man's best friend

It's often been said that dogs are man's best friend (personally i'm more of a cat fan) and here is one example of how people cherish their canine companions.  I can't say for certain if this piece was a commission and therefore has a portrait of an actual dog in the center, or whether it's a generic doggy themed plate.  Either way, the subject matter is charming and rather unusual for Bishop & Stonier - circa 1890s/turn of the 20thC.  I think the dog here is a kind of Collie, but am happy to stand corrected.