Throughout his career, Wally used Animals for subjects in his fine art and illustrations. Popular choices included cats, dogs, bears, birds of all kinds, dear, fish; and much more. You name it, chances are, he drew it. In this case he made several drawings of an owl for the book 'Owl' written by William Service. The (very short) novel was published in 1969, and its charm reminds me of Gavin Maxwell's autobiographical novel about his relationship with an adopted Iraqi-born Sea Otter in 'Ring Of Bright Water.' 
These illustrations are fantastic examples of the enthusiasm Walter DuBois Richards had for drawing wildlife, even if that wildlife was in the form of a pet, such is the case in Owl.
