I just received the sad news that the star of one of my pet portraits, Smokey, has gone on ahead. I had so much fun making his painting, he was a wonderful joyful subject. He lived 12 happy years, and his owner sent me a very sweet tribute to him in which she details his antics which include: 'burying a turkey carcass in the couch and getting up on the kitchen table and standing there for no apparent reason'. She asked that we all 'do something silly that makes you deliriously happy' in his memory today. And I will.
I try so hard not to worry about my 13 year old Izzy and instead cherish each day I have with her. She is the reason I started painting dogs, the cornerstone of my art business, the one who really opened my eyes to all the other homeless pets out there that need adoption, and my 4 legged soul mate - I can only guess that the love I have for her is equal to the unconditional love a parent has for their child. It's hard for me to leave her behind as I embark on 2 and a half weeks of traveling... I know she will be in good hands and that crazy Alice will keep her busy while I am gone. I sure do love my pups.