sample dogs

Image courtesy of York Museums Trust :: http://yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk :: CC BY-SA 4.0

1844, England: Emma Stead, age 12, works away on her sewing practice, creating this gorgeous sampler in colored wools on linen.

doghance!

Perhaps these were the family dogs.  Excellent work.  I certainly couldn't stitch so finely.
To learn more about samplers, try this article at the Victoria & Albert Museum's website.