Laguna Visual Art Teacher Dug Uyesaka and his adorable pup, Palmer, are featured in a new book entitled “Santa Barbara Artists and Their Dogs,” which was created by The Art Council of the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art and highlights the natural bond between dogs and artists. A portrait of them will also be on display in an exhibition through December 18 in the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art’s downstairs gallery along with other artists and their pups.

Kerrie Smith, creative director of “Santa Barbara Artists and Their Dogs” and Arts Council president, spearheaded the creation of the book, which includes portraits of each of the 70 artists with their canine companions as well as short, touching and often humorous essays.

“We hope we inspire readers to adopt a dog and enjoy the love and affirmation that comes from being one of the pack,” Larson says.

Way to go, Dug!