CLASS WORK

Opening Friday November 19.  
Crossroads Art Center
See prior post for more information. 

"Breakfast Table" by Adele Castillo

"Legs Go" by Shirley Silberman

"Ibis" by Linda Lewis

"Sunday Joy" by Mike Keeling

CLASS WORK ART EXHIBIT

I am proud to present the 2nd (hopefully annual) show of my students' art work.  The show is titled CLASS WORK and will open November 19 at Crossroads Art Center in Richmond.  

"Tree" by Caitlin Flora

"Onions" by Dianne Smith

          

"The Daily View" by Marcia Fowler

And you thought all we painted were dogs. 

Come visit and see more wonderful works by even more very talented artists. 

Gracie

 Although lately I spend more time with dog issues than I do in my studio, I wouldn't have done anything differently.  Gracie is my 14 year old collie-lab mix who has just had a rough time of it these past few months.  I am well aware that at certain points, had she been part of another family, she'd have been put down.  Sometimes it is sadly about affordability and other times it's about having the time to deal with a pet's illness.  I find that heartbreaking, having to choose to end a life based on money and time.  But I know it's real and I'm grateful I am not in those shoes.  

Even more so, because Gracie is finally coming around.  After 84 days, or nearly 3 months, my old girl is beginning to ask for food, showing a bit of appetite, is 100 % mobile (though she has her moments of stumbling and awkwardness) and putting on a tiny bit of weight.  She's been through acupuncture, countless diet changes, x-rays, ultrasound and I've taken her off her daily meds.  Yesterday she spent the afternoon at the referral clinic (VRCC) being observed and we're awaiting results of bloodwork to see if she is unable to absorb nutrients, among other things.  


Gracie is not a lovey-dovey dog, but when I leave the house lately and come home, she is beyond happy to see me.  I think she knows she isn't quite right and she is relieved she hasn't been left.  I'm tickled to see her romping again with the other pups and generally just acting like an old lady dog.  I've known all along this was not her time to die.  She wasn't right, but she was in no way ready to give up.  And when she is, I'll be there to help her through that transition.  Until then, we are thrilled to have our old gal still with us. 

October!! Dogs, Art and Life, ohmy.

Hard to believe we're heading towards mid-October already.  I JUST finished the 43rd Street Festival yesterday...or so it seems.  I've actually had some "free" time, loosely defined, where I could actually sit down with my pups and watch a little Ellen or Dexter or another fav show.  I began reading a book 2 months ago, read about 1/2 a chapter, and then was able to finish that chapter yesterday in my doctor's office.  I have no clue when I'll get back to it.   I think anyone can relate...at a "Certain Age" we all seem to lose our free time which we so badly need in order to regenerate, and when we do have it, we fill it in with bits and pieces of things unfinished.  I REALLY miss the days from my 20's when I'd get home after work and sit down and wonder what I would do for the rest of the evening.  

from 43rd Street Festival of the Arts

So, to catch up, I'll start with Miss Gracie.  You can see prior posts if any of this is new.  Or just skip altogether and wait for the next painting to be posted. 
Anyway, my old girl-dog Gracie has nearly fully recovered from her bout with Canine Vestibular Syndrome.  She's unfortunately not ever really recovered from her weight loss and remains odd about food and eating, as well as feeble.  After 2 months we're realizing that Gracie is simply at the end of her life and we're here to help her through the transition, no matter how long it takes.  She's otherwise vibrant, interested and loves her very brief walks in front of the house.  She eats better than any human I know, (when we can get food in her) since we now offer her people food.  Steak, green beans, brussels sprouts, beef sticks, cheese, yams, etc.  My fridge has never been so well-stocked.  The other dogs think it's the best thing ever, since they get her leftovers.  Here you can see Gracie talking to Gabby and she looks beautiful. 

Eugene, Gracie, Gabriela

Next up is our Gabby lab - the anxiety filled wonder hound who is forced against her will to ride in a car (!!) every week to puppy school (triple !!!) and actually socialize with other living beings besides her pack.  oh the horrors.  In spite of her protests - she actually squeezes herself in our bedroom between a chair and a table to make herself invisible and inaccessible - once we arrive she is actually coming out of her shell.  I've learned to take her on a walk around the facility about 10 minutes prior to class to help her shake her energy.  This is a dog than can leap  spring-loaded about 4 feet straight up in the air with no running start.  She's 54 pounds.  So the walk helps and this week she greeted nearly every person and dog as they arrived.  Wow.  I was beside myself with happy.  Granted, playing was not an option and once greeted she was done, but for her to choose to greet and feel safe enough to sniff noses, hands and butts (you are on your own with the visuals) was great progress.  I think some of the other humans still don't quite understand why we are there - she knows the commands and behaves quite nicely - but I am grateful for everyone who has been open to us hanging out, walking around and doing our thing a bit separately from the class assignments.  


Life has been life.  Classes are full and running, lingering commissions are seeing fresh paint,  weekends are reserved for my husband.  In other words, It's good, challenging, busy.  Whose isn't? 

43rd Street Art Fest this weekend.

Just a reminder to come visit the art festival this weekend.  
43rd Street Art Festival

Gabby Goes to School

A while back I wrote about my hound Gabriela and her "issues."  


So, I decided to take her to one of Jenn Kyzer's classes. We have made such great progress with our at home work, it's time to socialize a bit.  Alas, the only class that fit my schedule is puppy class.  Oh lordy, sorry Jenn, no slight meant, but GEESH I had forgotten how boring puppy school can be.  


Don't get me wrong, I think every puppy needs a puppy class and the humans need it more.  A good instructor covers a lot of territory.  Not just commands (like sit, stay, wait, etc.) but she/he will also talk about health, playtime, feeding, etc.  Jenn is a thorough instructor.  


While the instructor verbalizes all this information, the pups are actually learning to sit quietly (or as much as a puppy can sit quietly) and the humans are also learning how to handle their pups when they get bored.  Was that stated?  Well, no, it's actually one of the subtle benefits of a class.  But lordamercy me.  give me Patience.  

This is what Gabby would much rather be doing. 

So in the meantime, my little anxious houndy-hound is not a happy camper.  She's nervous, likes only one of the puppies so far ( a cute little Boston Bull) and I'm trying to let her get near, but not too close to the others to see how she reacts.  Growling is not a good thing.  But pups have E-N-E-R-G-Y.  And now Gabby doesn't like that.  Which is hugely ironic because it's what causes her such anxiety much of the time...her OWN energy.  Ha.  She can dish it out but she can't take it so well.  anyway, it's why we are here, the 4 year old dog in the puppy class.  To learn to socialize without being deathly afraid. 

Ok, here is a sample of the first class for me and Gabby.  We are all gathered in a loose circle in an outdoor parking lot.  Pups are chewing on leashes, wiggling, laying down,  trying to play with the pup next to them, etc.  So we do this exercise called "settle" where we basically wrap our arms gently around our dog, pull them to us with a thumb in the collar and say settle.  Hmmmm.  well, Gabby is 4 years old.  She is settled.  She has no clue why I want to hold her in public.  It's weird, mom.  But she lets me and then she sits.  So I let go and she stands and backs away.  I hold her, say "settle" she sits.  I let go, she stands and backs away.  Gabby believes that sitting is the magic answer to everything so duh, she sits to get out of it.  I'm baffled.  So I hold her.  Repeat the above.  Until I get tired.  In the meantime Jenn is talking about   - I don't know what.  (sorry again Jenn)  


Now that I am standing and Gabby is by my side, being the polite girl she is, a woman walks by in the road behind us.  I hear a growl.  uh-oh.  "shhhh....it's ok."  growl.  "shhhhhh...."  The woman has a hat on.  double uh-oh.  growl.   "shhhhh..."  Thankfully a plane flies overhead (we're near the airport as the crow flies) and Gabby sits down and pulls her neck back, looking up to see if the plane is going to fall on her head.  Oh yes, she really does not like things in the sky.   But, it gets her mind off of the hat lady.  yay.  


Next we do sits.  Well, we have that one down.  Then we do "look at me."  Eye contact.  Now here is a challenge.  No way on earth Gabby is going to look at me.  I don't care how much food she gets, she isn't gonna.  Nope.  So I give up.  in class.  and after a bit more talking from Jenn we are done.  ugh.  


This week I have been practicing "look at me."  Gabby learns very fast when she feels safe, so she's eyeballing me like crazy.  She always looks me in the eyes when she wants something anyway, but now I'm training her to look at me when I want something.  Huh...so far so good.  But will she do this in class?   


We'll see what happens next.  

Coming Up

The 43rd Street Festival of the Arts is Saturday, September 25 from 10 - 5.  I plan to be there and it is a rain or shine event.  This is another of my favorite shows to do.  Although small, the quality of work is outstanding and I'm just tickled to be included.  

I sent out my email newsletter this morning, but aol addresses are kicking them back to me.  So if you are a friend, fan or client and want me to keep in touch, please be sure my email address is in your address book.  Of course if you DON'T want me to send you newsletters, let me know that, too.  


On a similar note, because I have a website (in addition to this) my email address has been and continues to be phished by spammers.  That means you may possibly receive an email from my address that is quite obviously spam.  If so, it did NOT come from my address book, nor did I sell or share your information.  "They" have even spammed me with my own address.  Which is how I know this happens.  And why aol, among other servers, tends to kick back group emails. 

It's been hectic lately, but I'll hopefully see some of you soon. 

Yay! Art! Yay!

Finally, a few pieces to share.  


43rd Street Festival of the Arts is coming up and here are 3 of the pieces I HOPE to have ready for show.  

not settled on the title, but I'm leaning towards 

"Reigning Cats and Dogs"

In progress.   

Complete, but not yet titled

These commission pieces are finally complete and delivered. 

"Micki"

"Plum"

For Kokomo Joe

I have been blessed these last 6 years with the privilege of meeting and getting to know so many pets and their humans.  Each family is unique and wonderful.  They all have special relationships, some quirky, some amusing, some touching.  All loving.  It's such a joy to get to know the animals I paint when that is possible.  Of course, I never really get to know them the way their humans do, as my time with them is typically short and with a camera between us for a good portion of that visit.   Yet, I still have an attachment to these precious beings that do not live with me.  

Last night I received an email that Kokomo Joe, a handsome Newfoundland that I'm preparing to paint, had lost his battle with a very recent and baffling illness.   I first met Kokomo in April of 2007, during our first photo shoot.  He romped with his partner Maggie Mae in their backyard.  Maggie is actually the most photogenic of the two, but Kokomo had the most personality.  What a pair. 


My first reaction was typical. I burst into tears.  I had just taken another round of photos this past June.  Linda and Mike are the most gracious and accommodating clients and clearly love their fur-friends.  We spent some time trying to get better pics of Kokomo.  Maggie had had her hair trimmed and looked like a gigantic black lab.  Anyway, about the same time that my Gracie became ill, a few months after that photo shoot, Kokomo took ill as well.  Linda and I shared updates via email, so I wasn't surprised so much by the latest news as I was simply hard-hit.  The connection to this family had been made, so of course I grieve their loss.  


Our animal companions give us so much and ask so little of us in return.  All they really want is food, shelter, some play time and lots of love.  Kokomo had this in buckets-full.  


To all of the special creatures whom we've loved, who've passed on, who continue their journey in the Universe without their earthly bodies, I say thank you for sharing a moment of your life with ours.  

What Am I Doing?

What am I doing?  Why I am prepping for a colonoscopy in the morning.  It’s 5:50 p.m. as I begin typing and I’m about to down my 3rd glass of PEG 3350, affectionately known as anti-freeze.  UGH.  Hold on, I’ll be back. 

That was awful.  I have a long way to go.  This is my first time with this prep, my 4th colonoscopy.  Yes, it’s an unusual post for me; it’s a rather personal thing AND it has nothing to do with art or my dogs.  I figured if I have to be miserable, why not whine to the world while going through this ridiculously awful moment. 

On a serious note, though, I’m really sharing this because I believe this procedure saves lives and I’m sure it will save mine.  My grandfather died of colon cancer and my mother was a colon cancer survivor. (she died of heart failure, cancer-free.) Lucky me, I’m the child that inherited that special set of genetic code, so I go through this every 5 years. Better than cancer or dying from something easily preventible. 

But for crying out loud, anti-freeze?!  Really, I’m sitting here typing, shaking like crazy and COLD!  The least this prep could do for me is give me warmth.  Oh, that’s just my body rebelling at being given poison in order to save my life.  I know, so dramatic but I told you I was going to share my misery.  

There are other preps out there and since I’m new to this doctor, I don’t remember what I took before, but it WASN’T this crap!!  big sigh.  My other preps weren’t fun, but I didn’t have to drink a glass every ten minutes.  Right now I’d give anything to go back a day and say, “Um no, I don’t think I want the prep that takes the longest to deal with.  I’ll take the short version, thank you.”

So, back to colon cancer.  My mother ignored the symptoms until she couldn’t any longer and discovered hers at the age of 70 when she finally went to a doctor.  By then, unfortunately she had a stage 2 (I think) cancer and lost a part of her bowel.  To maintain her dignity, I won’t go into those details, but I will tell you what she did that remains with me forever.  

But first, I must “take a break.”  Back in a bit. 

ohmygodthatisnastytasting. yuk. 

Upon learning she had cancer my mother went to the library and picked up all the books she could find on cancer and treatment. She had stacks of books on her coffee table for days.  Finally she decided she would have surgery, but there would be no chemotherapy, no radiation.  She based her decision on her research and nothing her children or doctors said made her change her mind.  She said she’d rather have a short period of quality time left, than a long life of damaged organs and illness. Her doctors were very skeptical and did not agree, but they supported her right to choose her treatment.  Kudos to those wonderful surgeons and physicians.  

Mom’s surgery took much of an afternoon.  We were worried and the doctor came out to inform us that he could not get all of the cancer, due to inflammation and the extent of the growth.  Fast-forward to a year later, Mom had her second surgery and all of the cancer was removed.  She showed no signs of cancer anywhere else in her body and she lived another 13 years and remained cancer free the entire time.  

I think, no, I KNOW my mother made the right decision for her.  I would not necessarily recommend it for everyone, but she researched the type of cancer she had, the effects of radiation and chemotherapy, and she decided this was the best course for the cancer she had and for her mental well-being.  If ever I do have colon cancer, I will do the same.  But not all cancers are alike, and each responds to different therapies.  Most importantly, I was in awe of how my mother took charge of her own body and cure.  She never backed down or let anyone talk her out of her choice.  For her, there is no question it was key to her long survival. 

I think tomorrow when I see the doctor, I’m going to be sure and use the terms “cruel” and “unusual” during the course of our conversation. 

In spite of my sarcasm and descriptions, I highly recommend anyone putting off this procedure get it done.  The procedure itself is quick and low-risk.  It isn’t embarrassing; you’ll be under sedation and everyone else there is doing the same.  The prep is another story, but you will survive it, as will I. 

It’s nearly 7 p.m. now and I am barely down to 1/2 of the jug.  It’s going to be a long night.  I’m planning on it being a long life.  And thanks for listening.  Doing this post helped me get through the first few hours.  Hmmm, wonder who I'll whine to for the next few?  

Updates

Since Gracie became ill, (see my previous post) I have spent most of my time taking care of her needs.  She is recovering slowly, since she already had a few other "old lady dog" issues to begin with.  I don't think she'll ever recover fully, which is the case with some dogs.  I had plans to go out of town this coming weekend, but it looks like I'll remain here with my old gal while my husband takes off without me.  Sometimes life throws you lemons, no? 


Some humans just don't get it, but my pets are part of our family.  We adopted them with every intent of giving them the best life we possibly could and sometimes that means sacrifice.  I was accused once of not understanding or being capable of unconditional love because I didn't have human children.  But I would disagree, as I'd do anything for the furry children I do have.  (and yes, there are some humans who rank right up there as well.)  Taking care of an elderly pet isn't cheap, nor is it always convenient or easy.  But I wouldn't do anything differently at all.  I'm lucky I have the means to be able to take care of the furkids I do have.  


On another note, I have totally ignored my art the past few weeks.  With all the things going on in Casa Castillo, I just haven't fit it in.  An hour here or there, sporadically, but that's about it.  Classes will begin soon, I have a few commissions underway and I have a show in September, so the studio is calling me.  I did finally complete two commissions and delivered them last month.  


Gabby continues to improve with her behavior and we'll be starting puppy school in September. Yep, she's 4 years old and she did graduate from puppy school as a puppy (!) but we're basically reconditioning her, so here we go again.  I think it'll be a great thing.  


These are just quick updates for those following the last few posts.  I promise, more pics, less "stuff" in the future.  It's just been one of those summers. 

Canine Vestibular Disease/Syndrome

My poor old girl Gracie, as if she needs another problem as she ages. 


This past weekend the old lady stood up around bedtime and began staggering across the floor.  I watched her and asked aloud, " What is wrong with you, Gracie? Hmmmm?  What is going on?"  It didn't take long to figure it out.  I'd been through this before with another dog a long while ago. The drunken walk, the head tilt. oh no.  I looked at her eyes and sure enough, they were practically spinning!  They were moving back and forth, left to right, with such speed it made ME dizzy.  I do not have a photo...it's too sad to chronicle in images.  


Sunday was awful for us both.  She wouldn't eat, couldn't get her balance, her head strongly tilted to the left and she walked in circles what little bit she could manage to walk.  I had to carry her up and down stairs. (no choice) 


Canine vestibular disease is a puzzle, but seems to affect the inner ear and create vertigo in a dog.  Cats can have this, too. Apparently the nausea from the vertigo makes them ill and not willing to take food.  She will drink water.   Luckily, Gracie is a trouper and doesn't take much without a fight. Unfortunately, she can't afford to not eat since she is already too thin, so I was worried.  We went to the vet on Monday to verify her condition.  Today is Thursday and other than bits of cheese and chicken, she hasn't eaten.  I had to force feed her today.  This syndrome should subside in 3 - 4 weeks.  Can you imagine? 


Gracie is aptly named.  She is a dog with much grace, pride and dignity.  She's not easy for others to love, but she loves us and we love her.   It's so difficult when I can't make it all better for her.  

Gabriela - Part Three

Gabriela is our youngest pup at 4 years old.  She began to develop fear issues during her first year with us.   I attribute it to an incident we had while staying in a cottage at the beach.  

This is a recent photo of Gabby at the cottage. 

Briefly, the story is:  A drunken "neighbor" joined us on our deck early one morning.  My Eugene would not leave my side and Gabby ran upstairs.  We found him to be harmless, but he insisted on trying to befriend the dogs, scared Gabby to death and he wouldn't leave.  An hour or so later, Ernie noticed a weapon in the man's pocket, which as you can imagine, led us to worry.  Guns and alcohol at 9 - 10 in the morning just aren't really a great sign of good things.  I suspect on top of her fears, Gabby picked up on ours.  By 11 a.m. Ernie convinced this person to leave.  The story is actually much longer with even some humorous moments, but as far as Gabby is concerned, the damage was done.  She does not like strange men, she fears new things and places, and more recently, she's begun acting like a lunatic on her leash walks when passing other dogs.  

Gabriela came spring loaded.  The girl-dog can leap unannounced about 5 feet straight up into the air.  Unfortunately, on a leash, that means she crashes on pavement as she is writhing to get to another dog.  She actually likes other dogs, but having no mama-dog training, this inappropriate behavior is an issue.  We fear for her safety.  

So, I called Jenn Kyzer of Dog Talk, who spent 2 hours + with us and Gabby.  Gabby of course would have nothing to do with her.  She wound up upstairs, far away.  Jenn told us after some time talking that Gabby's behavior was actually pretty severe.  SEVERE!  ohmy.  We only thought it difficult, but not severe.  

Jenn took the time to show us how to teach Gabby door and leash manners.  She learned nearly instantly what Jenn showed us.  She may be a goofball, but she is a smart goofball.  Our little goofball did really well with me during our daily walks and then came the weekend and Ernie's turn.  hoo boy.  THAT was a traumatic walk.  One of the things we were supposed to do was use a very long leash to give Gabby room to walk, but stay with us.  Hard to explain, but it basically gives her a range of territory, yet teaches her to stay with us when she reaches the end.  Ernie took her out on the long leash and unfortunately passed a neighbor, her two kids and their dog.  Gabby went nuts - leaping, spinning, barking and Spring! up in the air.  Ernie, trying to get her back in control, went dog whisperer on her and had to hold her down to the ground.  The woman RAN with her kids and dog away from the craziness.  Ernie tried to explain, but it all happened so quickly.  Comedic, traumatic, frustrating.  

For now, Gabby is doing just fine on a 6 foot lead and when we see other dogs, we do rein her in. Safety first, manners next.  We're still working on better behavior when greeting dogs and people.  She actually allowed the Fed Ex man to come near her recently.  Not touch, but near was a miracle. !  She is passing most other dogs with less energy and outbursts.  It may take a long while for us and Gabby to adjust, but we're working on it, one day at a time.  Next goal: walking with other dogs.  hoo boy.  When that happens, I'll post an update.  

In the meantime, I can't say enough good things about training dogs.  I don't mean creating a perfectly behaved little machine, but training teaches us how to behave with them as much as anything.  All of our dogs have attended puppy school and usually beyond. Gabby barely made it through puppy school. I let the ball drop on that and should have known better.  Perhaps if we'd continued, some of her issues would not have developed into such extreme problems for us and for her.  I don't know that.  I DO know that a competent, caring trainer is a gift to us all.  Thank you, Jenn. 

Gabriela - Part Two

Gabriela was loaded into the back of a truck, with the toys and collar we had bought for her and I drove away in tears.  Oh my god!  I had just "returned" a living creature, something I never thought I'd do.  We thought it really was for the best, for us and for her.  No matter what I was thinking in my head, I was heartbroken.  


A week went by and I had an art show coming up.  But little Gabby stayed in our hearts and on our minds.  Gracie and Eugene didn't seem to care on iota, but Ernie and I certainly realized how much she had imprinted on us.  After much discussion, the same Saturday I was in my booth at the art show, Ernie made arrangements to bring Gabby home again.  Obviously this time she stayed.  

How cute can you possibly be?  This is our little gal at 4 months old.  

Gabby was a happy, exuberant puppy who played until she crashed.  She loved the Big Dogs (although they weren't as tickled with her completely inappropriate behavior.)  She seemed to do fine with animals, adults, children.  Our only issue was her energy level and learning how to deal with her.  

Here Gabby is watching Eugene watch the squirrels.  Eugene is a great example for her. 
She would curl up with Eugene every chance she had.  Still will, if he allows it. 

Something, somewhere along the way happened and Gabby evolved into a frightened little dog.  She began to run from friends, feared strangers, shook and manically circled around the house, disappeared upstairs into her crate and just hated anything out of the ordinary.  We attributed it to her hound personality and energy.  We eventually took the crate away, and I sometimes would leash her when friends came in, to prevent the circling behavior and to allow her to be with us and see no harm would come to her.  She absolutely despises car rides and although Ernie would drive her weekly to the park to run, she never could enjoy it because of the rides.  She couldn't wait to get back home and Ernie just gave up having another running buddy.  

So about a month ago, after reading about a trainer in Richmond who sounded just like someone I'd trust, I decided it was time to deal with Gabby's issues.  She is now 4 and I can't imagine her continuing to live in fear of the unknown for the rest of her life.  I called Jenn Kyzer, of Dog Talk in Richmond.  And Gabriela is on the road to a new way of being.   

Next post:  Gabriela's transformation begins.  

Gabriela - Part One

Gabriela, or Gabby to us, is our little Clown Hound.  She is a beautiful girl dog, who wears a one-sleeved sweater draped coyly around her body.  We were told she was a beagle - lab mix, but as she grew taller with her slender face, I decided rightly or wrongly, that she is Fox Hound and lab.  Her litter mates, except the one that looked like her, all resembled labs and she has webbed toes. Otherwise, we'd have no clue.  

Gabby came home with me one day after I went to adopt another dog from a local rescue group. The other dog was larger and I thought more suited to our household and Eugene, whose companion he'd likely become, since Gracie was aging early and had begun showing signs of her legs giving up.  So, I waited for the foster mom and the dog I was to meet when it was mentioned by my contact with this rescue group that she had the cutest pup from a littler she was fostering in the back of her truck. This little girl pup was on the way back to her littermates after having been spayed.  At 4 months old, what I MET was a frightened, drooling, timid little hound. (What I BROUGHT HOME was another creature entirely!)   I took her out of the truck and walked around with her a bit, hoping to ease her fears and distract her.  Well, I fell in love.  Again.  


On a side note here:  I truly believe that if we open our hearts and minds, our furry companions come to us when the Universe decides it's time.  


So, I adopted Gabby after spending an hour with her and the other dog didn't show until I had finished with the papers for Gabby.  Home we went, fresh stitches and all.  I thought she'd be good with our dogs and she reminded me a little of our recently deceased Gus.  Another hound mix.  Gus was a great, quiet and peaceful dog.  


My husband chose the name Gabriela, but my friend Polly says it's because Gabby herself "told" him that was her name.  Polly is an animal communicator.  


So here's what happened in the next two days.  Gabby crawled under chairs and tables, and was fairly meek as she met the big kids. She was very submissive as the older dogs sniffed and introduced themselves.  We kept her safe (stitches!) and in her crate much of the rest of the first day.  The next day Gabby "wilded-out" on us.  She was all over the other two dogs, had crazy energy, and was so silly and fun.  She wore us out.  THEN, she wouldn't leave Eugene alone.  Gracie couldn't stand her energy (ha, ironic!) and Eugene didn't know what to do.  He kept looking at me asking "why?"  So we reluctantly called my contact and told her we didn't think she was the right fit for our household.  It broke our hearts, but Eugene was becoming aggressive with her, Gracie already was aggressive with her and Gabby didn't seem to understand "no" in dog language, much less human language.  I had art shows coming up and we didn't think it would be fair or safe to keep her.  We wanted her in the right home as much as we wanted to keep her.  


On the 3rd day, I crated Gabby and put her in the van, met my contact and sent her back to her foster home and siblings.  

Eugene

The last post was supposed to be a blog about dog training and my little "beagle on stilts" Gabriela.  But once I began talking about Gracie, the post took it's own path, so I went with what was apparently on my mind.  


So I'll continue and segue my way towards Gabby.  

Eugene is our 2nd dogchild.  He is a huge mass of hairy mutt with the biggest head you could possibly fit onto his body.  His droopy eyes are so sweet and friendly.  He's the Mama's Boy in the family and we're bonded together pretty tightly.  I've painted him most often.  


Eugene was a rescue from the pound, aka Chesapeake Animal Control.  I decided we needed another pup for Gracie to play with and keep company, due to her high level of energy. (Boy was I on the wrong track.  Gracie didn't need ANY dog to keep her company.  She managed quite nicely to handle life as a loner.)   He looked a lot like her at first;  same coloring, long hair.  He sat in the rear of his cage and I went home in tears after my first visit.  The next day I went back and had the keepers bring him to me.  Poor thing.  He was literally dragged down the hallway as he wouldn't budge willingly.  He wouldn't lift his head, he was so afraid he tried to become the floor.  I straddled him (something I'd never do again to a dog) to pet him.  He lifted up his head and tried to greet me as best he could.  That did it.  I knew he would come home with me, but first I had to bring all the other kids out to meet him and see how they got along.  Since he sat in the rear of the small yard, and showed no sign of aggression, it was decided.  


Poor fella was afraid of everything.  I would stand in our driveway, leash attached to us both and walk to the end.  He'd sit.  I'd sit.  He'd finally stroll down to me and sit again.  I stood.  Walked to the end of the leash.  and wait.  Repeat.  I believe the first walk to the end of our driveway took nearly an hour.   


Same thing with the car.  Deathly afraid.  I'd put him in, drive down to the cul de sac about 4 houses away.  Come home.  Repeat.  Slowly adding in more mileage, I did this every day.  

Finally we were able to enroll him in puppy school.  Did Eugene blossom.  Wow.  Everyone loved (and loves) Eugene.  He was the perfect student.  Worked for praise.  He was so awesome our trainer suggested we consider training him for therapy work.  So I did.  
Eugene worked as a therapy dog for about 4 years, until I became too busy to continue.   He was an amazing therapy dog and still thinks his job is to greet everyone and offer his back for a rub.  Yet he'll protect me in a heartbeat.  I could go on with stories from his therapy visits, but that is not where I'm headed with these posts.  


Eugene is now 10 years old.  He is the poster boy for puppy school and what love and patience can bring to a fearful animal.  I don't know what happened during his first 6 months of life, and I think he still has bad dreams sometimes, but it's hard to fathom what he was compared to the awesome fellow he became.   (Thanks P.J. and Lisa Marie!)  

Gracie.

I must say we've been blessed with wonderful furkids.  I've rarely had a problem with any of my dogs....the worst has been my old lady Gracie and her incessant barking, which has never let up since she was a young dog.  She likes to tell us everything that is happening, and make her presence known.  To everyone.  All the time.  


Gracie is half collie, half black lab and is a strikingly beautiful animal.  She came to us by way of a student of mine in 1996 at the age of 6 weeks.  By 8 weeks old we knew she'd be a handful and by 10 weeks, we realized we'd be taking our first dog to puppy school.  Gracie is an alpha dog, and not a very good one, but alpha nonetheless.  So we had to get some of her assertive behaviors under control, teach her acceptable behavior around our other two dogs at the time (Gus and Shadow) and we had to open our own minds to "learning dog."

Gracie is very intelligent and learned quickly.  She also was smart enough to look at us like we were nuts when we asked her to do something repeatedly.  It was like she was saying, "...duh, did you guys not see me do that the first time?  How many times must I sit and stay, already?"  Gracie is a mix of two working breeds, so we needed to get her a job, to stimulate her mind and deal with her energy.  We introduced her to agility and she was a natural.  Learned instantly, was very fast, but unfortunately got bored easily.  (again, did we not see her do that once already?)  She wasn't fond of other dogs, either.  She's always been a bit of a lone wolf, so to speak.  


However, Gracie loved to run.  Like the wind.  We'd take her to the school a few blocks from our house and let her go inside the fenced area.  She'd just take off, alone, and run like crazy.  We'd watch in amazement and sometimes have to corral her, to make sure she wouldn't bolt out of one of the gates.  Eventually Ernie began taking her on his runs and they'd easily put in six miles.  You know who came back exhausted and it wasn't the dog!  Gracie was then, and still is, an amazing animal.  


Sadly, Gracie is losing the use of her legs.  We've seen it slowly coming on these past few years, but the last few weeks her decline has accelerated exponentially.  We've done all we know that we can - provided supplements, fed her homemade and holistic foods, kept her on pain medication and other meds to combat her arthritis.  Exercised her and kept her weight down.  Visited the vet, used laser treatments and acupuncture.  But now it seems her age and her high-test personality are going to get the better of her.  Which is awful, because she is alert, eats relatively well and wants to be included in our activities.  She sees and hears well, still.  

Gracie is a Daddy's girl and I know Ernie is struggling mightily with the inevitable.  To watch his beloved running buddy lose her legs, of all things, is heart wrenching.  We plan to help her in any way we can until she is ready to leave her body.  We don't know what that means, exactly, but we adopted her for the long haul.  Right now, she insists on doing as much without assistance as possible.  She's not ready to say goodbye yet, and neither are we. 

Update on A New Direction

When I held a group painting event in my backyard in June, I began a huge painting of sheepdogs.  This was playtime for me, so I figured I'd piddle around with some of the "toys" I've been gathering for the past few years.  

 I added thickener to my acrylics and used knives to apply the gooey paint.  It's probably one of the loosest beginnings I've done in many years.  I loved it going on so fast.  


Two days later, I went into the studio and began adjusting. 

Now I had something to build upon.  Using a combination of knives and brushes, the painting began to take shape. 

Here I need to deal with some compositional issues...one dog is falling off the canvas and there is too much space on the other side.  I'm not about to repaint all three dogs and lose the spontaneity - I'll lose enough of that as it is.  So I need to balance the darks I think.  After a few more versions you won't see, here is the current painting.  

Since I'm working on this inbetween other paintings, it may be awhile before I resolve this one, but I'm very happy with the direction it's now taking.  It may be dogs, but it's a very different application and approach than in my previous work.   Fun.   Fun, fun.   

Animal Rescue

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated" ~Gandhi (1869-1948)

I am a huge fan of animal rescue.  All of my pets are rescues and have been since I was 20 years old.  I think people who do rescue are the angels of the world, watching after creatures who are abused and forgotten.  Their work is without end, can be heartbreaking and is often without recognition or understanding.  It makes me furious and sad whenever I read some foolish person comment about someone caring for non-human animals more than people.  As if humans are the only animal worthy.  

So my recent experience has left me not only baffled, but cautious.  

When my pet painting business exploded with requests, I felt like I needed to give back.  For me, that was by donating to rescue, since most rescue groups are entirely volunteer and usually need every bit of monetary help they can get.  Volunteers are usually not hard to find, but money is.  So I created a calendar and donated proceeds from the sales to a group called BARK.  I also choose a special case each year to help - usually an animal that needs surgery and if saved, will have a chance at a normal life.  I've also donated portions of some of my sales to various groups if they sponsor an event in which I am participating and I've donated countless paintings for auction benefits over the years. I don't do this for accolades or attention, so most people don't (until now) even know about my chosen philanthropy.  All I've ever asked for is acknowledgment my donation was received and sometimes I ask how funds are used or how much a painting brought at auction.  This helps me gauge which group to continue giving to and for business reasons, how my work is valued. 

I learned in February of a dog that needed surgery and a rescue group needed funds to pay for it.  The email arrived from a friend, so I trusted it.   Perfect.  Exactly the kind of project I try to support.  I emailed the contact and was put in touch with the president of the rescue organization.  I then made arrangements to pay the balance of the medical fee. My check was mailed in March.  By May, my check had not been cashed so I contacted the president to see if my check had been received.  I thought it was lost and I'd need to stop the check and reissue a new one.  But the president did not return my email, or phone call, or any subsequent attempt to reach her.  By June, I had attempted to find out what happened on numerous occasions, but still no contact.  I was being ignored. Or this person is rude.   Or maybe too busy, or maybe in over her head.  I have no clue.  But I began to worry less about the cause and more about my check floating around out there. 

I could not find anyone connected with this rescue group other than the president.  No board members, no national affiliation, no other phone numbers, and apparently all emails went to this one person.  The website is completely void of identifying information.  This caused all of my alarms to go off and I began to think I'd been scammed. I found the name of the person who originated the email asking for help and this person did respond to me right away.  As a matter of fact, she was able to get through to the person I'd been trying to reach very quickly and I was assured that my check had been received, but not yet cashed.  Hmmmm....so what is going on? Was the kind person originating the email being scammed, too?  Why would a rescue group not cash a donation check? Was there even a "group," or is this just one person? Will my check be used to pay a salary?  Will it be used fraudulently? Will they steal my account number and make a fake account?   Why is this president avoiding me, since we've never met and all I have requested is some acknowledgement that my check is, or is not, in her possession?  I don't know any rescue group that has enough income that they can afford to let donations sit around on a desk. I have no way of knowing what is happening. 

As you probably figured out,  I gave up.  For the first time ever, I went to my bank and reluctantly put a stop to my check.  I will donate the equivalent in funds to another group.  If the president of that group is indeed all about rescue, she should rethink how she responds to generous donors and how she is running her organization.  Her reluctance to answer a simple question has led me to have serious doubts.  A rescue organization can ill afford to have potential donors questioning its validity.  I've been assured that the little dog received surgery and is in a good home.  I don't even know for sure if the little dog ever existed.  

I will be much more cautious about all organizations that purport to be in rescue for the good of the animals, before I donate a single penny.