Variations on 'Brad' ⓒ J. Maricevic, 2021

Here is my Roy Lichtenstein-inspired, creative representation of the human-animal bond. I know, from personal experience, that an individual’s physical and mental strength is restored and their emotional fortitude reinvigorated, by the unconditional love from their four-legged friend.

Let’s be honest, Dogs know everything. Whether we verbally tell them our thoughts, or they feel our energy, or the energy of a situation; Dogs know.

Lichtenstein incorporated the name, “Brad,” in some of his Pop Art creations and never referred to this person with a positive connotation. For my piece, I emulated Lichtenstein’s use of the name, "Brad." “Brad” can be any ‘one,’ or any ‘thing,’ that impacts an individual’s physical and/or emotional welfare and security.

Wait, what about that canine cognition connection?

Dogs have the ability to identify when a “Brad” is lurking in the crevices of their person’s mind, or in the shadows of real-life, and Dogs know when, and how, to intervene. The selfless-love of the all-knowing, canine companion, reaffirms a human’s sense of self, and in turn, sends the message to “Brad,” that this human, their human, is strong, confident, and supported.

So, “Beware, ‘Brad',” for nothing can deter the Empowered, especially when a Dog is right by their side.