Ziggy’s 4th day….we are still doing long line work to teach him to pay attention and to follow, depending on the dog (their attention) I will do this between 5-seven days. Sitting has improved, a little bit of a delay at times….no doubt if I could read his mind he would be saying….”Are you kidding me, I’ve done that a billion times today already” Of course the most important things have been implementing training into daily life….sitting and waiting for a release to eat…going in and out the door, gates. Funny….he does the little dog recall….he will come but stays a distance so you do not grab hold or pick him up. To stop that I walk away. The first day he really thought I was going to chase him…..not. So, I went inside and he soon was at the back door. Now, when he sees me heading to the back door he follows and then sits and waits for the leash to be placed on him. Please know it is not all about training but play, sniffing and just allowing him to be a dog….all very important and  are wonderful rewards.

Ziggy, Rocky, Niki and Gemma (the two females were not wanting to hang out with the males).

The photos show the introduction between Rocky and Ziggy. Rocky is not very fond of little dogs due to an incident a while back….I will not mention any names For the last couple of days we have been walking together….Ziggy on my left, Rocky on my right, twice daily. Yesterday and this morning I allowed Rocky off leash after our walks. Ziggy remained on the leash for his safety. Little dogs often do not realize they are so tiny. Ziggy does this little bull dance, he looks at the dogs and kicks up those back legs spraying dirt every where….he postures, play bows and takes off at a 1000 miles an our. Really the worst thing you can do when that tiny….Gemma has herding in her and Rocky likes to chase anything that moves so I can just see the two of them in hot pursuit. Oh, for those reallly curous how I got them to pose….cheese…and I do not mean Say Cheese, a slice of good old American Cheese….yum!

Contact Dee for price or to Commission work

More of Springs Bounty. The Day Lilies are so lovely…and so very easy to grow. I am not much of a gardener, add to the fact my land is either to wet in aresa, or way too dry. Tiger Lilies, Day lilies, although are short lived can just about grow anywhere.

Contact Dee for price or to Commission work

One of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. Springs bounty…so many beautiful things to paint…just not enough time to do so!

Gift certificates available for Fathers Day. I never understand why Fathers Day is not a busy time a year for me. I know many Fathers that would be thrilled to have a portrait of their children, pets, wife…is yours one of them?

Contact Dee for price or to Commission work.

11 x 14 Fine Art Paper

Sometimes you just have to stop what you are doing and take a break…have a nice cup of tea and put your feet up….relax. Close your eyes for a bit…yep, an afternoon Tea Time break.

Here at Paw Prints Studio, we offer several services and products . Since we adore animals they tend to be what we specialize in, however we photograph and paint all creatures big and small…people too Our services do not stop at photography and painting portraits….we also offer on line classes for those with an interest in creating beautiful Pet Portraits (Photographing animals and or Digitally Painting Animals). Our Class forum is open to students only at this time so it is a very safe place to post your work, ask questions and just a wonderful place to learn. All On-line classes will start up again in July, remember class space is limited so enroll early. Lets not forget our on-line Dog Obedience Class for those wanting a better behaved dog.

The above Painting was Printed on Gallery Wrapped Canvas….three individual paintings . Canvas that is Gallery Wrapped requires no framing and arrives ready for you to hang. The above shows them combined on a black background so that it could be placed on a coffee mug. …we offer so many gift items once your Painting is created or you have viewed proofs from your photography sessions you will have so many choices if looking for a special gift for yourself (hey, you deserve it) or for a loved one. Also, several fine art prints, and posters for those doing a little decorating in their home.

In all of the years that I have shared my life with dogs, this is the first time I actually know the birth date of a dog. I know there are many folks that believe acknowledging a “pets” birthday is silly….and I have no doubt some get just a tad bit carried away in the celebration. That is all right, if it makes you happy, makes the dog happy…have fun, enjoy.

For Rocky’s 2nd Birthday I decided to bake a cake for the dogs….silly…yes indeed.  I thought of a few  thngs they like the most….you know, what makes thier teeth chatter. For my pack it is Peanut Butter, carrots and a little dollop of whipped cream. So we are calling it the Peanutty Dream Cream Cake.

I am in no way advocating you feed you dog bad foods. My dogs eat a healthy diet and I am not big on doggie treats. Rocky will be two once….besides he got to share with all of his favorute dogs and people….yep, if you like peanut butter, you too will love this cake (Like Mikey). Dogs will be getting only one piece…that is all.

Pea-nutty Dream Cream Cake

Pre-heat Oven #50

1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 cup low salt-no sugar added Peanut Butter, 1/4 cup oil, 1 cup shredded carrots (save some carrots for the top of the cake), 1 tsp. vanilla, 1/3 cup honey, 1 egg. Mix together, pour into a cake pan. I set the timer to 30 minutes, however took it out after 25 minutes….check to see if done.

Whipped Cream…heavy cream, a little vanilla, and honey added….best on high until firm and peaks.

Left Behind…

A box of kittens, so hard to resist.

You choose three, brought us home.

We slept outside…in the cold, in the rain…

Waited for our meals at your door,

Every so often you ‘d play with us…

you’d tell us how much we were loved.

Then one day we watched you carry boxes out to the car…

You stopped, smiled and said you loved us.

We watched as you drove away…

I am all alone now…

I used to wait at your door for my meals,

The people who live there now chase me away…

I remember…you used to say you loved us.

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I am always amazed at just how selfish people can be. This is our neighborhood stray, we have a few. People bring these animals home, profess their love then allow them to roam. Some bother to vaccinate, spay and neuter…some do not. Some leave these animals behind when they move….indeed a sad tale. This is now a wild cat, you cannot get too close…as shown above, when you do he retreats to the sewer.

This was started as a sketch…then painted with just about every color there is. Today was a red kind of day so made use of it in the painting.

So sorry, I disappeared for a few days….actually just a little busy….several classes going on at the same time. I have been working on a raccoon painting inspired by my new friend that visits me on a daily basis. Also, working on editing video….learning something new is always a challenge and a bit time consuming.

Next set of classes will begin the end of June, will post the dates in a day or so. Remember, all classes held here at Paw Prints Studio are small group classes so it is recommended you visit our store to secure your place in the class. We also will hold another give away in a few weeks…this time it will be a Tee Shirt. Maybe Rocky the Golden will do a better job of picking the winner the second time around Gemma came to the rescue and picked the winner of the Big Print Give Away.