I was talking with a client in our office and the topic of Artificial Intelligence came up. I don’t know why, really. We’re a tax office, after all. But this was obviously a burning concern for this fellow. He was convinced that our very way of life is going to go south because of the actions of AI.

I get where he’s coming from, at least a little bit. We’re of that generation that started life the analog way. You know, like landlines, carburetors, and doing math in our heads. We feel any new technology deserves a solid side-eye before we can accept it. And the term “Artificial Intelligence” itself is an oxymoron, right?

But we’ve already been using AI for years. For example, the GPS on your phone can detect and predict traffic patterns to get you around town faster (*see a bonus story at the end of this post). And we find that to be helpful technology, not scary at all. Now self-driving cars are at the other end of this example and I’m not sure the world is all the way ready for that technology [cueing side eye].

What I am ready for however, is this kind of AI. The portraits below are AI generated by PugMug.ai, an online platform specializing in dog and cat images. I uploaded a few photos of the mighty Micron and was rewarded with dozens of creative ways to enjoy looking at that handsome face.

Since the results are based on my photos of Micron, I absolutely recognize his eyes and freckled nose. Honestly, to see my heart dog as a wizened Jedi Master is just a chef’s kiss to a masterpiece.

The stable diffusion AI model that PugMug uses is obviously very good. And yet, still can give some unpredictable, if not hilarious, results. If you look closely at the portrait above with the display of fruit, you’ll notice Micron’s left hind leg resting on the table. I assure you he never had that level of flexibility.

And this one, which I had marked as a favorite before second guessing my choice. Not sure what that hat brim is made of. Yeah, no. It’s dog ears. The hat brim is dog ears. Sure ’nuff.

Then I threw Holly into the mix, so to speak. These came out incredible as well. We still have that left hind leg issue in the bottom photo, though. In this case, Holly could probably pull that off without too much fuss.

And again, that fun AI unpredictability. Holly found her doppelganger during her stroll through the mystic forest.

And this one.

Yeah, sure. She found a tiny friend to admire her statuesque beauty. But explain to me why the snowman has three eyes, won’t you.

PugMug.ai offers their AI-designed images for free. You can download the images and use them however you like with no copyright restrictions. They also have an online catalog of items imprinted with your image of choice. Mugs, t-shirts, mousepads, wine glasses and more.

And I want to share that I’ve partnered with PugMug to support Canine Companions in the way of a fundraiser. Use the code SUPERDOG at checkout to get 20% off your order. Plus 30% of the net sale will go to Canine Companions. Sweet deal, y’all.

Enjoy!

*A short story about Artificial Intelligence. Interpret the AI as you will.

Recent conversation between the Husband and me traveling though downtown Richmond, Indiana. I’m driving under duress. Because I don’t want to be driving, but here we are.

Google Maps GPS: In 1,000 feet, turn left.

Me: Ugh, that’s not right. The GPS is confused with the detours. Maybe the rain is messing with the satellites.

Husband: Satellites don’t get wet.

Google: Bonk Bonk. At next left, make an illegal U-turn.

Me: Did you just say “Satellites don’t get wet”?

Husband: They’re above the clouds.

Me: I know that! Do you think I don’t know that? I meant the rain might be messing with the satellite signals.

Google: Bonk Bonk. Make another U-turn, then turn right. Then immediately go straight.

Me: You know, this is bullshit because all I want is a nice coffee from a nice coffee shop and this town is all screwed up with their detours and …

Husband: That’s a stop sign.

Me: Oh c’mon! Who would put a stop sign here? It doesn’t make sense. What does the GPS say about where …

Google: Turn right. Your destination is on the left. You’ve arrived. [smiley voice]

Me: Oh. We made it. What do you want?

Husband: I don’t know. Not sweet or not bitter. I don’t know coffee.

Me: Ok. Not sweet, not bitter order of not coffee. Be right back with that.

Ok, so a lot of decision points here. Where to go, what to order, who to leave at the coffee shop.

Here’s your assignment, Dear Reader. Ask AI what would you order from a trendy midwest small town coffee shop order that is, specifically, not coffee, not too sweet, and absolutely not bitter.

And tell me. Please.

Ok yeah, besides all that. Who would pay to see a movie with these two? Heck yeah, I would. The master Obi Wan Micron and Princess Hollyleia. She has the ears and smells like cinnamon buns.

Categories: Canine Companions for Independence, Holly, Micron, Uncategorized