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Oil portrait of a brindle and white Bulldog in a black cap and starry velvet robe beside a brass orrery, books and candle 17 / 20

The Bulldog Astronomer Stared at the Planets and Pondered Lunch

AI imagebulldogastronomerbaroque portrait

Stars and crescent moons are stitched onto the astronomer's robe, and a brass orrery with little golden planets stands near his elbow. This brindle and white Bulldog has a wrinkled face, a pink and black nose, and folded ears under a small dark cap. A lace collar and white cravat frame his heavy jowls. Behind him, stacked books and rolled maps are lit by a candle at the right, and an old globe sits in the shadows at the left. His paws are tucked out of sight, though you can imagine one tapping on the table as he thinks.

Bulldogs are calm, gentle dogs that enjoy lounging with their families. They do not need much exercise, but they do need short, regular walks to stay fit. Their flat faces make it hard to cool down in warm weather, so keep them in air-conditioned or shady places and avoid midday heat. Facial folds should be cleaned and dried to prevent irritation. Bulldogs often snore and snort, but heavy breathing trouble is a reason to call your vet. Keeping them at a healthy weight makes breathing and walking easier.

The astronomer is clearly puzzling over a very hard question, probably about the exact location of the nearest cushion. The stars are far away, but dinner is not. Science will have to wait. Every great mind needs a nap.

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