Which artist drew this boy with two dogs making friends?

Here are some clues:

1. This artist was an American painter and illustrator.

2. The artist was from New York City.

3. This artist's works were the cover illustrations of the Saturday Evening Post for nearly five decades!

4. This particular illustration was published on September 28, 1929.

5. The Collie, the artist's dog, wears an "R" - the first letter of the artist's last name..

Answer: Norman Rockwell

Image: https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2018/02/dog-covers/