Timothy Wolfe’s love of wildlife and his innate ability to create art from nature began at an early age. While growing up in rural Beaver County, Pennsylvania, he studied the lives and habits of God’s wild creations. “I spent every spare moment outdoors – walking the hills and woods and mead-ows, while sketching and observing the animals and birds I sought to know better.”

In 1989 he started work as a sculptor’s assistant to Dr. Thomas F. Clark. With Dr. Clark’s encouragement and guid-ance, Timothy has developed “Tracks,” a new line of sculpture designed exclusively for Cairn Studio.

Paying close attention to nature, Timothy’s works are a unique blend of realism and a touch of whimsy. By capturing the animals’ expressive features and their somewhat human-like characteristics, the artist has bestowed each creation with a distinct personality.

“It is my hope that through ‘Tracks, people will become more acquainted with the wildlife that may be as close as their backyard or woodlot. The natural world at one’s doorstep can be as exciting and fascinating as a national park or public zoo.

I hope these animals will no longer be strangers, but friends you haven’t yet met.”

ALBERT #9007   Poor Albert. He’ll never gain the respect or admiration many of the other animals have, simply because he was born–well, an opossum. Unattractive and widely known to be lacking in the intelligence area, opossums will never be at the top of “the most popular animals” list. Albert though, can boast of one attribute that only he and other opossums share–they are the only mammals in the United States to have been carried around in their mother’s pouch! That is where Albert and seven other tiny opossums, born the size of honey bees, spent their first two months of childhood. From there, they graduated to riding on Ma’s back, with each of the little mouse-size youngsters clinging to her fur for dear life. After having learned the ways of survival, Albert is finally out on his own to seek his fortune elsewhere. He’s found that foraging for food has been surprisingly easy, since he has developed a taste for just about anything. (Grapes are his weakness however, and Albert will risk everything to get at them.) Finding a place to sleep hasn’t been a problem either; a vacant squirrel’s nest, a hollow log, under a porch or any old hole will do nicely. All in all, Albert is adapting to his new world quite well-despite any mental or aesthetic shortcomings. It is just too bad that he can’t control his fondness for crossing public highways.

ALEX AND LOUIE #9033  “I beg your pardon, Sir..” At first, Alex was polite in trying to get the attention of his unwelcome passenger: “Uh, excuse me, Mr. Frog, but….Hello…?” Realizing that this soft approach was to no avail, he suddenly blurted out, “HEY BUDDY, GET OFF MY BACK!” Who can really blame Alex for becoming a bit irate? Let’s face it, for a turtle, getting from one place to another is slow going enough as it is – let alone having to bear the weight of some freeloading frog. Speaking of which, lazy Louie had best get hopping to find other means of transportation if he wishes to reach his destination any time soon. Then again, he obviously wasn’t in any big hurry to get there in the first place.

ALVIN #9044  After being cooped up in this egg for nearly a month, Alvin has finally hatched. Well, almost – he still has a bit of squirming to do before he is completely free. But Alvin is having second thoughts about the whole thing. Compared to life inside the egg, this new world he is about to enter looks awfully large and frightening (not to mention noisy). Most of the noise is coming from his brothers and sisters. They have all hatched and are chirping, “C’mon, Alvin, don’t be a chicken!”

AMANDA #9065  Amanda was busy playing in the herb garden all morning long. She engaged in a game of tag with a butterfly, played peekaboo with a bee, and tried unsuccessfully to ambush a hummingbird. Then she rolled and rolled in a patch of catnip until she herself smelled of the scented herb. All this playing left Amanda feeling very sleepy. This little basket seemed like the purfect spot for a cat nap! After getting nice and cozy, Amanda dozed off and began to dream. She dreamed of fishing, mice chasing and old Gunsmoke reruns. But mostly, she dreamed of playing.

ANIMAL ALPHABET SERIES: See Separate Page.

AND JOY #9058 Where’d Mom go? This little cub is having so much fun exploring her new world that she has ventured from sight of Mother Bear. Joy didn’t really mean to stray so far – her curiosity simply got the best of her. Oh well, Mom can’t be too far, so until she’s found Joy will continue doing what roly-poly bear cubs do best – play! The sow bear is already searching for her missing toddler. It just won’t do for her to be without either of her two cubs. After all, they are Mama’s Pride and Joy.

BARRY #9048 By the time spring rolls around, Barry has baseball fever. You see, he lives near the local ball field, and when baseball is in season, so too are peanuts! Lots of them! When the hometown boys are playing, Barry scurries around under the bleachers, dining on peanuts that have escaped the mouths of excited fans. Sometimes Barry gets brave and slips into the dugout. Here, if he is real quick and clever, he can make off with a few sunflower seeds. It is usually around the seventh inning when Barry has had enough, and he’ll retire out in left field to watch the rest of the game. One day, some of these players will earn astronomical salaries. Barry, however, will always be content to work for peanuts.

BARTHOLOMEW #9028  Bartholomew was so busy stuffing his expandable cheek pouches with nuts and corn that he almost didn’t notice this hat lying in the leaves. From the hat’s odd shape and color, he soon recognized it as belonging to the male species of little folk who inhabit his neck of the woods. At first, Bartholomew was going to leave it where it lay. After all, what use would a chipmunk have for such a thing? It certainly wouldn’t look good on him and even if it did, would only get in the way when darting up and down his little underground tunnels. That was all before he discovered the hat’s carrying capacity. When filled to the rim, it holds three times the amount of food his cheeks can, and that means fewer trips to and from the burrow. Thanks to this hat, Bartholomew is now a smart shopper and bringing home the groceries has become less of a chore. This doesn’t mean he wouldn’t return the hat to its rightful owner. Bartholomew would be more than happy to – if the price is right!

BEARHUG #9801   This statue is a special collaborative effort between Cairn artists Lee Sievers and Timothy Wolfe. “Bear Hug” combines the endearing personality from Lee’s Good Life Collection with Timothy’s expressive animal sculpture. According to Wolfe, “The idea was first conceived as Lee and I talked over dinner – in a restaurant somewhere between Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Denver, Colorado.” What an expression Of friendship and caring. The giant bear hug That these two are sharing. It comes from the heart Whenever they meet, So powerful it lifts them Right off their feet.

BERNIE #9004  It was the repeated squawking of a blue jay that woke Bernie from his afternoon nap. He had been dreaming again – a wonderful dream in which he was doing his favorite thing of all; napping. To a little squirrel just five weeks old, few things were more precious than sleep, and Bernie spent more time sleeping than anything else – even eating! He very much disliked being interrupted from either. He had dozed off shortly after being tucked into this temporary bed by his mother. She would be returning soon, to carry him on to his new home. (A curious house cat had discovered the hollow tree which had served as the original nursery for him and his sisters, so now, one by one, Mom was transporting the youngsters to a different nest.) Bernie wonders if he’ll like the new place, and hopes there aren’t any blue jays there.

BISKIT #9104  Young Biskit was born one of six puppies to a pair of fine, AKC registered bloodhounds. He spent the first few weeks of his life wrestling with his siblings, learning things from mom, and mostly, eating. Though he seldom saw his father, Biskit could often hear him – from a nearby kennel – barking out conversa-thon with Mother. It came to pass that, one by one, Biskit’s brothers and sisters were each taken away by smiling, happy people. Eventually he was the only puppy left. Then, one day a young couple came and carried Biskit to what he assumed was his new home. At first it felt strange and he was lonely for his mother. That soon changed however, as his new owners cared for Biskit very well. They showered him with attention, affectIon and love. As a matter of fact, the little fellow was treated like a king. What’s all the fuss? he wondered. After all, he ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog!

BOB #9030  Now here is one satisfied frog. After gulping down a mouthful of arthropods, Bob has gone into a digestive trance while relax. ing on this fishing float. The buoyant ball has drifted ashore.. into the calm, shallow corner of the little farm pond. This is where, since hatching from a jellylike mass containing nearly twenty thousand eggs, Bob has called home. Just a few days ago, Bob emerged from hibernation in the oozy mud beneath three feet of water. He isn’t sure who came up with this hibernating idea but it certainly wasn’t a frog; Bob would much rather spend the winters in South Florida. This will be Bob’s seventh spring as a fully-developed pond resident. While it may not seem all that old for a frog, it’s doing pretty good for a guy who was voted by his fellow tadpoles as “most likely to be swallowed by a largemouth bass.”

BOONE #9073  Boone, like a lot of other bears, loves to have his back scratched. All that thick fur is great, but can you imagine how itchy it can get? At times it can be downright unbearable! Here we find Boone lazily rubbing his back against a conveniently angled tree. Bears discovered this clever back scratching method eons ago. Some individuals, such as Boone, will even adopt a favorite rubbing tree. Sure, any old tree will do in a pinch, but Boone always comes back to this one. He thinks of it as an old friend. From the satisfied expression on his face it would appear Boone is thoroughly enjoying himself. He might be saying, “OOOGHH … just a little more to the ….. AAAH-HH… right.” ** Sprawled across a wide valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the town of Boone was named for the early pioneer-woodsman, Daniel Boone. Born near Reading, Pennsylvania, Boone was a frequent visitor to the area, spending weeks at a time hunting wild game (bears included) and ginseng. The settlement that eventually became the town of Boone was part of his route through the Blue Ridge and Cumberland mountains to Kentucky. Centuries later, there are still “bar in them thar hills.”

BRIAR #9053  Meet Scrap the Fox’s arch rival and much sought-after foe: Briar Rabbit. It is hard to imagine how an unimposing little guy like Briar could be at the top of Scrap’s “most wanted” list. What could someone possibly have against a harmless, defenseless bunny? Well, looks can be deceiving because according to Scrap, underneath that cute, cuddly exterior lies one of the orneriest minds ever to come out of a briar patch. Perhaps Briar isn’t such a bad fellow – it could be that Scrap is merely biased. After all, Scrap hates to be out foxed, especially by a rabbit.

BUZZ #9050   This young black bear has found what would seem to be an easier method for acquiring honey! Normally Buzz must first do some tree-climbing to reach the source of his favorite sweet. Once there, he then has to get past the swarm of stingy bees who guard their golden nectar with a vengeance. (Buzz knows from experience that these guys mean business and can be a real pain in the rump.) Today Buzz avoided these risks and simply stole a crockful of the stuff from a nearby farm. Unfortunately he has just been caught im the act and is about to receive a good broom thrashing from one angry beekeeper. What is it about honey that always causes Buzz to wind up in a sticky situation?

CALHOUN #9051  The black mask Calhoun wears across his eyes and forehead gives him a peculiarly mischievous appearance. This is not belied by his personality, as Calhoun has a habit of getting into trouble. His idea of a good time is raiding garbage cans night after night, or stealing corn from the local farmer. Ah! How he loves sweet corn Calhoun is particularly fond of frogs, too and he gets real pleasure out of wandering along a stream or pond, frog fishing. The great thing about frogs is that they seldom need washing! By nature, raccoons are an inquisitive sort, and there is nothing like a good story-telling to arouse Calhoun’s curiosity. He prefers to listen from the safety of a tree – just in case there are any eager coon hounds around!

CAROLYN #9129   The spirit of Christmas spreads throughout the wildlife community in much the same way it does our own. Our animal counterparts share in the joy and excitement of this special holiday season as it is a great time of celebration for them, too! In every forest, every warren, and every patch of woods, there can be found a local Christmas choir. A choir may number from three to twenty animals and it is comprised of a select group of individuals who, for one reason or another, consider themselves best qualified at carrying a tune. Their choruses can be heard at any hour, day or night, and can be quite pleasing to the human ear. Unfortunately, we humans can become so wrapped up in other affairs during the Christmas season that we seldom, if ever, take the time to listen. Carolyn first took an interest in music while growing up in and around London Town. She comes from a family of musically inclined hedgehogs, and both her mother and father were active in the church choir. Carolyn began singing professionally at an early age. When just out of grammar school, she began touring as a member of the popular hedgehog trio, “The Three Little Pigs.” Today, she couldn’t be happier as a member of the Carols for Critters choir. “When we sing together,” she says in her sweet British accent, “it just sends chills up and down my spines!”

CHET #9119   Chet has joined Jimmy, the dulcimer-playing squirrel, in a little mountain music. Always looking for someone to jam with, Jimmy happened upon Chet playing solo at a church picnic. “I never heard such guitar-picking,” Jimmy says, “yet there he was, playing for carrots.” The two of them quickly got together and it didn’t take long till the music started to feel right. “The chemistry was there right away,” says Jimmy. “We sort of just clicked.” Since then the two of them have been heard playing from dusk till dawn. There’s even talk of a serious band in the works … stay tuned.

CHI CHI #9117   During our visit to Japan in 1995 I was approached with requests to sculpt the animals for the Asian zodiac, or “Eto” in Japanese. I completed Chi Chi in January of 1996, as this was the Year of the Mouse. Those born in this year are said to be cheerful, optimistic and talented in many fields. Golf is an ever-increasing pastime in Japan. While there, I was curious about the numerous large, netted structures that are seen throughout Japan’s major cities. Resembling the draped works of the artist Christo, these nets house golf driving ranges and are often several stories tall. Chi Chi is obviously a fan of the game, too. Let us hope that he is careful to stay out of the (sand) traps!

FRITZ #9009   When he was still too young to eat solid foods, Fritz sneaked out of the nest and gorged himself on sunflower seeds that had spilled under the local bird feeder. Neither the ensuing scolding he received from his mother, nor the awful bellyache that followed, did little in the way of teaching him a lesson – Fritz was just born a rebel. Ignoring any warnings or advice from elders, this juvenile squirrel pretty much does whatever he wants, whenever he feels like it. It’s almost as if his one ambition in life is to be as mischievous as possible, and so far he’s on the right track. To the other young squirrels, Fritz is their fearless ringleader who is always willing to try something new and daring. His latest and most spectacular stunt was pulled at a nearby playground. Here, he raced to the top of a picnic table and snatched a cracker from a paper plate – much to the astonished looks of the children who were seated there. Now Fritz pays regular visits to picnic tables and is often rewarded for his boldness with what he has since acquired a taste for: crackers.

GEORGE #9132   At the request of the Sony Corporation I have created three animal statues to be introduced in Japan under the title “Forest Guardian Spirits.” As the name implies, these three friends are dedicated to the preservation and protection of the country’s beautiful natural resources. While conserving the land is their foremost concern, they may also be called upon for guidance by those who have lost their direction or are in need of aid while traveling through the woods and mountains. They are, respectfully: George the frog, Snappy the tortoise, and Webster the owl. George the frog spends most of his time sitting on his favorite little log, watching over the mountain stream where he has lived for the past 223 years. Some say that “Old George,” as he is often referred to, has been around as long as the hills themselves. He is especially devoted to keeping natural waters clean and pure. For his efforts, George asks nothing in return – although a good cigar is greatly appreciated.

GERALD #9005  Baby cottontails are born furless and with their eyes sealed shut for the first several days of infancy. What an exciting moment it must be; when their eyes finally open and they take their first look at the world around them! For Gerald, it has been a most overwhelming experience and he has plopped himself down in this little nest to “take in” all the new sights. He’s especially amazed (and a bit concerned) at the large size of his hind feet. He wonders if he will ever really grow into them. Although Gerald doesn’t realize it now, he will soon come to relv on these oversized “barges” to launch him into bounding leaps and quick dodges, or just for more leisurely hopping. A baby bunny’s world can have its ups and downs, but so far Gerald likes what he sees.

GINNY #9018   About mid-March or early April, when temperatures gradually rise and a thawing-out occurs over much of the eastern wood-lands, we begin to see familiar friends who have been absent throughout the cold months. The presence of groundhogs, migrating songbirds, singing toads and of course, chipmunks, is a sure sign that old man winter has loosened his grip – and spring has arrived at last! For Ginny, life begins anew in spring. Finally, she can emerge from hibernation in her underground burrow and spend some much needed time out-of-doors. It comes none too soon, as Ginny had nearly exhausted her winter’s food rations. Moreover, she was experiencing the early symptoms of cabin fever. Now, she can dine at will on spring berries while taking an exploratory trip around the old home place. And thanks again to her favorite stump, Ginny can enjoy a panoramic view of the local wildflowers that have bloomed iust in time to welcome her back.

GRIZZ #9095 (The Museum Series)  CBz #3500   The scientific name for the grizzly bear is Ursus horribilis. Ursus is Latin for bear, and horribilis literally means horrible, or terrifying bear. The grizzly’s aggressive nature and awesome size fostered much of the animal’s fearsome reputation and he has long symbolized the spirit of the American wilderness. Today, the great Grizz is in trouble. Preferring remote, roadless country and unable to adapt to human proximity, the grizzly has almost vanished from the lower 48 United States – there are less than 1,000 left, down from 50,000 in 1800. Unless measures are taken to manage and preserve his habitat, Grizz may no longer roam the wilds of America. Then, America would no longer be quite as wild.

GUS #9128   According to family members, Gus the chipmunk has been banging out a beat on something ever since he was a toddler. Rocks, acorn caps, stumps; it didn’t matter – if it made a sound, Gus would bang on it. “Why, that boy’s gonna be a drummer!” his mother would say. As a teenager Gus worked odd jobs during the summer to pay for his first “real” drum. It is the same one he plays to this very day. Recently, Gus teamed up with Jimmy and Chet in their little mountain band. They’re starting to sound real good together!

HARLEY #9040   Just because Harley was the runt of the litter doesn’t mean he was shorted on intelligence. His latest burst of genius is to hide inside a burlap sack whenever the farm owner comes around. Harley figures that as long as he stays in this sack he won’t ever have to worry about going to market. Who would buy a pig in a poke? His theory does have its flaws, however the most obvious being the fact that he will soon need a larger sack. When it comes to eating, this porker wasn’t shorted on appetite either and according to Davidson, the field mouse, Harley is getting plumper by the minute.

HARRY #9027   When Harry first discovered this overgrown nut he couldn’t believe his eyes. Just look at the size of this baby! Why, he could snack on this one for a week or more – that is, if he can get it open. Needless to say, this is going to be one tough nut to crack. Upon sizing up the situation, it would appear that maybe this time, Harry has bitten off more than he can chew. When it comes to food however, squirrels have an uncanny knack for figuring things out. Just ask anyone who has tried to keep them out of bird feeders! Harry here, likes to live by the old bushy-tail adage that goes, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Good luck, Harry.

HARVEY #9126   Harvey will never forget the day that he and his Woodspirit friend Gulliver first met the Charmers. While walking through the forest, they spotted a group of tiny Gnomes and tiny forest animals playing in a clump of clover. Harvey couldn’t quite believe his eyes! Yet, there they were, as plain as the nose on his face. Since then, Harvey and Gulliver have become close friends with the Charmers and are often seen in their company. The next time you take a walk through a forest or meadow, keep your eyes peeled… there may be Charmers about! ***Harvey is named after the rabbit from the 1950 movie starring Jimmy Stewart. My Harvey, however, is not an illusion!

HAWTHORN #9013   Hawthorn is delighted! He has just found another of these alien sphere-like objects that somehow find their way into the little patch of woods where he lives. He doesn’t know where they come from, but he’s pretty certain that the things are harmless – that is, once they’ve touched down and have become stationary. He is well aware that these UFO’s can be quite hazardous while airborne. Recklessly they come, crashing through limbs and ricocheting off of trees. An unsuspecting tree frog like himself might be caught in the direct flight path. He has noticed too, that shortly after the arrival of one of these objects, there often follows a visit to his woods by one or several of the giant creatures who walk upright and speak in unfamiliar tongues. They appear to be searching for something, bur their visits are usually brief. Hawthorn enjoys rolling his finds into secret places such as under logs or clumps of leaves. Here, they remain hidden for long periods of time or until they are discovered by a nosey chipmunk or squirrel.

HOGWASH #9059 (Cairn Key and A Dealers Series)  “Hold still and no wiggling!” Yolanda bellows to Hogden; not that he has either in mind. Hogden’s never one to turn down a chance to have his back scratched, and he doesn’t mind the cool water either. Of course, he’s not quite so appreciative of the soap, but then Hogden’s still a young hog, and soap is an acquired taste. Yolanda (sculpted by Roberta Griffin) better get her scrubbing in while she can; Hogden still has some growing to do before he reaches his full size. She doesn’t mind putting her back into it in the meantime. She tells him nursery rhymes, and tries to hide the sweet corn she’s got for him. There’s something she finds inspiring about this work. If you can clean a hog and keep him that way, you can do almost anything!

HOP TUIT #9072   Scruggs the rabbit has a habit of putting things off. He tends to postpone certain obligations, such as household chores and visits to relatives, for when he gets around to it. As we all know, it can sometimes take forever before we get a “round tuit.” Consequently, there are some things that just never get done! Recently Scruggs decided that enough was enough, and he was going to change his dilly – dallying ways. Old habits are hard to break, but thanks to his good friend Flatt the bullfrog, Scruggs has been given a bit of a boost. (And you thought they were just playing leap frog.) You see, frogs don’t believe in procrastinating. When there’s a job to do they simply “hop tuit!” ** These two characters are named for the legendary bluegrass team of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. One of their most popular tunes was “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.” Scruggs the rabbit and Flatt the frog have adopted their own version of the song. They call it “Froggy Mountain Breakdown.”

HUGHIE #9001  In its aftermath of destruction, Hurricane Hugo reminded us all that nature’s way can sometimes be anything but kind; many of the trees destroyed by the great storm had faithfully served as nesting sites for generations of squirrels and other wildlife. The morning after found hundreds of baby animals left homeless and orphaned. Fortunately for Hughie, who was only several weeks old at the time, what little he remembers of that terrible night is very vague; that’s because he slept through the whole thing! He does know that the two beings who raised him from that point on were not his natural parents. He’s not so sure they were even squirrels. Come to think of it, they were awfully large and certainly didn’t smell like him. It didn’t matter though, as the young couple showed Hughie a lot of love, and did their best to make him feel comfortable and at home. At first, he was nursed from a baby doll bottle filled with warm condensed milk and a splash of honey. Later came the good stuff, like saltine crackers topped with peanut butter! An old canary cage lined with an electric blanket was where he slept, and Hughie did plenty of that. As contented a little squirrel as he was, Hughie eventually began to hear the “call of the wild” and found that he could no longer resist his inner urge to return to the woods. He’s going to miss the young couple. But after all. this too is nature’s way.

IDA #9054   The spirit of Christmas spreads throughout the wildlife community in much the same way it does our own. Our animal counterparts share in the joy and excitement of this special holiday season as it is a great time of celebration for them, too! In every forest, every warren, and every patch of woods, there can be found a local Christmas choir. A choir may number from three to twenty animals and it is comprised of a select group of individuals who, for one reason or another, consider themselves best qualified at carrying a tune. Their choruses can be heard at any hour, day or night, and can be quite pleasing to the human ear. Unfortunately, we humans can become so wrapped up in other affairs during the Christmas season that we seldom, if ever, take the time to listen. Little Ida is said to have hit octaves so high that the neighborhood dogs came running and spoiled the Christmas concert. Her squeaky, high-pitched voice has, on more than one occasion, caused the other singers’ fur to stand on end and for this reason, she is often asked to sing solo; so-lo you can’t hear her. Still, Ida is well-liked and a welcome addition to the choir. She never misses a practice, and besides, she owns a robe.

IN THE DOGHOUSE #9127   (March, 1997) Ol’ Blue has been a bad dog again. He did something that made his owner very, very upset. Now, instead of sleeping on his warm, cozy pillow at the foot of her bed, he’s going to have to spend the night alone – in the doghouse. If only he could tell her how very sorry he is, and that it will never, ever happen again – maybe then she would forgive him – or at least buy him a bigger doghouse.

JASPER #9039   After leaving the hollow den tree where he had spent the day napping, Jasper’s first stop on his nightly rounds was the little creek that ran through the woodland valley. There, he robbed the muddy banks of a few freshwater clams. The older racoons claim these to be good eating, but try as he may, Jasper still hasn’t figured out how to open the shells. Forgetting the clams, he tormented a school of minnows instead. Working his way upstream, Jasper’s next stop was his favorite: the garbage cans in back of Old Man Wilks’ place. “Drat!” a disgruntled Jasper exclaimed when he discovered the new coon-proof lids. Not to worry, however, as there was always the corncrib behind the barn. It had recently been filled and would be easy pickings for a clever rascal like himself. Jasper had no sooner started on his second ear of corn, when he recognized the baritone voice of the local blue tick hound. The dog was hot on Jasper’s trail and moving out fast! “Aw, shucks,” Jasper mumbled as he quickly made his way back to the den tree. This just wasn’t his night at all.

JIMMY #9069   Deep in the hills and hollows of eastern America, a musical heritage has been preserved for generations. Among the things mountain folk all seem to share are strong family ties, a bond with the hills and a love for their music. Along with instruments like the guitar, fiddle and banjo, the dulcimer has been a longtime favorite with mountain musicians. Often homemade and relatively easy to play, the dulcimer’s unique sound has been described as hauntingly melancholy. Jimmy took up the dulcimer when he was barely able to climb. Granddaddy Squirrel handcrafted the instrument Jimmy now owns – using wood from the very tree in which the family lives. When evening comes and the chores are through, he can be found strumming to tunes like “Blue Moon of Kentucky” or his personal favorite, “Jimmy Crack Corn.” At one time Jimmy had dreams of making it big in music. Now he’d just as soon jam with the local choir or something. Anyway, he could never leave them thar hills.

JINGLES #9100   Clara, Pop, Ethel and the other “caroling critters” felt that their Christmas choir, though superb, was missing a little something. “What we need is instrumentation!” professed Mel the mole. They all agreed and with that, began a search for able musicians. It so happened that Ethel’s nephew was a bell-ringing rabbit named Jingles, who was currently out of a gig and itching to jam. “Let’s give him a shot” Clara said. As Jingles auditioned to the tune Sleigh Bells Ringing, Pop the weasel stopped singing in mid-song and exclaimed, ‘Man, that boy can play!” “Oh, you haven’t heard anything yet? said Ethel. “Just wait till he cuts loose on Jingle Bells!”

JODI #9046   October. It is that time of year when the days have gotten short-et, the nights cooler, and the pumpkin patch is bustling with activity. Among the frequent visitors to the patch is Jodi the chipmunk. Jodi’s interest in pumpkins has nothing to do with cary-ing faces or making pies. For her, it is time to stock up on her favorite winter snack: pumpkin seeds! Tasty, yet high in protein and Vitamin B, they are always a treat – the trick is getting them out of the pumpkin. For this reason, Jodi targets the smaller, more tender fruit,) Even little pumpkins can contain a bounty of seeds, and transporting them all from the patch to her winter burrow can be quite an undertaking. Not to fear, however, as the seeds that won’t fit into her cheek pouches can now be packed into her new-found hat. It may not be as lucky as Kelly’s; but Jodi thinks it is spooktacular!

JOSEPHINE #9022   “Aahhh. . ” There is no sensation to compare with this! Josephine has found that a hot tub is just the thing for winding down at the end of a long day, and rabbits, too, have their share of those. Josephine is on her feet a good bit and there are days when it seems like she is constantly on the go; whether it be chasing blackbirds from her favorite produce patch, or hightailing it from neighborhood canines. When hard-pressed by the latter, she often must cope with oncoming automobiles too, as sooner or later there will be a road to cross. All of this can leave even a well-fit rabbit with fatigue and muscle cramps. That is when Josephine can’t wait to sink her rump into this hollowed-out stump. When filled with warm rain water, it becomes a natural hot tub, tailor-made for a weary rabbit in need of a little R&R.

KARLA #9021   Scrub, scrub, scrub! Here we find Karla using her forepaws to wash her face. When it comes to personal hygiene and clean surroundings, this little rabbit is very conscientious, and strict measures are taken towards keeping herself and her home as dirt-free as possible. Nothing can escape Karla’s cleaning prowess, as everything within reach, of course, must be washed or dusted or mopped or swept on a regular basis. Such steps are necessary, Karla feels, for maintaining a tidy, sanitary environment, and also for discouraging the intrusion of insects. And if anything rubs her fur the wrong way, it’s bugs. Bugs not only carry germs, but they also make her sneeze. Some say that Karla is a bit overparticular about cleaning, but then again, cleanliness IS next to Godliness. And Karla’s heart is unsoiled.

KELLY #9034   Legend has it that if you take your eyes off a leprechaun, he vanishes like smoke. Could Kelly’s visitor have been a real live leprechaun? All she remembers is that one moment the little Irishman was there, and in the next -poof! He was gone. Poor fellow, he left in such a hurry that he forgot his hat. Being the curious sort, Kelly decided to try it on for size. What a marvelous creation! She had no sooner placed the hat on her furry head when, without warning, she began to giggle. It was as if her whole world had taken on a new and rather humorous dimension. Kelly giggled again, and then giggled even harder when she thought of Clifford and Hughie finding her in such a state. Her behavior wasn’t at all very squirrel-like, and they would probably think she had gotten into a batch of fermented acorns. Faith ‘n’ Begorra! It’s obvious she has the luck of the Irish and they’ll be green with envy.

LEWIS #9002   Darting from under a patch of clover to a lookout position atop a small stump, Lewis pauses to study the terrain. From this higher elevation he can better predetermine his next course of travel. To a little guy who stands only three inches tall (when on his hind legs), any opportunity to acquire a height advantage is a welcome one. Always the adventurous sort, Lewis has volunteered his skills as a scout and pathfinder to his fellow clan of field mice. Whenever the little group travels or goes on food expeditions, he scurries on ahead – selecting the best routes and making sure the coast is clear of predators. Thinking he has just heard the shrill whistle of a sharp-shinned hawk, he alertly cocks his ears forward and scans the sky. While he is knowledgeable of the danger hawks present to his kind, Lewis is rather envious of the big birds; what a view they must have from up there!

LEXIE #9025   Field corn and field mice just naturally go together, but snails? Who invited this guy? Lexie was minding her own business, munching away at the golden kernels from this shortened cob when suddenly, she was overcome with that odd feeling that she was being watched. There! Sitting right next to her, was one of these shelled creatures that, in case you haven’t noticed, have a habit of crawling their way into other little animals lives. This one apparently didn’t think Lexie would mind being joined for dinner. Boy, is he in for an earful!

MADELYN #9014   This little skunk is enjoying her first Spring. After spending the early weeks of her life deep inside the safety of an abandoned woodchuck burrow, Madelyn has ventured outside for the first time. So far, the experience has been packed full of adventure and exciting new discoveries. She has found her long claws to be just the perfect tools for digging up favorite foods. Insects are especially savored, and few things compare to an occasional earthworm for dessert. Madelyn’s biggest discovery was when she learned of the secret defense weapon she harbors some where under her tail: by raising her bushy plume and directing her backside at the proposed target, with amazing accuracy she has been able to send the farmer’s dog yelping for home. Now, Madelyn has realized that by simply taking aim, she can successfully bluff her adversaries into retreat, without ever once resorting to chemical warfare. The potential is there however, and she is well aware of it. To those unfortunate few who remember having been “skunked,” Madelvn will waddle through life a highly respected and much avoided little animal.

MAMA’S PRIDE #9057   It has only been a week or so since Mother Bear has allowed her young cubs to follow her outside of the den. As a first-time par-ent, she was quite anxious to show off her new pride and joy to the rest of the neighborhood. It didn’t take long before Mom realized how demanding parenthood can be – keeping these toddlers in line is a full-time job! So far, it would seem that the twins have made a habit of either getting into trouble or getting lost. Mother is always there to the rescue however, and while some serious scolding may be in order, it isn’t long before she showers them with love and affection. Speaking of getting lost, where is that other little cub? And where’s Papa Bear when you need him?

MARCH AND APRIL #9035   Spring is a time of renewal for the natural world, and as this rabbit has just learned, it can also be a season full of surprises. As if finding a purple egg in the leaves wasn’t enough, March stared in wide wonder when it suddenly began to crack open. Something was in there and it was trying to get out! After much effort and struggle, the egg’s inhabitant finally broke through the shell and revealed itself. “Peep! Peep!” were the hatchling’s first words. Translated, that’s chicken talk for “Mama! Mama!” and while March doesn’t realize it yet, she has become April’s adopted mother. Parent and child may not bear any physical resemblance to one another, but in fact, March and April do have something in common: Easter!

McINTOSH #9036   When McIntosh sank his teeth into this juicy red fruit it sent a quiver of pleasure through every molecule of his body. Never in all his born days had his taste buds experienced a flavor so tart .. so …so delicious! And to think that this stuff grows on trees! Little wonder why apples are America’s favorite fruit, and everyone from worms to Woodspirits can’t get enough of ’em. Trouble is, little McIntosh has had more than enough and the ensuing bellyache is going to put a real damper on dessert.

MEL #9082   The spirit of Christmas spreads throughout the wildlife community in much the same way it does our own. Our animal counterparts share in the joy and excitement of this special holiday season as it is a great time of celebration for them, too! In every forest, every warren, and every patch of woods, there can be found a local Christmas choir. A choir may number from three to twenty animals and it is comprised of a select group of individuals who, for one reason or another, consider themselves best qualified at carrying a tune. Their choruses can be heard at any hour, day or night, and can be quite pleasing to the human ear. Unfortunately, we humans can become so wrapped up in other affairs during the Christmas season that we seldom, if ever, take the time to listen. Moles are normally quiet, solitary little animals and seldom venture from their subterranean world. It came as quite a surprise then, when Mel asked if he could join the Christmas choir. After singing several bars of “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” Mel was unanimously accepted. Unfortunately, moles have very poor vision and Mel has a bit of trouble reading the notes and lyrics. Rather than memorize all the words to each and every song, Mel simply does what the pros do – improvise!

MICHELLE #9003   This little woodrat is just emerging from the place of her afternoon nap. Michelle had spent an event-filled morning while frolicking in the Hen House; pestering the feathered inhabitants and eating more than her share of cracked corn. When overcome with the sudden urge to rest, she curled up inside an empty shell. Within this cozy enclosure she snoozed away contentedly – oblivious to the muffled clucking of cranky hens. Usually quiet and rather shy by nature, Michelle “lets loose” only on rare occasions or in the company of close friends. Even they say that it is seldom that she truly “comes out of her shell.”

MORGAN #9008   It is a rare occasion when Morgan makes an above-ground appearance. She is content to spend most of her life in solitude beneath the soil, digging and happily leading the existence of a typical young mole. Day and night, she is forever busy tunneling – always on the constant quest to satisfy her appetite for worms. By doing the “breast stroke” with her large and impressively clawed forepaws, she plows through the dirt like a miniature, furred bulldozer. It is underground where Morgan is in her element, and she seldom finds need to venture out from her subterranean world. Because of her solitary nature, Morgan’s encounters with other small animals are brief. Therefore, they know very little of her charming personality and disposition. One thing they can all agree on however; Morgan is certainly down to earth! While she doesn’t reveal enough of herself to be disliked, not everyone welcomes the presence of this industrious little miner; the unsightly evidence of her excavating activities does nothing to enhance the look of a well-groomed flower bed or manicured lawn. To avoid such areas, Morgan has to periodically poke her head above the surface, just long enough to get her bearing straight. Then it’s quickly back to work in the tunnel, where she continues digging. Morgan really doesn’t care if there is light at the end or not.

MUCH OBLIGED #9084   In the tradition of the Pilgrims, this rabbit is offering thanks by celebrating Thanksgiving. From the looks of his cornucopia, he has been blessed with a bountiful harvest! As we all know, the Pilgrims hosted the first Thanksgiving dinner. It was President Abraham Lincoln, however, who declared the fourth Thursday of November as an annual U.S. holiday. The nation was caught in the midst of the terrible Civil War and Lincoln felt that the country and the troops deserved a much-needed reprieve from the struggle. No matter what the circumstances, each of us has something to be thankful for.

MURRAY #9055   When driving through the eastern countryside between spring and fall, keep a watchful eye on the open fields and berms beside the road. You might spot a rather chubby, grizzled-brown animal sitting motionless as a statue, placidly gazing at the landscape. Chances are good that you have just seen a ground hog! Or as Murray would say, “It’s woodchuck, thank you. Whatever you call him, don’t call him late for dinner as Murray loves to eat! He is a devout vegetarian, and his diet consists mostly of greens; grasses, clover and alfalfa are his main dishes but there’s nothing like a patch of ripe strawberries to provide temptation beyond resistance. Widely respected as a master in the art of digging holes, the ground hog is perhaps best known for his legendary ability to predict the weather; on the second day of each February the animal is said to emerge from its burrow and, well, the shadow knows…

MYRTLE #9042   What sort of rabbit hangs out at the ocean? Why, a beach bunny, of course! I began work on this statue while on my first solo promotional, which was held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. You might say that the name just sort of fit this little rabbit to a tee.

NELL #9012   Nell has just recently stirred from a five month slumber. Curled up as a little striped ball of reddish-brown fur, she has slept through the entire winter, deep inside the warmth of an under. ground burrow. Unlike the tree-dwelling types who remain active all during cold weather, ground squirrels like Nell have learned that the best way to deal with winter is to hibernate .. and not to deal with it at all. Each spring finds Nell out and about once again, saying hello to old friends and being her nervous, fussy self. Although she is getting on up in years (she has just reached the ripe old age of seven), Nell hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. In fact, to say that this ol’ girl is “active” would be a large understatement. Nell spends a great deal of time trying to satisfy her insatiable curiosity. It sometimes gets her into trouble, but it also leads to the discovery of new and exotic foods. While nuts and berries are the mainstay, delicacies such as snails, beetles and tulip bulbs have since been added to the menu. Looking back on her long, vigorous life, Nell can honestly say that she wouldn’t have changed a thing. She’s made her share of mistakes along the way, but overall she real ly has no regrets. Well, except for the time she ran headlong into a weasel’s nest … (her curiosity was to blame for that one). While she may not be as bright-eved and bushy-tailed as she once was, chances are Nell will be busy out and about next spring, too.

NELSON #9026   Timberrr! It’s a proud moment when a beaver kit fells his first tree and by the looks of it, Nelson is well on his way to a busy career in logging and dam construction. Actually, this was more like a small sapling than a tree but hey, a fella’s got to start somewhere. For an eager beaver, there is always plenty of work to be done, and work is something these thrifty animals take to with a fervor. When we see the results of their labor in the way of dams, lodges, canal systems and fallen timber, we can’t help but wonder if indeed beavers do, as folklore has it, employ the use of muskrat slaves. Beavers take great pride and pleasure in their tasks however, and Nelson would be the first to tell you that it’s all a labor of love. I once had an art teacher at Western Beaver High School, in Beaver County Pennsylvania, who seemed to rather enjoy his job – and come to think of it….he was a ‘Nelson’ too!

NODDINS #9043   One look at his cozy sleeping quarters and its easy to see why Noddins has such a rough time getting out of bed in the morning. Who would have imagined that an old sardine can could be so inviting? Needless to say, this can had been emptied of its original contents prior to Noddins’ packing it fill of leaves and grass. The benefits of this soft mattress are twofold; one it makes for a more comfortable night’s rest and two, it helps It mask any “fishy” odors that might still be lingering in the bottom of the can. Noddins has grown so fond of his little bed that lately he’s been inclined to sleep in. If it weren’t for his feathered friends chirping, “Wake up and smell the coffee” he would probably sleep all day long. That would be a shame, since the morning is Noddins’ favorite time of the day. It’s just that when your bed is as comfortable as his is, the morning seems to arrive much too early.

NO FISHING #9070   The river otter is never found far from water. In fact, this aquatic mammal is more at home in the water than on land. The otter’s webbed feet and long, sleek body enable it to out swim most fish, one of the otter’s favorite foods. Our friend here has just landed a largemouth bass. You can be sure that this is one fisherman who does not practice “catch and release.” If there is anything the otter does better than fishing, it would undoubtedly be playing! Whether young or old, these animals spend a good portion of their lives involved in some type of playful activity. They romp and and roll underwater, play tag, slide down river banks over and over, and swim just for the sheer pleasure of it. It has been said that otters live life to the fullest – and thoroughly enjoy themselves while doing so. Now, that does sound like fun!

OLGA #9017   Gray squirrels are natural-born acrobats and Olga is no exception. In fact, her tree top routines are well worthy of a gold medal. On a typical day, some of Olga’s arboreal escapades will Include making death-defying leaps from frail limbs, scrambling head-first down the sides of trees, racing headlong across high telephone wires and dangling upside-down to reach the bird feeder. And this is all before 9.00 a.m.! The secret to Olgas delity and vigor lies in her magnificent bushy tail. Waving behind wherever she goes, it serves her as a counterbalance and an automatic boost control. While it would appear that she has a boundless source of energy, Olga does take time out between performances. So, once again using her tail, this time as a sun-shade, she’ll flatten herself out on a limb and take a breather.

OPIE #9052   Opie has decided to join Scrap, Calhoun and the others as they listen to the old man tell his favorite stories. As usual, the ol’ opossum was the last to arrive but, by golly, he made it! “Better late than never,” Opie is often heard mumbling. His habitual tardiness is usually blamed on “Overslept!” or his favorite excuse, “The traffic was terrible!” His friends are forgiving, however, because while the opposum may have his share of flaws, Opie is great company and it’s kind of nice to have him hangin’ around.

OSGOOD #9093   Knowledge is power, and Osgood the owl is willing to share his knowledge with anyone who wishes to leam. Many of the woodland animals make their way to Osgood’s perch, seeking his advice and wisdom. For example, when Melntosh’s birthday picnic was spoiled by rain, he asked Osgood why it had to rain on his party. Osgood replied, “Take heart, into every life a little rain must fall? Twitch the rabbit visited Osgood to ask about an imitating itch in a hard to reach spot. Osgood responded, “My boy, if it itches, scratch it!” Then there was Todd the turtle, who, in his quest for the owl, traveled four lonely days and four lonely nights. When he finally reached Osgood’s tree, Todd asked, “Oh, wise one, what is the secret of life?” Without hesitation Osgood answered, “Always remember this – a wet bird never flies at night?” Todd trudged homeward, not fully comprehending the answer.

OTIS #9061   While the competition was extremely tough, Otis has just been awarded first place in the porcine category at the county fair. From the look on his face I’d say he’s mighty happy about it, too. In fact, he’s tickled pink! Otis hasn’t the vaguest idea what the pig judges were looking for but apparently he had what it takes – to win! He wonders if this elevated status will change the way he’s viewed by the other animals around the farm. It most certainly will alter his own personal lifestyle; from now on, it’s living high on the hog for Otis.

PANSY #9038   Call her skittish, jumpy, or perhaps a bit paranoid. Pansy is anything but bold. Even the slightest noise or unfamiliar sight can send this bunny ducking into the nearest protective cover. Depending on factors such as location and availability, cover may be a hollow log, an abandoned ground hog hole, or in this case, a flower pot…a flower pot? Now what in the world could have frightened Pansy this time? So as not to hurt her feelings, we won’t tell her that it was her own shadow.

PARTNERS FOR LIFE #7505 Special Commission  (By Timothy Wolfe and Roberta Griffin)  The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation is New England’s only guide dog school. Fidelco breeds, trains and places highly qualified German shepherd guide dogs. Since the early 1960s Fidelco has helped hundreds of blind men and women throughout the Northeast. Created originally from Bavarian stock, the Fidelco German shepherd has evolved to be truly a “breed within a breed” the result of a concerted and continuing effort to accent the characteristics of the perfect guide. Fidelco guide dogs are intensively trained to be as composed and in command on the streets of New York City as they are in the rural neighborhoods of New England. “Partners for Life” has a meaning to Fidelco that is becoming more and more significant, especially now that many of the guide dogs that Fidelco placed 10 or more years ago are retiring. Replacing those guide dogs demonstrates the goal of a lifetime commitment to our graduates.The initials “C.K.” on the dog’s collar stand for Charles H.Kaman, founder and president of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. Mr. Kaman and the entire organization wish to say thank you for helping to “Share the Vision.”

PISTACHIO #9041  In case you haven’t already guessed from seeing his ear-to-ear grin, Pistachio is an ice cream nut. Only a fellow ice cream lover could possibly comprehend the sensation of being surrounded by one’s favorite, refreshing brand and flavor. Whether chocolate, vanilla, strawberry or a combination of the three, each bite is a special treat to the tongue as well as the tummy. Pistachio (obviously an ardent fan of the flavor by the same name) was thrilled when he found this cone nearly full of the nutty, creamy substance which makes his mouth water and his fur come alive. Could there be any better way to top off a hot summer afternoon? Pistachio thinks not! By the time he polished off the cone itself, he will have eaten far too much. That, however, is to be expected of someone with such an uncontrollable sweet tooth.

POP #9064   The spirit of Christmas spreads throughout the wildlife community in much the same way it does our own. Our animal counterparts share in the joy and excitement of this special holiday season as it is a great time of celebration for them, too! In every forest, every warren, and every patch of woods, there can be found a local Christmas choir. A choir may number from three to twenty animals and it is comprised of a select group of individuals who, for one reason or another, consider themselves best qualified at carrying a tune. Their choruses can be heard at any hours, day or night, and can be quite pleasing to the human ear. Unfortunately, we humans can become so wrapped up in other affairs during the Christmas season that we seldom, if ever, take the time to listen. Despite what you may have heard, weasels aren’t always ill. tempered little characters. Take Pop, for example. During the Christmas season he is just about as jolly and friendly as a fellow can be. It is at this time of year when – depending on the amount of snowfall – the weasel’s fur turns from brown to white. Pop joined the Christmas choir because it was a great opportunity to show off his new winter coat! He made the other singers promise, however, that monkeys were excluded from participating.

RENFIELD #9011   “Which way did he go?” Renfield is wondering after making what he thought was a brilliantly planned and well executed leap onto this little rock. A moment ago there was a beetle here . .. or maybe it was on another rock … now Renfield isn’t so sure. The only thing he is certain of is that he has missed an opportunity at another meal. No matter really, he wasn’t that hungry. This old tree frog just enjoys the thrill and excitement that comes with chasing bugs. Beetles, flies, ants … any kind of bug is fair game for Renfield (except spiders, they give him the creeps). While he sits here trying to determine what went wrong, the intended beetle is making a hasty retreat into the leaves. Renfield was right about the rock after all. He thinks he’ll stay put here for a while. Sometimes, playing the waiting game and relying on ambush tactics is just the ticket to bagging these wily insects…

ROSANNE #9023   This little piglet has good reason for “hamming it up?” Recent research has found that pigs are the smartest of all farm animals. And get this – they may even be more intelligent than man’s best friend. You heard it right; according to a five year study at the University of Kentucky, pigs were able to master any trick or feat in much shorter time than dogs! None of this comes as any big surprise to Rosanne, of course, but if it sounds like a lot of hogwash, she has just one thing to say: “Oink.” That’s all, folks.

SALTY #9123   Salty the sea lion is having a ball – a beach ball, to be more precise! California sea lions, like Salty, are the animals most frequently seen performing in “seal” shows at aquariums and 2005. They are playful and intelligent animals that learn quickly, and are wonderfully talented acrobats. Wild sea lions live in two worlds: water and land. Though rather clumsy on land, they can reach speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour underwater, just with several thrusts of their flippers. Salty is certainly at his best in the water, where his every movement is graceful as he spins and twirls in what might be called an underwater ballet. For Salty, life isn’t just a beach.

SANTA BEAR #9120   On Christmas Eve, young animals throughout all the woods and forests lie awake in their nests, anxiously awaiting the arrival of good ol’ Santa Bear. For many of them, it will seem like the longest night of the year, as they are far too excited to sleep… After a long winter’s nap in the North Cave, Santa Bear emerges on Christmas Eve, dressed and ready to go to work. His red and white suit resembles that which is worn by his human colleague, Claus. Years of eating Mrs. Bear’s cooking has caused Santa Bear’s jacket to feel a bit tight! While St. Nick is busy filling stockings for good boys and girls, Santa Bear will be delivering treats to little critters all across the land. His team of eight mighty mule deer will carry his sleigh from the Everglades to the Yukon – and everywhere in between. If you happen to notice this jolly and plump bruin sneaking through your woodlot on Christmas Eve, you’ll know in a moment it mustn’t be St. Nick … it’s Santa Bear!

SCARLETT #9056   It just isn’t fair! Scarlett hasn’t done anything to deserve being bothered by a bee. All she wanted was to spend some solitary time in the flower garden. Geez, it wasn’t as if she was going to nibble on any bloom or nip any bud! Now, for reasons unexplained, she is being harassed by some half pint insect with an attitude. She’s heard of having a bee in her bonnet, but on her toe? Scarlett doesn’t realize that the bee means no harm – he simply finds her as sweet and pretty as any flower in the garden. Quite frankly, she would prefer it if the little bumbler would just go away. A bunny’s ears are quite sensitive, you see, and this buzzing noise is beginning to give her a headache. Scarlett is hoping for a good breeze to blow in. Then perhaps her troubles would be gone with the wind.

SCRAP #9049   For years, man has credited the red fox with amazing feats of intelligence and cunning. We have even coined such phrases as “sly as a fox” and “clever as a fox.” While he may not be the intellectual giant that legend and folklore would have us believe, one fact remains true; the red fox does look intelligent! Sly and elusive, yet handsomely dressed in an orange-red coat with black leggings and a magnificent tail tipped in white, the red fox has everything it takes for the making of legends. As we speak, Scrap is probably scheming his next raid on the hen house or planning a new trick for throwing hounds off his trail (he takes great satisfaction in the latter and can think of no better sport). He also enjoys a good rabbit chase now and again – that is, when it doesn’t involve that pesky fellow named Briar.

SHERMAN #9019   The all too familiar “bellowing” of a beagle hound distracted Sherman momentarily from indulging in his favorite garden vegetable. Sherman’s initial rabbit reaction was to drop everything and dash for the nearest thicket, but his acute sense of hearing reassured him that this dog was a good quarter, maybe half a mile away. Cocking his ears this way and that, like movable antennas, Sherman listened more intently and concluded that the hound was an immature male, confined to a pen, and barking at nothing in particular. Thanks to his radar-like ears, Sherman can now rest easily and enjoy every bit of this delectable carrot, unless the stingy gardener happens to sneak up on him. Then let’s hope that Sherman’s legs are as reliable as his ears.

SNAPPY #9133   At the request of the Sony Corporation I have created three animal statues to be introduced in Japan under the title “Forest Guardian Spirits.” As the name implies, these three friends are dedicated to the preservation and protection of the country’s beautiful natural resources. While conserving the land is their foremost concern, they may also be called upon for guidance by those who have lost their direction or are in need of aid while traveling through the woods and mountains. They are, respectfully: George the frog, Snappy the tortoise, and Webster the owl. Snappy the tortoise is a lover of land travel. He’ll spend weeks at a time roaming the countryside, going nowhere in particular, and getting nowhere very fast. You see, like most of his kind, Snappy moves real slowly! Because of his extensive traveling, Snappy is an expert at land topography. He knows the best routes to take, including secret shortcuts. His eyesight may not be the best, but Snappy has never steered anyone in the wrong direction.

SU-LIN #9118 (The Museum Series)   The Giant Panda is China’s national treasure and ambassador of good will, as well as the familiar symbol of the World Wildlife Federation. With its fascinating behavior and charming appearance, the panda has achieved fame and attention not known to any other living wild animal. Unfortunately, much of its popularity is owed to its also being one of the most endangered large mammals on the planet. Poaching and the clearing of bamboo forests are the major threats to the panda’s survival. Bamboo is the animal’s primary food source. A panda will typically spend most of every day of its solitary life eating the leaves, stems and shoots of bamboo. “Pandamonium” was coined to describe the scenes of excitement when “Su-lin” was carried on to American soil in 1936, the first panda to reach the west. She was installed at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo in 1937. It wasn’t until her demise did zoo doctors realize that Su-lin was, in fact, a male! After Su-lin, numerous pandas were exported from China for exhibition. No other wild animal has ever had such a high profile as the lovable panda. The panda is a symbol of hope for wild animals and their wild places.

SUSIE #9020   Garden snails think they are so clever. They believe that by crawling around after dark, no one will notice them and they can just chew away on anything they please, including flowers. Surprise! Flying squirrels, too, are nighttime wanderers and it so happens that Susie here considers snails a delicacy. She rates them right up there with hickory nuts, and in fact, that is what she mistook one of the snails for at first; some sort of slow moving nut. Susie is well adapted for nightlife with her large, luminous eyes that provide her with excellent vision – even on moonless nights. It’s a good thing too, as otherwise this little nocturnal glider would be crashing into trees constantly (flying squirrels do glide really, they do not fly as their name implies). Susie has also noticed the presence of another, snail-like creature which inhabits the flower garden at night. These slowpokes do not have shells however, and Susie has decided that the ones crawling around without shells are rather disgusting.

SYLVIA #9016   Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, that is, they sleep all day and play all night. Only after everyone else has gone to bed for the evening, do Sylvia and her fellow gliders awaken to begin their aerial nighttime frolics. The term flying squirrel is actual Iv a misnomer because these mammals do not fly, they glide. Their unusual mode of locomotion is made possible by the loose membrane of skin attached to the squirrel’s wrists and ankles. Bv stretching this skin taut, the animal transforms itself into a miniature sail plane, capable of swooping with the air currents for considerable distances from tree to tree. At eight weeks old however, Sylvia has just recently begun to experiment with her gliding abilities, making only short jumps to nearby branches. Some of her first attempts at longer glides resulted in unexpected crash landings, but this aspiring pilot has high hopes, and Sylvia is confident that she’ll get the hang of it soon. Just before dusk, she enjoys sneaking down to the nearby beach. Here, Sylvia takes a front row seat to watch the veteran gliders, and dreams of the night when she, too, will fly through the air with the greatest of ease.

THE SENTRY #9088 (The Museum Series)  CBz #3501   Within the hierarchal structure of the wolf pack it is the dominant, or alpha, male wolf who ranks at the top of the social ladder. He is “head honcho,” so to speak, and commands respect and subordination from the rest of the pack members. In my sculpture, “The Sentry,” I have chosen to depict the alpha male in a resting yet alert position atop a rock ledge. From this vantage point he watches the surrounding terrain. The wolf hears, smells and sees everything. Nothing goes unnoticed. With the wolf’s future swinging in the balance, it is good that the Sentry keeps a watchful eye.

TIMBER #9067   During the first few weeks of his life, this gray wolf cub did little but eat, play and sleep. Now, Timber has added howling to his list of favorite pastimes. A wolf is never too young to howl! When he wants to call to friends or litter mates – or whenever he just plain gets the urge – Timber lays back his ears and lets ‘er rip. He usually starts off with his head held low, then raises the notes and his muzzle until his nose is pointing skyward. The howl lasts anywhere from one to eleven seconds. There is much growing to do before he can join the choruses of the adult wolves, but Timber figures that if he starts practicing now he might one day be leader of the pack! ** At one time, wolves inhabited much of the continent. Unfortunately, the track of the wolf is a rare sight in the modern world and the animal’s distinctive voice is seldom heard. Today, the wolf is classified as an endangered species in almost all parts of the United States except Minnesota and Alaska. Despite human efforts to eradicate them, wolves still live on earth. And that is something to howl about.

TOBY #9062   Toby is one of those individuals who is always finding things – you know, interesting things that no one but Toby would ever find. His nest is littered with objects like gum wrappers, old keys, empty snail shells, marbles, corroded pennies, broken pencils, and a host of other “treasures” he has accumulated. Harry says his little friend is a genuine pack-squirrel because “Toby doesn’t believe in throwing anything away!” Toby had been doing some exploring behind a barn when he made his latest discovery – a corncob pipe. He figured that whoever left it there didn’t want it to be found, as the pipe was carefully concealed behind a board. While he isn’t quite sure what to do with this strangely-shaped object, one thing is certain: Finders-Keepers!

TODD #9029   Yesterday, Todd started off on a journey to the other side of the lawn. Today, he is almost halfway there and Todd figures that, unless he stumbles upon a patch of wild strawberries, he should reach his destination by no later than noon tomorrow. It’s not like Todd is slow or anything: he just prefers taking his good of time. As a matter of fact, it has taken him nearly five years to attain his present size. Compared to the growth rate of say, a young rabbit, that is slow going. Considering that box turtles like Todd can live to be over a hundred years old, perhaps taking one’s time isn’t such a bad idea.

TRAVIS #9113   The spirit of Christmas spreads throughout the wildlife community in much the same way it does our own. Our animal counterparts share in the joy and excitement of this special holiday season as it is a great time of celebration for them, too! In every forest, every warren, and every patch of woods, there can be found a local Christmas choir. A choir may number from three to twenty animals and it is comprised of a select group of individuals who, for one reason or another, consider themselves best qualified at carrying a tune. Their choruses can be heard at any hour, day or night, and can be quite pleasing to the human ear. Unfortunately, we humans can become so wrapped up in other affairs during the Christmas season that we seldom, if ever, take the time to listen.Turtles aren’t very vocal individuals, nor are they overly fond of cold weather. So, to find one out singing Christmas carols in December is rather uncommon. Travis is not your average turtle. It would take more than a little brisk temperatures to keep him from joining in the holiday spirit. Travis has found that singing Christmas carols warms up the body and the soul. Besides, once he puts on his trusty earmuffs he can’t feel a thing. (He also doesn’t hear anything, including the rest of the choir!) Travis has been a welcome addition to the caroling critters, even though he is consistently late for rehearsals.

TWITCH #9102   Have you ever been bothered by an irritating skin sensation that nothing will cure better than a good scratching? Well, chances are, what you were experiencing was an itch. Itches happen to everyone, and Twitch has an itch. Animals are especially prone to minor itches, mainly because their hair or fur is a perfect host to the many things that cause them. Fortunately for Twitch, he has a pair of long hind feet that can reach out and scratch just about any itch he might have. Even those behind his ears! If there is a lesson to be learned here, it is this: If it itches, scratch it. (Unless, of course, you’ve contracted poison ivy – then you’d better get yourself a good bottle of calamine lotion.)

VAGABONDS #9068   What started out as a three hour tour ended when Skipper the squirrel and Lit’1 Buddy found themselves beached on an uncharted desert isle. It wasn’t high winds or rough seas that threw them off course; it was the fault of the first mate. The frog should not have been trusted with the ship’s navigation in the first place, since he was rather green at the job. Skipper isn’t too concerned about being a castaway. He made sure the boat was stocked full of provisions before they left. Lit’1 Buddy, on the other hand, had better hope that there are native bugs on the island. If not, he may have to get used to eating nuts.

VANTAGE POINT #9098  (The Museum Series)  CB #3502   The big cat had lain flat on the cool rock for over two hours, watching, waiting. From this elevated vantage point the silent hunter was alert to everything around him. Nothing moved nor made a sound without his knowing. When the time came, the sleek ebony form would transform into a flash of blinding quickness. The black panther. Powerful, elusive, and noted for his patience and calculating intelligence, “Panthera Pardus” is one of the most impressive animals in the world today. There is much confusion surrounding the name panther.Originally, it was applied only to the African and Asian leopard. Occasionally a pair of spotted leopards will produce one or more offspring that are black. (This occurs more often in the leopard’s tropical range.) These cats were customarily referred to as black panthers. In essence, the black panther is not a distinct species but rather a color irregularity – or mutation that may occur within litters of spotted leopards. ** I was inspired to create this statue upon the announcement that Charlotte, North Carolina would become home to a new NFL expansion team. The Carolina Panthers will officially begin their first season in the fall of 1995.

WAKE UP CALL #9075   It is a fine spring morning in the forest, and this young fawn was entertaining thoughts of maybe sleeping in a bit. No way! His new friends are raring and ready to play. “C’mon, get up!” chirps the early bird. “Shake a leg!” shouts the rabbit. “Whattaya gonna do – sleep all day?” asks the field mouse. Oh, well, so much for slumberland. With all this commotion going on, a fellow might just as well join the fun. Perhaps later, the fawn can sneak in a little afternoon nap. EDITION CHANGE: Wake-Up Call: One edition will have a blue bird whispering in the fawn’s ear while yet another edition displays a redish bird and a different sculptural eye style on the fawn.

WEAVER #9122   Meet Weaver the beaver. I named him after Weaver’s Beaver Associates, a group that genetically breeds beavers in St. Anthony, Idaho. The beaver is the largest rodent in North America, and it is a fascinating creature. Beavers have webbed feet like ducks, chisel-like teeth for cutting down trees (from which they build lodges and dams), and a broadly flattened tail, similar to a paddle. Weaver’s flat tail serves several purposes. When swimming, he uses his tail as a rudder, and when cutting down trees, it makes a great prop as he sits on his hind legs. His tail is also used as a warning mechanism. By bringing his tail down forcefully on the surface of the water, the beaver sounds an alarm that can be heard for up to one-half mile on a quiet night. The walloping “Crack!” causes all beavers in the area to dive. Weaver is just returning to his lodge with a tasty snack. Trees are a very important part of his diet, and he’ll eat the bark from this log using the ol’ corn-on-the-cob technique. “Um-m-m-good!” Over in the meadow In a cosy wee den Lived an old mother beaver And her little beavers ten. Gnaw said the mother. We gnaw said the ten. So they gnawed all day In the cosy wee den. Nursery Counting Rhyme

WEBSTER #9134   At the request of the Sony Corporation I have created three animal statues to be introduced in Japan under the title “Forest Guardian Spirits.” As the name implies, these three friends are dedicated to the preservation and protection of the country’s beautiful natural resources. While conserving the land is their foremost concern, they may also be called upon for guidance by those who have lost their direction or are in need of aid while traveling through the woods and mountains. They are, respectfully: George the frog, Snappy the tortoise, and Webster the owl. From his lofty perch midway up an ancient tree, Webster the owl surveys the woodland floor below him with an ever-watchful eye. Nothing goes unnoticed: the slightest rustle in the leaves, the faintest whisper, a fleeting movement; he is aware of all things. “Who goes there?” he is often heard asking (though more often than not it is only the wind). When he’s not standing vigil, Webster likes to read. He’s read everything from Homer to Dickens, Shakespeare to Seuss, even the dictionary. You name it, Webster’s read it. He claims that all this reading has made him much the wiser. Any questions? Ask Webster.

WILMA #9010   Don’t let Wilma’s friendly face fool you. Pound for pound, the little weasel is one of nature’s most efficient predators and by the time she reaches adulthood, Wilma will have become a lean, mean, hunting machine. She has already inherited some of her mother’s prowess; with lightning fast movements she pops up one hole and down another, preoccupied with the never-ending search for food. Food is, in her case, just about anything that moves. Although she would prefer something a bit more on the meatier side, Wilma’s not about to turn her whiskers up at a fat, juicy beetle. Speaking of which, the one behind her is about to realize lust how quick weasels can be.

YEAR OF THE BULL #9131  This is the second statue I’ve done in a series of Asian Zodiac animals. Chi Chi was the first and was released in Japan in 1996, as this was the Year of the Mouse. 1997 finds us celebrating with the new animal of the year, the Bull. In ancient China, the bull was considered a sacred animal, and throughout history it has been a symbol of strength and courage (even in the New York Stock Market!). May the Bull bring prosperity, happiness and peace to you and your family.

Asian Zodiac Animals:

1997 Bull

1998 Tiger

1999 Rabbit

2000 Dragon

2001 Snake

2002 Horse

2003 Sheep

2004 Monkey

2005 Rooster

2006 Dog

2007 Boar

2008 Mouse