Ball Hog 

Lucia Heffernan painted ‘Ball Hog’ using oil on canvas sometime after 1966. While seemingly whimsical, the image speaks to the social role of animals as pets, and specifically, dogs, in contemporary Western culture. The work features two golden retrievers, each wearing visors and holding tennis balls in their mouths. The backdrop resembles a tennis court, suggesting a narrative of leisure and recreation. Dogs have transitioned from working animals to cherished companions, often reflecting their owners' lifestyles and values. The dogs' accessories indicate their integration into human activities, blurring the lines between pet and family member. Exploring the historical context of pet ownership, sociological studies of human-animal interactions, and even advertising trends would further illuminate the cultural significance of Heffernan’s artwork. Art, then, offers a unique lens through which we might examine the evolving dynamics of society.