In all of the years, all of the dogs that I have shared my life with, never have I had such a lazy pack. Like you and I, our furry friends need daily exercise. I do my best to make sure that this pack gets what they need….each dog has their own fun little games they enjoy playing (even if only for short durations). Gemma….loves to chase the dogs, if forced to….a Frisbee will do but only a couple of throws. She gets bored easily along with the fact she does not like the heat. Niki….LOVES kick ball. Rocky….he will chase a tennis ball….stick….gets bored easily so for all of them they get several play times a day….pretty darn spoiled Now that the cooler weather is here I have started making use of the agility equipment. We will do this several times a week….great exercise for the dog and great team work and training for both you and dog. Niki loves the weave poles, even when she was in her big wheels I had her do some agility….now although still a bit wobbly in the back end we do it and I must say she is the fastest out of the three….yep, the disabled dog does the weaves the best!

It sounds like alot of time and work…nope, just a half an hour to hour throughout the day is all that is needed. Walks are another way to bond and spend some quality time with your furry friends. So….if it has been a while since spending some time with your furry friend….go for a nice walk, take an agility class or obedience class if not yet trained). Their lives are so short….make every second count and keep them as healthy as you can by doing something with your dog on a daily basis. This is my pack after some exercise & fun…

 

 

 

 

 

Missie is a wonderful young Havanese pup. These are very bright, fun loving dogs. They are fun to train and so enjoy being with their people….Missie is true to her breed. This is a quick sketch layout….nothing fancy with this sketch…..will lay some color and that is all that will be needed.

Oct. is right around the corner, this months special (good through the 14th of Oct.) is Body Parts $150.00 for one pet, one location photo session (1 hr.) 11×14, 1 8×10 2 5×7’s Luster Paper (each additonal pet is extra) . Makes a Great Holiday Gift!

It is almost eight months since Niki’s spinal injury and surgery….boy, has she come a long way. From having her hind area totally paralyzed, to having the ability to get around via a canine cart (her big wheels) to what your are seeing in these images. Not sure she will make it back 100%…still I am amazed at just how far she has come. She still requires help….must have canine rehab….massage and exercise to keep those muscles strong, and the ones not being used fully from atrophying. Also…I must still assist her in emptying her bladder to prevent pooling and infection. I have said this during the entire eight months….from the little dog they said couldn’t, wouldn’t….she is the Little Dog Who COULD!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the winner is…Nik-Nak!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I get several e-mails a day from individuals inquiring how to capture images of pets. It really is pretty easy….the number one ingredient of course is knowing how to use your camera….photographing during the right time of day…..which usually is morning, late afternoon. Having a squeak toy or two….a few very tasty treats and then hanging out with your favorite furry friend and just having some fun. Pay attention to your lighting….and never be afraid to get down to your pets level. I have been known to crawl around when need be. Make your images fun by trying new and fun things….try not to always place your pet in the center of the image….get close…think body parts….paws, nose, eyes. , tail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yep…it is true…my dogs are the most photographed and painted pups. They are just too cute

The temputure in the Atlanta area has finally cooled off…for a few days anyway. We have enjoyed our outside time, downside…the temp. to Niki’s pool…..chilly. So, last night a solar cover was placed on her pool….we shall see how well it works for after a couple of days of not swiming her hind area has gotten weak. She really needs this….I still have not found anyone in the Atlanta area with a heated pool willing to allow us a few swims for the winter months…she really needs it.

                                                                                                               

 

 Time for new paintings of my crew….so one will be done for each dog, then a group painting. We sometimes forget to keep up with photographing our furry friends….if one can, a painting is a lovely memory for you to have of your beloved pet…it also makes the perfect gift!

The colors fit Gem to a T…as does the shadows and highlights. Gem is a very loving dog, however she does not “Trust” people. Took her a good while for her to trust me….but she now does. She was a clients dogs. She came to me for training….socialization. After a few months her people no longer wanted her….so she is now part of the pack. We adore her!

                                    

Monday….busy day for me. Took a few minutes to sketch Rocky the Golden. He has a wonderful expressive face….and of course he is as cute as can be

I paint the NY skyline because I remember…

The view from the bridge….so wonderful…

I remember.

I remember a young boy,
so cute, so sweet.
I remember….my first kiss.
We were friends stayed in touch…
He was a Son, a Father, Husband, Brother…Friend.

I remember a young man….kind, decent strong, giving….

A fireman.

He too was a Son, Father, Husband, Brother…Cousin, Friend.

I remember a sweet young woman…her children miss her every day,

Her family misses her and her friends miss her.

So many on that day woke, showered and simply

went off to work….another day.

I remember watching….I remember the pain, the loss…the heartbreak….

No, not just another day!

So, I paint the NY skyline because I remember.

We all scream for ice cream     Done for fun and really, just who does not like an ice cream cone? I know I love them, although very messy but then that is fun as well.

Matted & Printed as a 5×7