Our pets are here for a short time - enjoy every happy moment.
Dani Visiting Our Vet
October has brought some news I am truly thrilled to share about our sweet dog, Dani. At 14½, she continues to show our family just how much love and loyalty can fit into one beloved little companion.
Dani lives with IBS, a heart murmur, and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)—a serious condition where her intestines lose important blood proteins faster than her little body can replace them. We have worked hard to find the right food and medications to keep her comfortable, happy, and as healthy as possible.
Recently, Dani was not well, not eating, and her bloodwork showed very high liver values from multiple gallstones. She is now taking a new medication to help dissolve them and is more energetic and bouncy than ever! Her latest lab results show that her liver values, while not yet back to normal, have dropped dramatically. We are so relieved and grateful. Every day we have with her feels like a milestone worth celebrating!
Drawing of Dani From 2023
Out and About
This month, I was invited to display my pet portraits at the Green Mountain Iron Dog event in Colchester, Vermont. I hung up my new banners by Paw Prints & Mail, who did a fantastic job!
It was impressive to watch the talented dogs, and their handlers navigate the 1.5 mile obstacle course.
A police dog demonstration showed how trained dogs assist officers by detecting drugs and restraining suspects.
I saw an impressive variety of dogs that day. Along with the German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois commonly associated with law enforcement; there was a Corgi, German Wirehaired Pointers, Australian Shepherds, a Great Dane, and several mixed-breed dogs competing for their best times on the course, which is based on what Police K9 handlers experience during a real life deployment.
Although the day was cold and breezy, I found a sheltered spot where my table and display were protected from the wind and possible rain.
Camp Dudley at Kinya
1317 Camp Kiniya Rd
Colchester, VT 05446
JUST FOR FUN
This month I celebrated my 60th birthday! I was so lucky to have my little sister come all the way from Florida to visit me for the historical event! Here’s to many more years of creativity, pet portraits, and happiness - and apple cider crushies from Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, Vermont! These were amazing! An apple cider slushie with vanilla soft serve on top then topped off with a warm apple cider donut!
Featured Pet Portrait of the Month:
Tess & Faith
This month’s featured portrait stars two wonderfully quirky dogs named Tess and Faith. Tess is a beautiful, gentle Pit Bull Terrier, and Faith is a lovely black Dachshund.
I was especially fortunate to have both of these dogs visit my studio before I began painting. I usually work entirely from photographs and rarely meet my subjects in person. Seeing Tess and Faith firsthand allowed me to better understand the color and texture of their coats and, just as importantly, their unique personalities!
The Process: This was an11x14 portrait painted in pastel. Aside from the dogs themselves, my favorite details were the Snoopy blanket, and the blue, toothy stuffed toy Faith is holding. Including special toys or props adds personality, visual interest, and a touch of fun to a portrait!
Celebrating the Moments That Matter
Dani’s journey is a heartfelt reminder that our pets’ stories are made up of all kinds of moments: quiet cuddles, determined recoveries, silly bursts of energy, and the everyday expressions we never want to forget. That is what I love most about creating pet portraits. I enjoy capturing the character and connection that make each animal so deeply special.
If a pet portrait of your own beloved companion has been on your mind, I would be honored to help you preserve their one-of-a-kind spirit. Please get in touch to ask about seasonal availability.
If you’re looking for a great gift for your pet owner friend or family member - please consider a pet portrait gift certificate! These make excellent Christmas (or any other occasion) gifts!
Well, that’s it for now! I hope you enjoy the remainder of October with your family and friends. Thank you for your continued support and for sharing a moment of your time to read my newsletter.
Kim
