Classic Covers: Dogs Hate School!

If there’s anything we’ve learned from studying hundreds of magazine covers for the Post and The Country Gentleman, a sister publication, it is that dogs hate school! If you’re bummed about returning to school, you’re not the only one.

Dog Waiting for Somebody by Robert C. Kauffmann Dog Waiting for Somebody
Robert C Kauffmann
September 10, 1938[/caption]

This Robert C. Kauffmann painting is one of our favorite dog covers — and we have decades and decades of dog covers. How long that sweet mutt is going to stare at the door, nobody knows, but best friends are loyal.

Faithful Friends by Alan Foster

These pups have been at it longer; they’re at least sitting down and waiting. If they’re teaching something useful like fishing or stick-throwing in there, these loyal friends might understand, but what’s taking so long? This is one of 30 covers Alan Foster painted between 1923 and 1933 for the Post.

Patient Friend by Norman Rockwell

Humorous every-day scenes like the one above were popular in the 1920s. The cover of was one of 10 Saturday Evening Post covers Rockwell did in 1922, along with two Country Gentleman covers and other ad work and art assignments. We’ve often wondered when the man slept.

School Bus by Stevan Dohanos

“Dear Editor: I know this may be a stretch, but I have a special request. I am looking for an issue of your magazine from September 2, 1944. It is special to me because I am the Boy Scout in the painting by Stevan Dohanos. His son was a pal of mine and, in the 6th grade, I was asked to pose in my scout uniform. I think I got paid $10! Plus I spent the night at his house and had a great time. I can still remember the shoot.” This email from a couple of years ago was signed George. We’re glad George enjoyed the shoot, because the dogs are clearly not enjoying having their pals carted away in that big yellow thing.

Math Problems by Henry Hintermeister

If there’s one thing dogs hate more than school, it’s homework — or at least math homework. If nothing else, Rover can provide moral support. The artist, Henry Hintermeister, certainly wasn’t a household name, but he did at least 16 Country Gentleman covers, all terrific ones, of kids.

School’s Out by Ray C. Strang

If there’s one thing about school dogs love, it’s when Billy gets off that bus! We should all have a welcoming committee like this one. Love the pastels in this painting. And dig that 1930 school bus in the background.