A fast portrait created in corel Painter X. Digitally Painting Animals starts up again in July! Please contact Dee if wanting to commission her to create a lovely, one of a kind portrait of your beloved furry friend. If in the Atlanta are she can photograph your pet, or she can work from your images.
Sunday Morning, up at 8….since Mike is away for the week in Singapore it is my job to rush the dogs out the back door in the morning, all without allowing too much time for Niki to pee and poop along the way. Since her spinal injury she does not have the greatest control over her bowels, and her bladder.
Some of you may already know this, those of us with RA…well we are a bit slow in the morning. It takes a couple of hours for us to “unhinge”. Not only do I feel like the tin man from wizard of Oz in need of a good oiling, so too do I move like him. The dogs and I wander the yard….dogs do their morning thing, I make sure Niki’s bladder is completely empty having to do this twice for I cannot bend so early in the day (her bladder must be “squeezed” to make sure it is completely empty for bacteria can build up causing an infection.
Once inside I then can go do my thing All the while avoiding the mirror….as always my entourage has accompanied me down the hallway into the bathroom. The only thing on my mind is a nice cup of tea….I am not even sure if there is any caffeine in it for I had switched to green tea months ago. It helps with the “unhinging” process for I can wrap my hands around the warm cup. Once the water is up, stove on… me and my entourage wander back outside to fill the kiddie pool. Now, here in the Atlanta area we are still under drought conditions….I am not sure just how strict the county is currently enforcing the outside use of water for while I have followed the rules (with almost a full week of 90 something temp all you have to do is look at my lawn and weeds….dried brown mess….not to mention just how dirty my car is) I have been filling Niki’s pool just about every other day. Well worth any fines that may come my way for during the course of the winter she has lost so much strength and muscle tone. All of which I am uncertain if she can get back….but we will give it our best shot. As to if she is in discomfort….there are some days she moves a little like me. There is no yelping, or crying….just slow movement. I am really unsure if the county would have sympathy due to the fact Niki requires this in order to build her strength back up….or just to keep what she currently has. To view her walking in the water you see those back legs really moving, plus the sit, stand game we play (very tough to have her sit without floating…if she can touch the bottom of the pool….lots of concentration on her part she gets a click and treat). The movement is easier for her in the water, while at the same time it is so much more of a challenge for her… forcing the use of muscles she does not use on a daily basis.
Last summer when I introduced the pool to her she was not a happy camper…and the same this year. Refusing to go near it…..this morning I managed a few shots of her and the other two while I was filling the pool up. She was not happy….but since I had a few tasty treats she gave into sitting by the pool. As the pool fills… time for the birds….they want their feeders filled up. Yes, our wild life has us very well trained
Tea Time….water boiling away I pour the water into my cup and let it steep wile I feed the pups. Now, in my green tea I add a little milk….I know this has shocked some that have actually witnessed me doing this….I just like it that way. While sitting and enjoying my tea….my stiff hands slowly absorbing the warmth from the hot cup I spy the clock, the true testament of just how slow I move in the mornings, 9:45. I smile for I thought I had moved about in a speedy manner. My mind drifts to the fact that it is Sunday…I guess my age but I remember when stores were closed on Sundays, dinner was planned earlier in the day….you got to relax, eat dinner with the family….hmmmmm, sounds good to me. So. plans for the day….hanging out with the dogs, PT for Niki, depending on the heat and smog (bad air along with the heat) will determine how much out side time we get…then….relax.
It was bound to happen…went through my files and realized I have not painted a pom. So… how could I resist with such a prefect model right under my feet (yep, I mean that literally). After completing the painting I brought it into PS and created a Pop Art Poster…just for color and fun. Digitally Painting Animals classes start up again in July. Gift certificates available for Fathers Day!
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!
What can I say about Ziggy the Pomeranian….fluffy, adorable and enough of that little dog attitude to make him irresistible! You just have to love these little guys….he really has no idea of his size as I have watched him attempt to growl at the dogs through the baby gate…that is not allowed
As his people are on vacation, Ziggy is spending a few days here with us. During his stay we are working on a few commands and introducing some agility…along with teaching him to not run out of an open door, gate. Dogs are so very adaptable, his people dropped him off Monday evening and for about five minutes he was a little apprehensive, strange people, strange and different environment and strange canines looking in at him through the baby gate. I took him for a walk, back inside a few treats left in his crate…a nice bone stuffed with a little PB and of course a tee shirt with one of his favorite people scent on it to rest his head. He knows he was not abandoned
I enjoy working with dogs, they are so intelligent. We have already sized each other up and I am happy to say there is a mutual respect. His first day here we did some long line work, three walks teaching him not to forge a head and sitting for eveything….once I enter his area he must sit. Going out the door, he is made to sit along with allowing me to exit first. Now Ziggy is still young so his attention outdoors….well I am looking forward to seeing improvements in that area I was told he loves his tennis ball….and yes indeed, playful little pup. He also enjoyed a few games of “kick ball”….not to mention a couple of outings with my two female dogs Gemma and Niki. As he has little attention outside in the fenced area with out a leash….the two females are helping me to keep him under control. I also introduced the pause table, tire and a-frame for agility….he is fearless and so far his favorite is the tire!
All in all a great first day and he slept peaceful and soundly.
Introductions. Niki and Ziggy first meeting. Poor Niki…she has made so much progress since her spinal surgery, the fact that she can walk, run, although still wobbly is amazing all in itself. Her spirit is amazing for she so tried to keep up with the Road Runner (Ziggy). They play bowed, chased each other….he did run circles around her.
Gemma, Niki and Ziggy!
If your thinking the Toys could not possibly do agility…think again Ziggy is a natural!
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.
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?
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.
All the while avoiding the mirror….as always my entourage has accompanied me down the hallway into the bathroom. The only thing on my mind is a nice cup of tea….I am not even sure if there is any caffeine in it for I had switched to green tea months ago. It helps with the “unhinging” process for I can wrap my hands around the warm cup. Once the water is up, stove on… me and my entourage wander back outside to fill the kiddie pool. Now, here in the Atlanta area we are still under drought conditions….I am not sure just how strict the county is currently enforcing the outside use of water for while I have followed the rules (with almost a full week of 90 something temp all you have to do is look at my lawn and weeds….dried brown mess….not to mention just how dirty my car is) I have been filling Niki’s pool just about every other day. Well worth any fines that may come my way for during the course of the winter she has lost so much strength and muscle tone. All of which I am uncertain if she can get back….but we will give it our best shot. As to if she is in discomfort….there are some days she moves a little like me. There is no yelping, or crying….just slow movement. I am really unsure if the county would have sympathy due to the fact Niki requires this in order to build her strength back up….or just to keep what she currently has. To view her walking in the water you see those back legs really moving, plus the sit, stand game we play (very tough to have her sit without floating…if she can touch the bottom of the pool….lots of concentration on her part she gets a click and treat). The movement is easier for her in the water, while at the same time it is so much more of a challenge for her… forcing the use of muscles she does not use on a daily basis.
