This is such a noble looking dog. I couldn't resist painting this serious, attentive, open and aware face. Besides, I love painting black dogs and there hasn't been one since Stormy the black pug on July 14th!
Black short haired dogs have such great shine when they've got a healthy coat, and Remi is no exception to this fact. Look at that shine!
I have to admit I had some difficulty getting quite the right color here for Goldy! That wonderful mix of orangey-red with all the golden tones~ love it!
And here is Goldy's story!
Goldy, a golden retriever/Chow mix, was a stray that we were lucky enough to find and be able to keep. We think she was abandoned but can’t imagine why, since she’s the sweetest, most beautiful creature. She was well taken care of, though – spayed, house trained and socialized – so we got lucky on that front too. She provides our family with endless mellow fluffiness.
Yukon was an amazing soul- here is Rob, his friend's love letter to him~
Yukon
Thank you for being such an awesome dog, better than I could ever deserve. You shared my joy for playing in snow and cold weather, and Beth’s love of cuddling on the couch or wherever else you managed to pin her against the cushions. People said we spoiled you, but really it was you who was spoiling us. How many people get to enjoy a canine companion who doesn’t need a leash simply because he’d rather hang out with his humans? How many people can count on winning a bet that their dog is the cutest?
I basked in the reflected glory of your life whenever we were on campus or getting a puppuccino at the coffee drive-thru. Students pronounced you as “chill,” their highest praise. Everybody, even people who live with cats, thought you were awesome. Friends and family accepted you and your “magic fibers of love and joy” into their homes, pining for more effective vacuum cleaners as we left.
Many people in town and on campus know me as “the guy with the dog.” Remember last May, when we were walking on campus on Commencement Day? Two graduates, to their parents’ amazement, called out your name even though they hadn’t seen you since before the pandemic. I was just some anonymous professor, worthy of note only because of my connection to you, the most awesome dog. A year ago, Beth, Walker, and I were at a restaurant in Saint Paul and our server asked if I taught at WSU and did I still have the awesome dog. Last November we were at a Christmas event in Loring Park in Minneapolis, and a couple walked up and asked if I was Rob. They remembered you from camping next to us at Boats and Bluegrass years ago.
Now I am dreading the inevitable onslaught of questions: “Where’s your dog? How’s Yukon?”
I love you dearly and will miss you terribly. You will always be my bestest puppydog.
And this is Maggie! On the beach! Where dogs get sand everywhere they can possibly hold it until they are in the car or back home and then they shake and send it away from them and into every possibly crack and crevice available!
I love the beach! Especially with dogs!
I had fun painting the sandy colored background for this one. Making up those wandering grey is such a joy!
Jenina sent me so many photos for these guys... and I chose these because of their eyes and the fact that they both had recent haircuts... but there are so many other options! You could paint a WALL full of the same dog! I know I have!
Bert is such a sweetie~
This is Ernie! Oh my- that face. And this is the one I selected from several others- you do NOT know how hard it is to resist painting everything that comes my way! This one is so special- and Ernie's brother, Bert, is set for tomorrow, but I may get him done to post later today just because...
Here's their story from Jenina!
Meet Ernie and Bert, the dynamic duo that captured a mother's and daughter's hearts, bringing joy and healing to their lives. Thier tale (or tails) became one of love, healing, and the power of unexpected connections.
It all started when the daughter stumbled upon an online rescue site and came across Ernie and Bert, two bonded Yorkies needing a foster home. She couldn't help but feel a magical connection, believing that her beloved big brother, who now resided in heaven, had sent them as signs of his enduring love.
The signs were undeniable. First, their names - Ernie and Bert, just like the lovable characters from Sesame Street. Memories of her son's Sesame Street-themed childhood came rushing back, filled with laughter and playfulness.
Second, Yorkies had always held a special place in their hearts. From when the kids were little, these tiny pups had been part of their lives, providing companionship and unconditional love. They were no strangers to dressing them up in adorable baby outfits and taking them for walks in a stroller, much to the delight of their neighborhood.
But it was the third sign that sealed the deal. Ernie and Bert needed a foster home on a significant date - February 18, 2023- their beloved son's birthday. It felt like destiny had intervened, bringing these two furry friends into their lives at the perfect moment.
As the days turned into weeks, Ernie and Bert's presence filled their home with laughter, wagging tails, and endless cuddles. The bond between the family and the pups grew stronger with each passing day. It was clear that these Yorkies had found their forever home. They had gone from being foster dogs to cherished family members, forever reminding this mother and daughter of the incredible love they shared with their son and brother in heaven.
Sammi is an old dog and she lives on a farm with my sister's friend Joan, and I didn't get much more of a story than that yet, but I hope to have a bit more for you! We've all been out traveling a bit, which makes the scheduling and regulation of this project a bit more of a challenge but I do so appreciate the opportunity! I've also adjusted Apollo and added more highlights to Louie's eyes and will be reposting those soon!
Happy Tuesday! It's supposed to be the day of the week we get the most done- did you know that?
This is Louie, whose personality is as big as his ears! Louie recently experienced a scary health crisis, which is worrisome enough as a human who can talk and express what feels wrong, but when a dog isn't feeling good, that is just so hard! He's much better now, and his older pack member Honey is still going strong.
Such great dogs!
What a noble face for such an elevated name! I think it totally suits him, don't you? There's something about a relaxed and smiling dog that slows my heart beat and calms me down. If the world is all right by him, it must be good enough for me!
Here's what Ellen writes about Apollo~
Apollo will be 15 years old in December. I adopted him from the Animal Humane Society at age 2; he was said to be a Rez dog from up North. Apollo has never had any interest in sticks, balls or toys, but is an amiable fellow who likes to meet other animals and people. His heritage includes Beagle, Pomeranian and Treeing Walker Coonhound breeds.
This is Monkey! She is our Pompom's bestest friend and lives around the corner from us and when we come around the block that way Pompom just HAS to pop in and tear around with dear Monkey! They are very similar in size and energy level, though Monkey is a bit more mature at two years old. Here's what Barbara says about this imp!
Monkey came to live in Standish neighborhood 6/1/22. She was transported from an overcrowded shelter in Alabama & lived with a foster Mom in Crystal for about 2 months prior to that. She has adapted very well! She is mostly Chihuahua/Dachshund but has a bit of Boston Terrier, Poodle, Scottish Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier (a little bit of Leo, reincarnated to watch over her!). Monkey loves everyone; people, kids, dogs. She has designated herself to be Queen of the neighborhood. If you don’t acknowledge her when you walk by, you will hear about it! She turned 2 years old on 6/1/23. I am so blessed to have such a good girl. She makes me laugh every day!
Murray was a surprise, I am told! My friend Jill's husband Joe brought baby Murray home in April as a surprise- I'm getting more of the story and will update this post when she lets me know!
Isn't he the absolute dream? He is so freaking wackily CUUUTE!!! Big blue eyes, cocky ears, floppily scrubby little face, agh!
And what a HUGE spirit is in this face! I love these ears- so much personality is translated through a dog's ears, dontcha think?
Here's what his Molly says about him~
This morning it's been rainy and cool and just a bit thundery, reminding me of the times we've spent in England in the Calder Vallery with our puppet master friends making puppets and being in parades! This is their newest friend, a lovely dog with a ruffle like an old time poet! I've painted their other beloved companion, Panchan, who went along everywhere and was a regular at the studio and scene alike, and I am honored to paint this handsome fellow! This is what Andrew wrote about Percy~
Meet Percy! He’s a rescue from Romania, we had him now for 3 and a half months. He’s still very nervous around other dogs but very loving and getting more confident by the day. Hard to replace our dear Panchan whom we had for 14 and a half years! But Percy is lovely and really has become a part of the pack.
Henry is Jax's brother, can you tell? A bit of a family resemblance perhaps? More fantastic wrinkles to paint, lucky me!
And here's what Cate says about this lovely boy~
Wrinkles are fun! I remember learning once from a painter of landscapes how to paint crevices in the earth- and he said you paint on each side of it and leave the crack alone! It kinda works the same way with wrinkles and closed eyelids- you paint on either side and let the fold be the fold. How's that for some daily wisdom?
This is the lovely Jax! His brother Henry is tomorrow! Here's what Cate said about Jax~
"Jax is a year old. He’s humble and remembers everything. He will play with anything you introduce him to. He always wants to play with his big brother Henry. His face is squishy and sweet. He tries to be as athletic as Henry but is a bit clumsy. All heart. He loves car rides with his dad , Travis my son."
This is an amazing sweet face- gotta love those looks when their eyes are searching for yours! Though in our case, it's because Pompom has been taught that she has to look at us for permission to have a treat... so maybe it's not all as soulful as it feels...
Hmmm... some dogs maybe!
Here's what Pam wrote about Rocky!
Rocky was the product of a 10-year-old girl wanting a furry buddy. He’s been her cheerleader, the family jester, and a big, soft landing pad for all of us who’d been without a dog for six years. He’s added so much joy to our lives! His favorite thing in the world besides his people and food is snow. He’s happy to “help” you shovel all day~
And here is a beautiful face! I just can't STAND it!!! This is Wellie! Those eyes are just amazing, and that wonderful taupe-brown-reddish coat! So must fun to paint~ And here's what Laurel says about him~
"We adopted Wellie 3 months ago as a tiny brown pup and we're watching him get BIG. He's the happiest guy, who loves toys, apples, belly rubs and his family. His #1 fear is the garden rake. Wellie aspires to graduate from puppy class and someday be allowed to sleep in his sister's bed."
Wow, my brain has been in so many places, I didn't realize I'd never actually posted the ACTUAL list here! So here it is again, somewhere we can find it more easily!
And again, I reserve the right to swap things up and maybe stack dogs together if I get asked to fit more pups in!
30 Dogs 2023 OFFICIAL LIST
July 11- #2- Zoey for Jenessa 8x8
July 12- #3- Dale Cooper for Judy Rothernberg 8x8
July 13- #4- Fezzik for Kat and Co! 10x10
July 14- #5- Stormy for Carolyn Borrow Moore 8x8
July 15- #6- Wellie for Laurel Somerville 8x8
July 16- #7- Rocky for Pam Hill 12x12
July 17- #8- Jax for Cate Wright 8x8
July 18- #9- Henry for Cate Wright 8x8
July 19- #10- Percy for Andrew and Kathy10x10
July 20- #11- Hugo for Molly Goike 8x8
July 21- #12- Murray for Jill Henderson 8x8
July 22- #13- Monkey for Barb Early 8x8
July 23- #14- Apollo for Ellen Lowery 8x8
July 24- #15- Louie for Mina and Greg 8x8
July 25- #16 - Sammie for Beaner’s Friend Joan
July 26- #17- Ernie for Janina Cinch 8x8
July 27- #18- and Bert 8x8
July 28- #19- Maggie for Shelly Kodiak 8x8
July 29- #20- Yukon for Rob and Beth 10x8
July 30- #21- Goldy for Anne Kelly Conklin 8x8
July 31- #22- Remi for Cate Wright
August 1- #23- Mulligan for Erin Ward
August 2- #24- Indiana Bones for Erin Ward
August 3- #25- Ben for Ann Johnson
August 4- #26- Jaco the Poodle for Mary Esch
August 5- #27- Juniper for Erin Ward
August 6- #28- Choo Choo for Mary Zink 8x8
August 7- #29- Tippy for A and A
August 8- #30- Pompom Hanky Pants!
You all know we love pugs in my house, at least I think you do! This is Stormy, for my friend Carolyn who commissioned her for HER friend Carol! So I hope she's a surprise!
I just loved her sweet dark face and the little red scarf and all those wrinkles! Pugs really are such fun pups...
This is the biggest, sweetest, floppiest dog we know! And here's what his owner, my friend Kat (yes, we are both Kats!) says about him!
What a rascal! He won our hearts before we even had him in our hands. We knew he was going to be a giant, so what would be a more fitting name to give him than "Fezzik"? The gentle giant from The Princess Bride (Kat's favorite movie of all time)! He is a Sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog and Standard Poodle). After we did his DNA - for funsies - we have found out he is 51% Old English Sheepdog and 45% Standard Poodle and 4% TOY poodle. There is nothing toy about him! What a guy! Everyone is his friend, he'll lean on you to let you know that.
Oh my, this is one of those photos I saw and wanted to paint immediately!!! Can you see why?
And here's what Judy says of this sweet little fellow~
I am thrilled to have you paint my grand dog, FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper. He is named after the character from Twin Peaks but just goes by Cooper. He is a happy-go-lucky long-haired chihuahua who is now 5 months old.
This is Zoey, our neighbor's wonderful wacky dog, and I loved painting this goofy face! Jenessa does great work for people and animals, and was one of the first people who came out to help the night of our fire.
Thanks Jenessa!
Here is our first dog of this 30 days of painting! This is Blue or Bluegrass, and he is owned by Kelly, who happens to be my husband's cousin, and here's a bit of what Kelly wrote about Blue~
