Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones, was also known for his lifelong love of animals, particularly Collies and Arabian horses. He and his wife, Shirley, lived at Halsdon Manor in Devon, where they managed an Arabian stud farm and cared for numerous dogs.

Maud Earl (1864–1943) was among the most celebrated animal painters of the Victorian and Edwardian periods, renowned for her sensitive and highly accomplished portraits of dogs. Trained by her father, the artist George Earl, she became a sought-after painter of champion show dogs and received commissions from prominent patrons, including members of the British royal family. Her works remain admired for their warmth, technical precision, and ability to capture the distinct character of each animal.

Maud Earl passed away in 1943, leaving behind a rich legacy of paintings that continue to charm viewers with their elegance and sensitivity. Today, her work is held in high regard by art historians, collectors, and dog lovers alike, admired not only for its technical brilliance but also for its rare ability to capture the soul of her animal subjects.