Animals We Love, 2015 Annual Contest

Each year, the Quilt Alliance holds a contest centered on a theme, and you, our very creative friends, submit quilts on that theme. We exhibit the quilts around the country, our members and a panel of judges select their favorites, and then we auction the quilts off to the highest bidder, raising much needed funds to support our projects.

In 2015, we asked you to create quilts celebrating your friends from the animal world. And you came through in a big way. This menagerie of cats, dragons, monkeys, insects, birds, and more demonstrates your passion for all the creatures of the world. Thank you for participating!

All of the “Animals We Love” contest quilts were donated by their makers. After a national exhibition tour that begins at the Utah headquarters of Handi Quilter, Inc, and includes stops at American Quilter’s Society and Original Sewing & Quilt Expo shows, the quilts will be sold via an online auction in November 2015. The auction is one of the Alliance’s most important annual fundraisers and provides crucial funds that support the operation of projects like Quilters’ S.O.S. – Save Our Stories and Go Tell It at the Quilt Show! Individual quilts will be assigned auction periods in October and instructions on bidding will be posted here.

View all of the Animals We Love quilts on the Quilt Index.

Grand Prize, Giraffe Nocturne Nancy S. Brown Oakland, California

1st Place, Bzzzzzz, Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill, Woodbridge, Connecticut

2nd Place, Eye See My Beloved, Maria Ferri Cousins and Syrie Blanco Walsh, Great River, New York

3rd Place, Innocence, Kathy York, Austin, Texas

Honorable Mention, Houndton Abbey, Mary Anne Griffin, Troy, Illinois

Honorable Mention, Aviary Knowledge, Patricia A. Hobbs, Macomb, Illinois

Honorable Mention, Beulah and Irene, Sue Rook Nichols, Riverside, California

Honorable Mention, The Wonderful World Within the Cat, Alison J. Ruggiero, Brooklyn, New York

Honorable Mention, Smarter Than the Average Bird, Kristin Shields, Bend, Oregon

Honorable Mention, Bein' Green Too,

Honorable Mention, Fancy Goldfish, Susan Brubaker Knapp, Mooresville, North Carolina

Honorable Mention, Olive. Olive you <3, Lisa B. Filion Queensbury, New York

Honorable Mention, Grandpa T and His Salad, Cindy Cooksey, Irvine, California

Honorable Mention, Bighorn, Melanie Marr, Houston, Texas

Honorable Mention, Wuppies, Pauline Salzman, Treasure Island, Florida

All! Simone Steuxner, Sveg, Sweden,

Dog Treats, Ramona Bates, Little Rock, Arkansas

I haven't been digging, Jeanelle D. McCall, Lufkin, Texas

Just Relaxing, Jodi Scaltreto, Hillsboro, New Hampshire

Cats and MIce, Karen A. Grover, Rockford, Illinois

Cuddly Koala, Desley M. Drevins, Albany Creek, Queensland, Australia

Dragonfly, Nita Markos, Hillsboro, Illinois

Elephant of India, Nita Markos, Hillsboro, Illinois

Tiger, Nita Markos, Hillsboro, Illinois

A Warm Furry Friend, Nita Markos, Hillsboro, Illinois

Oski Loves The Birds, Yvonne Porcella, Modesto, California

Soldiers, Judith C. Leathers, Hoover, Alabama

To Serve and Protect, Judith C. Leathers, Hoover, Alabama

Everyone Loves a Scottie, Ann M. Bordeau, Arden, North Carolina

Darwin--Chowtime, Holly S. Altman, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Mechanicat, Katherine M. Dossman, Belton, Texas

Strutting my stuff, Katherine M. Dossman, Belton, Texas

Count the Spiders, Diane M. Shink, Gulfport, Florida

Kenya Safari, Ruth Danner, Spokane, Washington

Melvin's Dragon, Leslie Ferrell Kauffmann, Brussels, Belgium

Sadie, Alice Helms, Asheville, North Carolina

Sushi Cat Dreams, Ellen L. Hernandez, San Antonio, Texas

Jersey Girls, Allison Aller, Washougal, Washington

King of Beasts, Roz Manor, Valley Stream, New York

Monkey Love, Shelley M. Kardon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Love Monkey, Mary Kay Davis, Sunnyvale, California

It's a Dogs Life, Theresa A. Nielsen, Royal Oak, Michigan

The Song of the Thrush, Terry Pottmeyer, Mercer Island, Washington

Mary had a wood duck, Pamela G. Allen, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Butterfly, Lisa Ellis, Fairfax, Virginia

Contented, Susan L. Robbins, Silver Spring, Maryland

An Apple a Day, Mary Kerr, Sarah Entsminger, Woodbridge, Virginia

My Scruff Muffin, Marta Amundson, Riverton, Wyoming

When Raven Dreams, Stacy Hurt, Orange, California

Genevieve, Phyllis K. Campbell, Rockford, Illinois

Love My Siamese Cats, Laura Swensen, Stillwater, New York

How Now Cow, Jill Kerttula

Sophie, Sandi Goldman, Annandale, Virginia

Bat Love, Elizabeth F. Pekins, Lampasas, Texas

Puppy Dreams, Kitty Vangunten, Simsbury, Connecticut

The Butcher, the Baker and the Trouble Maker, Pauline Salzman, Treasure Island, Florida

Brown Dog #1, Pauline Salzman, Treasure Island, Florida

Who Me???? Pauline Salzman, Treasure Island, Florida

I Love Angus, My Scottie Dog, Dr. Bonnie MacGregor, West Seneca, New York

Swans Matter, Laurie C. Bay, Germantown, Maryland

Black and White and Red All Over Mini, Susanne M. Jones, Potomac Falls, Virginia

Cat Circus, Mary J. Puckett, Cullowhee, North Carolina

Peek-A-Bear, Mary Kay Davis, Sunnyvale, California

Pop, the Guinea, Doreen L. Prakshot, Sevierville, Tennessee

Four Pets, Yarelie Josephs, Greensboro, North Carolina

moo, Esther Muh, Albany, California

Princess Elsa Cat, Esther Muh, Albany, California

Tea Rex in Specs, Eleanor Levie, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Winter Companion, Zeeda K. Magnuson, Minnenapolis, Minnesota

Harry, Jean Marie Necheles, Newtonville, Massachusetts

Toro, Jennifer Rodriguez, West Jordan, Utah

Bluebirds #2, Cynthia St. Charles, Billings, Montana

Rainbow Shower, Jerriann Massey, Tyler, Texas

Focal Point, Earamichia Brown, New York, New York

Pounce Purrfectly, Earamichia Brown, New York, New York

My Gecko, Sherri Lipman McCauley, Lakeway, Texas

Willow, Sarah Entsminger, Ashburn, Virginia

Allergic to Cats and Dogs, Charlotte Noll, Lauderhill, Florida

NUTS 4 MUTTS, Jan D. Harmon, Costa Mesa, California

OWL, Jan D. Harmon, Costa Mesa, California

Molly's Rainbow Butterfly, Deborah S. Wheeler, Garden Prairie, Illinois

Mister Mal, MaryEllen Sax, Woodbury, Minnesota

The Animal Heart, Elaina R. Dooley, Puyallup, Washington

Teddy, Timothy J. Latimer, Lansing, Michigan

Teddy 2, Timothy J. Latimer, Lansing, Michigan

Peaceful Protest, Renee Pasquale, Wappingers Fall, New York

Girlasaurus, Jamie Fingal, Orange, California

I'll See You Again, Michelle Flamer, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

Man’s Best Friend, Victoria Findlay Wolfe, New York, New York

Matriarch, Pauline Macaulay, London, UK

Beloved, Laurie Russman, New York, New York

The Very Hungry Little Koi, Laurie Russman, New York, New York

Grand Prize, Giraffe Nocturne Nancy S. Brown Oakland, California

Hand appliqued, hand quilted and machine pieced. 100 percent cotton fabric.

Artist's Statement: I love giraffes and based this quilt on a giraffe that lives at the Oakland Zoo. Giraffes only sleep about two hours a day--usually for about five minutes at a time--so they are awake most of the night. I thought this one might enjoy the cool evening air and the light of a full moon.

Prize: An HQ Sweet Sixteen sit-down longarm machine package (machine, table and bobbin winder) by Handi Quilter, Inc. Prize includes training by a local Handi Quilter retailer.
1st Place, Bzzzzzz, Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill, Woodbridge, Connecticut

Materials: 100 percent cotton fabric, thread and batting Techniques: Combination of paper piecing and regular piecing.

Artist's Statement: I designed and pieced Bzzzzzz over the course of many major winter storms. There was so much snow, I could barely see the beehives out the windows of my studio. Bzzzzzz is a reminder that during the coldest of days, spring and warmer weather will eventually arrive. I love bees for many reasons, but my main inspiration was that this mini-quilt would be a reminder that winter would (hopefully) soon disappear and the bees would emerge.

Prize: The Aurifil 270 Spools Suitcase including 270 different colors: one 220 yard spool of 50wt cotton for each color available on the color card; MODA Fabric Collections; and AccuQuilt Go! Cutter Starter Set plus a selection of animal-themed cutting dies!
2nd Place, Eye See My Beloved, Maria Ferri Cousins and Syrie Blanco Walsh, Great River, New York

Painted on silk with Seta Silk fabric paint and other dyes. Then free-motioned thread painted with silk thread. Embellished with beads. Piping added to binding.

Artists' Statement: This Spanish Royal owl lives in San Roque, Spain. When a brush fire destroyed his habit, a month later the flower "Our Beloved Naked Ladies" bloomed for the first time in 14 years. The intense heat was needed for the bloom. The wild life on this planet is precious to us. When tragedy hits sometimes beauty blooms. Painted by Syrie Blanco Walsh. Quilted by Maria Ferri Cousins.

Prize: Moda Fabric Collections; Aurifil 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.; and Simplicity/EZ Quilting accessories!
3rd Place, Innocence, Kathy York, Austin, Texas

Commercial cottons, hand dyed batik, hand dyed silk organza, Mistyfuse, cotton floss. fusible applique, machine quilting, satin stitch, hand embroidery.

Artist's Statement: This quilt is dedicated to our kitten, Chris, who brought joy back into our house following the unexpected death of my daughter's beloved cat. He is full of playful energy and always maintains a look of innocence despite what he is doing. We love him so!

Prize: Electric Quilt Quilt Design Software; Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.
Honorable Mention, Houndton Abbey, Mary Anne Griffin, Troy, Illinois

Silk dupioni, burn-out velvet, printed fabric, Angelina fibers, WireLace, beads, Swarovski crystals, and free-standing, machine embroidered lace.

Artist's Statement: The inspiration for Houndton Abbey came after it was announced that the final season of Downton Abbey was to be filmed in 2015. I had seen the theme and decided to combine our "half-British and half-American" pets into a quilt, honoring this show and the animals that we've grown to love over the past several years.

Prize: Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.
Honorable Mention, Aviary Knowledge, Patricia A. Hobbs, Macomb, Illinois

I used needle-turned hand applique, fabric painting, hand embroidery, a trapunto egg, a 3-D sewn piece, and machine quilting.

Artist's Statement: I taught visual art in public schools (all levels) for 35 years. When I saw the theme for this year's Quilt Alliance Contest, Animals We Love, I decided to pay tribute to birds. My art lessons explained the part birds played in our creative and artistic endeavors such as: architecture, clothing design, celebrations of life, and basketry which eventually led to the production of clay vessels. The first humans looked to nature to find help for survival. The birds were close at hand.

Prize: Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.
Honorable Mention, Beulah and Irene, Sue Rook Nichols, Riverside, California

The materials I used were 100 percent cotton with low loft polyester batting. I fused the raw edge applique to the background and stitched them down with a straight stitch. A double layer of batting is behind Beulah and Irene to make them stand out. I quilted this on my HQ 16. The binding is machine applied and hand stitched to the back. Buttons were added for eyes.

Artist's Statement: Beulah and Irene, our two hens, used to hang out on our patio and watch us through door. Every so often they would peck on the glass as if to ask "Hey! Can we come in?" Before this I never realized that chickens have such funny personalities.

Prize: Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.
Honorable Mention, The Wonderful World Within the Cat, Alison J. Ruggiero, Brooklyn, New York

Cotton fabrics combined with hand painted PFD cotton using acrylic paint with fabric painting medium. Quilt was hand assembled. Batting is a combination of Quilters Dream and Hobbs wool. Quilted using Madeira Monofil thread.

Artist's Statement: As an animal lover it was very hard to choose what animal to depict for this contest. In the end I decided to go with the cat as I have the greatest experience with them. I got my first cat, a lost tabby, when I was 3 and from that point on the feline has been my constant companion. "The Wonderful World Within the Cat" depicts all the things that cats enjoy; fish, birds, grass, flowers and people./em>

Prize: Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.

Honorable Mention, Smarter Than the Average Bird, Kristin Shields, Bend, Oregon

Cotton fabric, thread and batting; improvisational machine piecing, hand applique, hand embroidery, machine quilting.

Artist's Statement: Corvids are some of my favorite birds. They are also some of the most intelligent. My folk art and improvisational style brings to life this crow with the colorful stitches that represent its personality. I do my embroidery free hand following the whims of my mind as well as the animal I am bringing to life.

Prize: Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.

Honorable Mention, Bein' Green Too,

Cotton fabrics, machine pieced and appliquéd, machine quilted.

Artist's Statement: Felix, our pet chameleon, turned the most beautiful shade of green when he was happy. I participated in a challenge to design a quilt inspired by lyrics of a song. I chose the Kermit the Frog's song, "Bein' Green". Quilters by nature are "Green" saving every scrap just in case it can be used in another project. Every piece of fabric in this quilt is leftover from another quilt project including original challenge quilt.

Prize: Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.

Honorable Mention, Fancy Goldfish, Susan Brubaker Knapp, Mooresville, North Carolina

White PFD cotton fabric (front), commercial cotton fabric (back and facing), acrylic textile paint, cotton thread. Wholecloth painted, free-motion machine thread sketched and quilted.

Artist's Statement: Who can resist the ubiquitous goldfish, whether it's swimming in big tanks at the pet store, or in round bowls at the small-town carnival's game of chance? Our beloved family pet (creatively named "Fishy") was chosen for his fancy fins, taught to take fish flakes from our fingers, lived for many years more than we ever imagined, and was sorrowfully buried, with other pets, in our backyard pet cemetery.

Prize: Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.

Honorable Mention, Olive. Olive you <3, Lisa B. Filion Queensbury, New York

Fabric scraps, tulle and lots (!) of thread; scraps adhered to muslin background, tulle overlay, thread sketching and quilting.

Artist's Statement: We have had MANY guinea pigs over the recent years but Olive is our one and only now. She is so sweet and loveable. This quilt came about when my son held her on his lap while we homeschooled one morning.

Prize: Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.

Honorable Mention, Grandpa T and His Salad, Cindy Cooksey, Irvine, California

Materials: cottons, acetate, wool felt, embroidery and quilting threads, Misty-Fuse. Techniques: English paper piecing, hand embroidery, hand applique, machine quilting, fusing, heat gun applied to lettuce.

Artist's Statement: My California desert tortoise was hibernating as I made this quilt, but he is always near and dear to me. An ancient soul who has lived in our backyard for 20-plus years, he is estimated to be 70-80 years old. He may not be cuddly, but he is gentle, curious and vegetarian.

Prize: Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.

Honorable Mention, Bighorn, Melanie Marr, Houston, Texas

Tan fabric, batting, interfacing, black fabric for backing and binding, acrylic paints, thread.

Artist's Statement: "Bighorn" was inspired by a photo of a bighorn sheep that I took on a family trip to Glacier National Park. The natural design of their horns are perfect for quilting. They also have a very commanding and impressive presence in the park.

Prize: Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.

Honorable Mention, Wuppies, Pauline Salzman, Treasure Island, Florida

Fused wool and silk with a net overlay...hand beaded and stitched with a satin stitch x's for kisses.

Artist's Statement: My girls in their younger days. So many memories and so much fun. Good thing puppies are so cute ... because they can get into so much trouble.

Prize: Aurifil, 12-spool 50wt Thread Collection.

All! Simone Steuxner, Sveg, Sweden,

Cotton fabrics, Polyester thread, Embroidery thread, Cotton batting.

Artist's Statement: Since years I´m rescuing dogs. Samoyeds from Spain which have had a very bad life. I love all Animals and all have a right for a good life! Animals were always very close to my heart and my best friends. This year began with the loss of one of my dogs. So this quilt is dedicated to Samuel and all other Animals. To help them getting a better life! With Love!

Dog Treats, Ramona Bates, Little Rock, Arkansas

The quilt top is made using dog treat bags. The batting is Hobbs. The backing is from a dog food bag. The binding and quilt sleeve are from cotton fabric as is the label.

Artist's Statement: Inspired by a quilt photo my sister shared with me of old letters and envelopes, I decided to use the bags from treats given to my dog Rusty to create a small quilt.

I haven't been digging, Jeanelle D. McCall, Lufkin, Texas

Materials are recycled rags and left over cotton scraps. This quilt was free motion quilted.

Artist's Statement: The family pet, what animal could be loved more? When I see Fritz the family dachshund look up at me with that "I didn't do it" expression, I just have to laugh. When he hears me approaching to investigate, he tries to blend in with the flowers. How can I not love an animal like that!

Just Relaxing, Jodi Scaltreto, Hillsboro, New Hampshire

100 percent cotton, batik, Glide quilting thread, Hobbs 80-20 batting

Artist's Statement: I love cats and this is one of the many thread paintings of cats I have made. This was my cat Rusty who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2011 and is missed a lot. I feel this relates to the theme because Rusty was a loved pet.

Cats and MIce, Karen A. Grover, Rockford, Illinois

100 percent cotton, batik, Glide quilting thread, Hobbs 80-20 batting.

Artist's Statement: The cats (Tigger and Grady) are such a part of our lives and keep us company on dreary winter days. Gratefully, the mice are not part of our lives, but I am sure if they were, the cats would handle that also.This quilt is the second in a series, the first was Elephants and the next will be a nine block applique quilt. I love the red and lime green, it makes it so happy.

Cuddly Koala, Desley M. Drevins, Albany Creek, Queensland, Australia

Cotton fabrics with acrylic paints and applique.

Artist's Statement: I live beside a "Koala corridor" which allows Koalas to travel between two bushlands nearby. We had visits from three koalas last year and I managed to photograph one climbing up a gum tree to eat the tips of the leaves right at the top of the tree. He looked so cuddly!

Dragonfly, Nita Markos, Hillsboro, Illinois

Hand dyed background fabric, lace dragonfly. Water lily appliqued with satin stitch.

Artist's Statement: Dragonflies make me think of childhood walks down a dusty country road on a warm summer day. We would settle near a lily pond to eat our sack lunch. We watch the insects flit around and listened to the buzz of the bees. Most fascinating to me was the dragonfly performing its magical ballet, skimming across the water, alighting for a moment then taking off, the sun light glimmering on its gossamer wings.

Elephant of India, Nita Markos, Hillsboro, Illinois

Commercial fabric. Elephant appliqued with satin stitch. Button border and, yarn trim added.

Artist's Statement: My first memory of elephants is Daddy waking me up early in the morning to watch the elephants raise the circus tents. Later watching the ponderous animals lumber down main street to the music of the calliope. I loved watching the elephants in Africa. This quilts is inspired by a souvenir from India, a large Rose Wood Elephant in-laid with colorful designs. Elephants seem so human.

Tiger, Nita Markos, Hillsboro, Illinois

Collaged background layered with tulle then quilted. Other objects quilted separately then appliquéd with satin stitch. Hand painted cat.

Artist's Statement: Tiger loves to play among my iris, pouncing on anything that moves. When I set on my garden bench, he leaps into my lap and begins to purr louder than one would expect from such a small animal. When he senses me starting to get up he clings to me, his arms around my neck and his head on my shoulder. I love all cats but Tiger is special and he loves me too.

A Warm Furry Friend, Nita Markos, Hillsboro, Illinois

Artist's Statement: Inspiration for this quilt is my cat who loves my furry blanket. He kneads it with his paws as if he is a kitten and the furry blanket his mother. My interpretation of this experience is a kitten cuddling up to a furry teddy bear.

Oski Loves The Birds, Yvonne Porcella, Modesto, California

Cottons, hand applique, hand quilted, cotton batting.

Artist's Statement: Once upon a time a dog joined the canine corp. Big as he was, he had gentle soul.

We must retire him, send him to guard the ranch, patrol the back yard - the silent watcher. He loves his family, runs like the wind, excited to explore new paths. He sits by the back door. head raised, nose in the air howling. Come out and play with me. throw the ball.

Soldiers, Judith C. Leathers, Hoover, Alabama

Original design. Dog and soldier by Judith are appliqued to a pieced background made by Audrey Arno. Cottons, batiks, machine quilted.

Artist's Statement: My quilt was made to honor Military Service Dogs. Heart-warming stories have been written about the bond that develops between these dogs and the men and women they serve beside. Many dogs have been reunited with their handlers after their tours of duty. One of the most touching stories I've read is the account of parents of a fallen soldier who found some comfort in adopting their son's loyal canine partner and bringing him into their home.

To Serve and Protect, Judith C. Leathers, Hoover, Alabama

Batiks, cottons, fabric pens. Dog,by Judith appliqued to a background by Audrey Arno. Pieced, appliqued and quilted by machine.

Artist's Statement: After Pearl Harbor, the public was asked to give up their dogs to be trained to assist in the war effort. Forty thousand pets were received. Ten thousand of these were accepted and trained by the Quartermaster Corps to serve as sentry, messenger, patrol or mine detection dogs. Today, Military Service dogs are a very important part of our armed forces and also serve in combat alongside our military men and women.

Everyone Loves a Scottie, Ann M. Bordeau, Arden, North Carolina

Cotton fabric, batting, rick rack, button.

Artist's Statement: Scottie dogs are very cute and their boxy frame is perfect for a traditional quilt block made up of squares and half square triangles! Crisp blacks, whites, and a touch of red make an immediately recognizable statement. A touch of rick rack and a button eye are the only embellishments needed. And who doesn't love a Scottie dog?

Darwin--Chowtime, Holly S. Altman, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Commercial cottons, sheers, pipe cleaner, garage sale leather bug.

Artist's Statement: Darwin, my sweet Yemeni chameleon, was a master of stealth. His googley eyes constantly scanning his surroundings as he literally waited with baited breath for the food to come within range of his lightening quick tongue. Then ZAP! Chowtime ! He was my studio companion ; sitting on my shoulder while i worked, and was also my severest critic.

Mechanicat, Katherine M. Dossman, Belton, Texas

Cotton fabric, felted flowers,metal gears and organza. Raw edge applique,hand embroidery, beading and yoyos and flowers. Crazy quilt style.

Artist's Statement: My favorite animal is the cat because they give me great joy. I have always had cats since I was a little girl. Telling my cat about my day is like sharing with my best friend. I am never judged or unloved by him. How I wish he could speak a language I understand. Hearing him purr calms me and lets me know he loves me too.

Strutting my stuff, Katherine M. Dossman, Belton, Texas

Cotton fabrics hand embroidery and hand beading.

Artist's Statement: I love the colors of peacocks and wanted to try my hand at a dresden plate block to resemble the feathers. The peacocks awesome feathers are indeed the most beautiful I believe I have ever seen. The majesty of these animals inspires me to look at the world around us and enjoy all the colors and natural beauty we are lucky to have around us.

Count the Spiders, Diane M. Shink, Gulfport, Florida

Cotton fabrics collected during travels ,metallic embroidery floss.It is machine pieced and quilted and hand embellished.

Artist's Statement: The St Petersburg Guild that I belong to in the winter had a quilt challenge, use Black and White and one other colour. I brought a selection of black and white fabric strips left over from a quilted garment project with me from Canada, so decided to combine the challenges. One of the fabrics has printed spiders and I added another so the challenge is to find the 10 spiders.

Kenya Safari, Ruth Danner, Spokane, Washington

All cotton fabrics, cotton/poly thread.

Artist's Statement: I've been in Kenya twice and have been blessed to see these beautiful creatures while on safari. Watching them in their native habitat makes me appreciate the diverse and amazing animal kingdom with which we share our planet./em>

Melvin's Dragon, Leslie Ferrell Kauffmann, Brussels, Belgium

To make Melvin's dragon, I have used cotton and silk fabrics, low loft cotton batting, hand and machine appliqué and embroidery, and hand quilting. The fabrics helped with my design, with the beaded stripe providing the dragon's scales; peony petals, his mane and tail; leaf texture, his rough face; and dahlia petals, his spines.

Artist's Statement: The third grade assignment in the library was to find a non-fiction book on your favorite animal in the computer card catalog and then locate the book on the shelf, but Melvin was standing at his computer, clearly frustrated and unhappy. When asked what was wrong, he replied, "I can't find a non-fiction book on my favorite animal." "What is your favorite animal, Melvin?" "The dragon!" So I have made a dragon, the animal that Melvin loved best. (Luckily, Melvin's second favorite animal was the decidedly non-fiction lion!)

Sadie, Alice Helms, Asheville, North Carolina

Fused applique, trapunto, machine quilting.

Artist's Statement: Sadie is the best neighbor a person could hope to have.

Sushi Cat Dreams, Ellen L. Hernandez, San Antonio, Texas

Cotton, iron on fusion and machine applique.

Artist's Statement: I have been a cat owner since I was a child and my favorite song from first grade was "Warm Kitty, Soft Kitty" which still comes to mind. I first made a similar pattern for a local guild challenge, and decided it could be revisited for the Quilt Alliance.

Jersey Girls, Allison Aller, Washougal, Washington

Vintage block and trims, hand crocheted flowers, cottonand velvet fabrics, silk ribbon, beads, gimp. Inkjet fabric printing, machine collage applique, machine quilting, hand embellishing.

Artist's Statement: For ten years I was a dairy farmer and we milked Jersey cows. Raising their calves was one of my favorite chores of all. I miss them!

King of Beasts, Roz Manor, Valley Stream, New York

chose to use black and white cotton fabrics to represent the face and mane of the lion instead of a traditional color palette. It his quilt is hand appliqués and hand quilted.

Artist's Statement: The majesty and stature of a lion is very compelling. The focus of the eyes or the lifting of the head presents strength and leadership. It's character is something to strive for.

Monkey Love, Shelley M. Kardon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cotton fabrics, monkey wrench machine pieced squares, fussy cutting, machine straight stitch quilting.

Artist's Statement: When the school bell rang and I ran out to greet my mother on a December day in 1968, she presented me with a sock monkey. From that day forward, I loved monkeys! Today, I have a huge monkey collection and even have a monkey room with a monkey lamp and monkey drapes. I have also enjoyed learning about monkeys, and in school, I would write my research papers about monkeys. I still collect monkey articles and photos. For me, monkeys remind me of that day when my dear mother presented me with my first monkey. Monkeys were a bond that my mother and I shared together. My mother passed away six years ago, but I'm reminded of her every day when I see my monkeys that surround me. My quilt square represents my love of monkeys!

Love Monkey, Mary Kay Davis, Sunnyvale, California

Cotton Fabrics, Machine Quilted and Machine Appliqued

Artist's Statement: I seem to find Sock Monkeys fascinating. I don't know why as I never had one as a child. Maybe it's because they are always smiling, after all, what's not to love?

It's a Dogs Life, Theresa A. Nielsen, Royal Oak, Michigan

Fabric, beads, buttons, charms, ribbon.

Artist's Statement: My dogs are the best dogs and I portrayed lots of them in my quilt.

The Song of the Thrush, Terry Pottmeyer, Mercer Island, Washington

Pieced block, 'Peace and Plenty'; machine applique, machine quilting and hand embellished with perle cotton.

Artist's Statement: The Varied Thrush is a striking bird that I have come to know and love. It is most often seen in the winter, when the woods are damp and dark. I hear its song more often than I see it. Every time I catch a glimpse of the thrush as it feeds and flies I am reminded again of how grateful I am to live in a world that includes such beautiful birds.

Mary had a wood duck, Pamela G. Allen, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Recycled and commercial fabrics. Collaged and handstitched.

Artist's Statement: Mary had a wood duck,
All red and green and blue.
And even when she'd roller skate,
The duck rolled with her too.

Butterfly, Lisa Ellis, Fairfax, Virginia

Cotton fabric and threads. Hot fix crystals. Machine pieced and quilted. Raw Edge appliqué.

Artist's Statement: Butterflies remind us of the awe and beauty found in nature. In butterflies we see the fantastic metamorphosis from caterpillar to winged adult and wonder about the mysteries of the great migration over thousands of miles.

Contented, Susan L. Robbins, Silver Spring, Maryland

Silk dye and commercial fabrics, machine quilting, hand embroidery, creative stitchery, CarbOthello coloring pencils on dog's features, stencils, acrylic paints, free motion.

Artist's Statement: I am a strong advocate of the Humane Society of the US. An article caught my attention about an abused miniature dachshund, paralyzed from the waist down. He was fitted with a home made cart with PVC pipe for the frame and a harness.

Lo and Behold! He couldn't wait to 'run' everywhere to his delight and he looks so contented. Being a Deaf person, I emphasized with him that I can do anything but hear. New technology is being revitalized and revamped therefore there is nothing to hold us back. I love telling a story about empowerment.

An Apple a Day, Mary Kerr, Sarah Entsminger, Woodbridge, Virginia

Vintage embroidery, antique fragments, new cotton.

Artist's Statement: A sweet vintage embroidery is paired with fragments of an antique hexie top and backed with apple fabric from the 1950's. Permission is granted to play with vintage textiles in a way that makes your heart sing! This quilt was featured in my book, Recycled Hexies, (Schifffer publishing, 2015). Pieced by Mary Kerr and quilted and finished by Sarah Entsminger.

My Scruff Muffin, Marta Amundson, Riverton, Wyoming

Cotton fabric, printer ink, heavy interfacing, threads.

Artist's Statement: Because I love a dog; we rise early, take a long walk, and delight in every new day.

When Raven Dreams, Stacy Hurt, Orange, California

Hand painted on cloth; paper decoupaged; machine stitched.

Artist's Statement: In my imagination when Raven dreams and removes his black cloak, this is what he sees. I adore all birds but Ravens are my favorites. In this representation; Ravens inner colors symbolize all birds.

Genevieve, Phyllis K. Campbell, Rockford, Illinois

Batik fabrics, machine appliqued, machine pieced, machine quilted.

Artist's Statement: The graceful, tall giraffe has long been my favorite animal. My quilt portrays her long neck and spotted coat as she gently feeds among the tall trees. Her sleepy, hooded eyes keep a careful watch on her surroundings. Genevieve was created from batik fabrics, and was machine appliqued, pieced, and quilted. This quilt is an entry and donation to the Quilt Alliance 2015 Animals We Love contest.

Love My Siamese Cats, Laura Swensen, Stillwater, New York

Cotton fabrics. Fused applique and raw edge.

Artist's Statement: Siamese cats have been in my life for a very, very long time. Yes I have had other breeds of cats but always had a Siamese. This quilt is a interpretation and not a true likeness of a Siamese's. The pattern used was a free pattern called "Moda Love". I love Red and White quilts, so I added that to the "Animals we Love."

How Now Cow, Jill Kerttula

My original photography custom printed on fabric, then pieced with commercial fabrics. Hand and Machine stitched and quilted, and embellished with drier lint and beading.

Artist's Statement: Being born and raised in Wisconsin, cows have always been close to my heart. I love the serenity of them as they graze and chew! And they have the softest ears!

Sophie, Sandi Goldman, Annandale, Virginia

Cotton fabric, Mistyfuse, cotton batting

Artist's Statement: This is a portrait of my standard parti-poodle Sophie. Sophie is the happiest, friendliest and sweetest dog you can imagine. I had fun making this quilt to celebrate the dog I love.

Bat Love, Elizabeth F. Pekins, Lampasas, Texas

Double sided art quilt with integrated hanging sleeve.

Artist's Statement: We love bats! Bats are cute,furry, loveable, sensitive and often misunderstood. They are endangered and threatened world wide. Our family loves bats and our life revolves around their nocturnal world. Vacations and outings involve visiting bat caves and urban colonies. My doubled sided art quilt features a colorful bat hanging around with bat friends flying in the distance. Many of my pieces are donated to bat and cave conservation charities. We love bats!

Puppy Dreams, Kitty Vangunten, Simsbury, Connecticut

It is my second quilt; I will do my best to describe it. I machine embroidered items and applied them to the quilt. I used cotton fabric, machine embroidery thread and batting.

Artist's Statement: My husband and I are puppy raisers for Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. The quilt represents the puppies we have loved over the years and the things they love. Our puppies grow up to be guide dogs who are loved by the blind person who has greater mobility with a guide dog.

The Butcher, the Baker and the Trouble Maker, Pauline Salzman, Treasure Island, Florida

Fused cotton, leather collars and hand stitching in the background.

Artist's Statement: This quilt named itself when it was done. Our girls have given us so much pleasure. Each puppy has been memorable. This is a tribute to them.

Brown Dog #1, Pauline Salzman, Treasure Island, Florida

Fused Hand beaded, Hand and machine quilted.

Artist's Statement: Think Westminster. All of our puppies are special. This puppy would like to catch a kitty ... she is in the garden looking ... or at least that is her story. The kitties are on the back.

Who Me???? Pauline Salzman, Treasure Island, Florida

Fused Silk with cotton background.Hand and machine quilted

Artist's Statement: This is the look you get on your puppy face when they try to act innocent. She had been in the flower bed looking for treats.

I Love Angus, My Scottie Dog, Dr. Bonnie MacGregor, West Seneca, New York

Machine: Applique, Thread Painted, Echo Quilting, plus Prairie Point Border on Cotton Fabrics. Hand Sewn: Embellished with Petite Glass Beads.

Artist's Statement: This quilt was inspired by watching the sun sparkle around -- and bounce off -- my loving Scottie Dog's ears, eyebrows, and back of his neck. The echo quilting is to show my love toward him that he echoes back to me. I love my Scottie Dog!

Swans Matter, Laurie C. Bay, Germantown, Maryland

Ink jet photo transfer to canvas fabric. Domestic machine quilted on cotton sateen fabric.

Artist's Statement: I love animals. I really love birds. I believe "All Lives Matter". I know that animals matter. I know birds matter. I saw this swan swimming in a pond at Kew Garden. It was quite the ambassador for its species. So many of us just sat there and watched it swim by gracefully like a beauty pageant contestant. I know it is an "animal we love" even if there were no birds on the 2015 Quilt Contest logo.

Black and White and Red All Over Mini, Susanne M. Jones, Potomac Falls, Virginia

Commercial printed fabric, jute, Razzle Dazzle, crystal bead. Machine appliqued, machine quilted, hand embroidered, mane building.

Artist's Statement: Convinced that I could not draw, I took a Fundamentals of Design class in 2014. For one of our final projects, we had to do a black and white drawing. I love this zebra because he originated as the drawing in that class. He is proof that anything is possible and just looking at him makes me smile. He is sheltered by an umbrella acacia from the savannah in Africa.

Cat Circus, Mary J. Puckett, Cullowhee, North Carolina

Cotton fabric for front and back, cotton batting, Superior So Fine thread on top and Superior Bottom Line thread in bobbin.

Artist's Statement: Anyone who has ever owned cats knows that even one cat can create a circus just by flying around a room. The colors in this Laurel Burch print inspired the idea of a circus composed of cats doing their usual stunts.

Peek-A-Bear, Mary Kay Davis, Sunnyvale, California

All cotton fabric, Machine Appliqued and Machine Quilted.

Artist's Statement: I fell in love with this polar bear fabric and knew that I had to use it, having a polar bear peek out of the corner of the quilt seemed to be the right thing to do.

Pop, the Guinea, Doreen L. Prakshot, Sevierville, Tennessee

Batiks with mixed standard fabrics. Warm and Natural batting. Reverse and raw edge applique using rayon threads, a touch of acrylic paint and free motion stitching.

Artist's Statement: He knocked at the back slider nightly, would get into a cat carrier and sleep in the laundry room for 10 years. He mingled with 4 cats and 4 dogs, ate bugs, squawked at strangers - ate all our house screens and loved my car's chrome bumper. He thought he was one of our 4 leggeds, he was our buddy.

Four Pets, Yarelie Josephs, Greensboro, North Carolina

Fabric, felt, and fleece. Applique.

Artist's Statement: Inspired by Picasso's Three Musicians, this quilt features my two cats and dog and also the cat of my in-laws.

moo, Esther Muh, Albany, California

Cotton fabric, machine and (some) hand quilting, and old jeans.

Artist's Statement: "Moo" is how you would pronounce my last name. Needless to say, we have a lot of cow memorabilia.

Princess Elsa Cat, Esther Muh, Albany, California

Scrap fabric and clothing, scrappy blocks are backed with fusible interfacing, machine quilted, needle turned applique, and surface embroidery.

Artist's Statement: I pieced and sewed the quilt, but the entire design of the quilt was conceived by my four year old daughter who loves cats (and princesses, and, of course, Elsa from "Frozen").

Tea Rex in Specs, Eleanor Levie, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Tea bag envelopes, mesh bags, eco-felt, sequin trim, broken bracelet clasp, commercial fabrics, rickrack and satin cord; machine applique and quilting.

Artist's Statement: Gotta love this divine creature, who is just like you! A real She-Rex, fierce, fabulous, and dino-mite! "I'm rexy and I know it! Now where are my specs?"

Winter Companion, Zeeda K. Magnuson, Minnenapolis, Minnesota

Machine raw edge applique, machine quilted (an asymmetrical area was quilted in a tighter pattern to add depth and interest) cotton fabric, thread and batting. Bottom Line thread was used in the bobbin when quilting.

Artist's Statement: In winter, we don't see the number of animals visible in other seasons, so when we do, it is a welcomed site. I enjoy seeing a chickadee sitting on a bare branch, hanging on as the wind blows its feathers. Sometimes you need to look closely as they blend into the gray-brown landscape. Seeing these beautiful creatures withstanding the cold of winter gives me solace. If they can make it to spring, I can too.

Harry, Jean Marie Necheles, Newtonville, Massachusetts

I took Jamipi's digital picture manipulated online, printed my version of "Harry" on paper, then I transferred my vision to fabric. I used different pieces of cotton fabrics, Auriful threads, interfacing, and a little bit of glue. The batting is a soft fleece fabric and the backing, binding, and sleeves are all fabrics used within the creating of Harry. It was pieced together by machine and the only hand sewing is on the quilt sleeve.

Artist's Statement: The digital picture "Harry" was created by my cousin, Jampi Miró, a Visual artist from Puerto Rico. Harry is a Pug, a much loved pug. Jampi took a picture of Harry and created a digital picture as a gift for a friend, Harry's owner.

While at a family party, Jampi and I where discussing our love of each other's art. With his permission, I have created my version of his "Harry." I look forward to his vision of my work.

Toro, Jennifer Rodriguez, West Jordan, Utah

Quilting fabric, batting, sewing thread, perle cotton, Swarvoski crystal breads and one sequin. Improv piecing, hand applique, machine applique, embroidery, bead couching, hand quilting and machine quilting.

Artist's Statement: I am the mother of three children - their worlds constantly inspire me. We have watched "Book of Life" often. My husband is of Mexican ancestry and this movie was especially meaningful for us as it provided a way to share that part of the culture with our children.

Toro is a celebration of life. Toro is a reminder that death is not the end, but a new chapter.

Bluebirds #2, Cynthia St. Charles, Billings, Montana

Hand painted whole cloth, overprinted with hand carved block prints, Thermofax screen prints adapted from my grandmother's handwritten recipes, photos of apple tree branches and bluebirds. Free motion quilted with my domestic machine. Hand stitched glass beads.

Artist's Statement: It is always such a thrill to see the colorful Mountain Bluebirds when they return to Montana each spring! My layered printing process includes hand carved block prints of springtime imagery and screen prints adapted from my grandmother's handwritten recipes, all very expressive of my personal joy.

Rainbow Shower, Jerriann Massey, Tyler, Texas

Focal Point, Earamichia Brown, New York, New York

Machine piecing, machine applique, fabric, Heat N' Bond, and hand quilting.

Artist's Statement: My family has a love for long haired chihuahuas. So I figured I would do this in honor of my mothers precious doggie named Snow, that passed away last summer after a long life. She was true to her name, white as snow, but had such a colorful personality. Hence the multitude of colors that is presented.

Pounce Purrfectly, Earamichia Brown, New York, New York

Silhouette cut out on Fabric, tulle overlay, and machine quilted.

Artist's Statement: I have a fascination with scratch art. Loved it as a kid, the idea of revealing what was beneath the layer. So I have transferred that technique to fabric. I wanted to have movement and display the grace of a Lion in all its ferocity. Hence the bright flame coloring, yet so gently in texture with the Shot Cotton.

My Gecko, Sherri Lipman McCauley, Lakeway, Texas

Hand painted fabric with painted gecko appliqued on surface. Sheer fabric machine stitched to add interest. Machine quilted and hand embroidered.

Artist's Statement: I love geckos. They are quick, courageous and able to climb up any surface. I once had a gecko hanging out in my curtain. He refused to be caught, and eventually disappeared. I like to think that he found an open door, and high tailed it outside. Who knows! Geckos belong outside, and that is where I love them best!

Willow, Sarah Entsminger, Ashburn, Virginia

All cotton quilting fabrics. Machine appliqué, color pencil drawing and machine quilting. Embellishments include trim and a personalized "pet" tag.

Artist's Statement: My mother has a varied and extensive collection of sheep, alas none are alive, just lovely examples in every media imaginable. She and I both purchased a wonderful porcelain and wool sheep from Collin's Creatures in Asheville, NC. One night I dreamed that my sheep had announced that her name was Willow and that she wished to have much brighter wool than the terribly boring cream color she wore. So this is Willow's portrait as seen through her very rosy glasses. Not all animals need to be live to catch our hearts and imagination.

Allergic to Cats and Dogs, Charlotte Noll, Lauderhill, Florida

Fabrics are neon colors - hand dyed, batik and regular cotton. Fused mosaic technique. Appliqued/quilted with silk thread. Faced edging.

Artist's Statement: I never had a pet when I was a child because I was allergic to cats. My oldest son Justin inherited my bad genes and is also allergic to cats and dogs. But he loved reptiles so we had snakes and various other hairless creatures. Our favorite was Fred the Bearded Dragon.

NUTS 4 MUTTS, Jan D. Harmon, Costa Mesa, California

My material is fabric from my stash. I used Aurifil (top)and Bottom Line (on the bottom) thread to quilt it. I don't mean to sound like a commercial for these threads, but they really are the best combination for quilting. I also used the Misty Fuse that I received when I signed up as a Quilt Alliance member.

Artist's Statement: I love dogs. All dogs. I have a border collie named Buster and he is my best friend.

OWL, Jan D. Harmon, Costa Mesa, California

I used fabric from my stash and Misty Fuse to stick down the pieces before quilting.

Artist's Statement: I like birds especially owls. We see owls when we walk our dogs by our local library. Once we saw a baby owl that was the same size as the parent but was covered with fluffy feathers. He looked like a big fluff ball.

Molly's Rainbow Butterfly, Deborah S. Wheeler, Garden Prairie, Illinois

Cotton fabric. Applique technique including some metallic thread.

Artist's Statement: I've always felt butterflies represent a free spirit When asking my granddaughter if she liked the butterfly exhibit she said "Nonni , the butterflies like me - after all I AM a butterfly girl. Shortly after that she asked for a rainbow dress for her birthday - another favorite. So this little Rainbow Butterfly represents all things bright, fun, free spirited, delicate and bright - rainbows, butterflies and Molly.

Mister Mal, MaryEllen Sax, Woodbury, Minnesota

For this challenge I decided to focus on an animal dear to me, our cat Mal. To compliment his outgoing personality and fuzzy features I constructed Mal using wool applique and roving. I then thread painted those pieces to a wool background. I padded out the face to add depth and continued to add detail to the features with more thread painting and hand stitching. Finally, the face was added to a quilted background.

Artist's Statement: I enjoy working with all types of textiles and fibers. Jumping from traditional quilt designs to unconventional art quilts. I like mixing unique combinations of fabrics, hand stitching, and embellishments. Currently I'm experimenting with various ways to bring more depth and movement to my pieces.

The Animal Heart, Elaina R. Dooley, Puyallup, Washington

All fabrics are shot cotton. Binding made from multiple colored strips. Fusible applique with variegated perle cotton hand embroidered for outlining and detail. Rayon machine embroidery thread 60wt for thread painting, heavily quilted around animal shapes. One layer of high-loft polyester batting to give extra dimension to make animals stand out. Dense stipple quilting surrounding heart done with 50 wt cotton thread.

Artist's Statement: I wanted this design to reflect the way animals can bring a smile to our day and make us happy. They have a way of being themselves yet they amaze, inspire and comfort us. And they teach us lessons about love and our own humanity. I had to include our devoted Chiweenie Bailey who can always be found by my side.

Teddy, Timothy J. Latimer, Lansing, Michigan

Embroidery, hand quilting, Cotton fabric, Poly batting

Artist's Statement: I call Teddy my quilt inspector. He is a Miniature Schnauzer and is a rescue dog. He helps me with every quilt I make. Teddy is also the "star" of my blog and has fans across the world. Everyone loves Teddy.

Teddy 2, Timothy J. Latimer, Lansing, Michigan

Hand embroidery, hand quilting, cotton fabric and poly batting.

Artist's Statement: Teddy is my rescue dog. He is a miniature Schnauzer. Teddy is the quilt loving dog. He helps me with every quilt I make, and he love to be a quilt model. He is also the "star" of my blog and has fans across the world. Everyone loves Teddy!

Peaceful Protest, Renee Pasquale, Wappingers Fall, New York

Cotton fabrics, metallic tulle, decorative threads, crystal embellishments,cotton batting, machine appliqué collage, decorative stitching, free motion quilting

Artist's Statement: This years contest theme is pertinent to the message I want to convey in my art quilts, which is appreciation of our wildlife and the need for conservation. In "Peaceful Protest" I want to shed light on the killing of elephants and rhinos in ivory and rhino poaching, as well as the killing of zebras for their skins. In "Peaceful Protest", the animals are standing together, unified in their belief they must be saved from extinction! Let's join their protest and spread the word of their potential fate if conservation efforts are ignored!

Girlasaurus, Jamie Fingal, Orange, California

Fabrics designed by artist with Hoffman Fabrics, Mistyfused to wool blended felt, and free motion machine quilted.

Artist's Statement: Reminding all girls to Be Brave, Be Bold, and Be Strong. Dinosaur girls.

I'll See You Again, Michelle Flamer, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

Raw edge applique, hand embroidery, hand dyed cotton, Japanese daiwabo, encaustic wax, stamps. In the manner of antique school girl samplers, the mourning variety.

Artist's Statement: When "Blue," one of the stray cats I care for was viciously killed by a neighbor's dog, I grieved. I considered whether I would ever be reunited with Blue and my other pets (Pepe, my parakeet, Fric, my dachsund, or Copper, my Irish setter). I have confidence that I will! "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings and not one of them is forgotten before God." Luke 12:6 KJV

Man’s Best Friend, Victoria Findlay Wolfe, New York, New York

Cherrywood and cotton fabrics, fusible applique, hand quilting

Artist's Statement: I was inspired by the I “Heart” NYC shirts to make this quilt, I “heart” My Dog, and thought it was s fun project to hand quilt.

Matriarch, Pauline Macaulay, London, UK

Assorted fabrics; stitching; acid etching.

Author's statement: This celebrates the matriarchs of the elephant world who lead their herds. At risk by poachers for their ivory tusks they are in danger of being killed and their knowledge for protecting their families is lost. Hours spent elephant watching has made me truly in awe of them.

I want to convey this terrible loss and make a plea for protection.

Beloved, Laurie Russman, New York, New York

Commercial cotton fabrics, fabric ink, (lots and lots) of polyester thread...machine-quilted.

Author's statement: This little face with the enormous green eyes is a constant source of inspiration from me! This portrait was inspired by a photo of my feral cutie sitting in her pillow fort. As the backing fabric exhorts, rescue! Adopt!

The Very Hungry Little Koi, Laurie Russman, New York, New York

Dupioni silk, cotton, Paintstiks, metallic tulle, silk and polyester thread...machine-quilted. techniques and materials

Author's statement: This little fellow befriended me during a conference at a hotel with a very large koi pond. I had no idea how much personality they have! The green silk with flashes of silver is a very close approximation of his home...here he awaits yet another chunk of my breakfast toast ;).

This little fellow befriended me during a conference at a hotel with a very large koi pond. I had no idea how much personality they have! The green silk with flashes of silver is a very close approximation of his home...here he awaits yet another chunk of my breakfast toast ;).