In a somewhat reverse way I don’t ever have a plan on which animal to carve, instead I draw inspiration from the wood grain as to which animal would be most fitting. The item is made on a scrollsaw,, after marking the outline, the wood is moved around a rapidly moving blade in a continuous motion as once you start it is hard to stop without leaving a mark. The colour of the Opepe leant itself to a Lab and on one side the darker heartwood makes it look like it has been in the mud, a sight most Lab owners will recognise!