David Hockney, the renowned British artist, was deeply attached to his two dachshunds, Stanley and Boodgie. He often let them roam freely, even in the homes of friends. One such incident occurred at the Los Angeles home of actor Dennis Hopper, where Boodgie left a “gift” on the floor. Hockney reportedly responded with a calm remark: “It’ll be dry in the morning, luv, and you can just pick it up.” This anecdote highlights the artist’s affection for his pets, which he often painted. One of these paintings, Dog Painting 17, is set to be auctioned by Christie’s. It is the first of Hockney’s dog paintings to appear at auction and is expected to sell for between £1.5m and £2.5m. The painting depicts Stanley, Hockney’s first dachshund, curled up on a cushion, fast asleep. It is part of a larger series of over 40 works created between 1994 and 1995. Hockney acquired Stanley in 1987, naming him after comedian Stan Laurel. The dog was constantly by his side, while Boodgie, who arrived later, was more reserved. Hockney’s biographer, Christopher Simon Sykes, noted that friends were surprised when he decided to get a dog, but they quickly realized how much he adored them. The dachshunds became integral to his social life in his Hollywood Hills home, often joining him for dinners and gatherings. Sykes wrote that Hockney was not overly concerned about house training, with one friend recalling how the dogs would defecate in his shoes. During a visit to Hopper’s home, Boodgie left a “gift” on the floor, prompting Hockney to humorously reassure Hopper that it would be dry in the morning and easy to clean up. Hockney began painting his dogs during a difficult period in his life. He had lost several friends to AIDS and was deeply affected by the death of Henry Geldzahler, a close friend who died of pancreatic cancer. The artist wanted to create something loving and positive, and the dog paintings became a form of emotional healing. Christie’s head of postwar and contemporary art, Tessa Lord, said the paintings were a “kind of catharsis” for Hockney. She described Dog Painting 17 as having “incredible spontaneity” and “fluidity of brushstrokes,” with rich textures and details that bring the dog to life. The painting will be on display at Christie’s in London from 8 October, where anyone can view it for free. It will be sold on 14 October during Frieze Week, a major event in the art world. Lord emphasized the significance of the painting, noting that it reflects an important chapter in Hockney’s life and captures a universal sense of love and connection. “It’s so much more than just a portrait of a dog,” she said.