What’s the Story Behind the Ceramic Dog?

This ceramic dog was a prize that would be given away at carnivals/traveling shows instead of stuffed animals that we see today.

They would bring a mold  with them and new "prizes" (aka new ceramic dogs and other animals) would be created + painted by the carnival workers along the way. 

Depending on the artist/game operator, they may simply paint or opt to add a slot for a single use bank