cats seem to purr to try and diffuse a bad situation.

There is still much controversy as to how and why the purr evolved. It doesn't seem we'll have a definitive answer anytime soon...so far, no cats are talking.