Dog Days Upon Us

Here comes Ritchie! This delightful little guy was found running along the side of a busy highway. He comes from Bald Knob Arkansas. He brings lots of joy to his owners who love him very much.
I have just finished drawing all of the dogs from photos I have received so far. It's somewhere around 67+ give or take a few. I count and then another comes in and I lose count....so let's just say, the book will have about 70 dogs and their stories in it. July and August are going to be busy months for me. I love it! As long as I have AC and plenty of cold beverages I will be happily working on the book.

Two Dog Day

I love these two! Gingi and Tina. What a pair. This is of course the only time Tina is larger than Gingi(all depends on your perspective)....and, maybe in her dreams she always is.

Salty Dog

This is Jack, nicknamed, Salty Dog. He loved riding on the boat. He passed on recently from his loving family that he lived with for many years. Sad. And yet, he had a great life. The most any of us, animal or human can hope for.

Running Out Of Dogs!

This is Booger. I had the pleasure of knowing him. He lived out at the Eye Of The Dog Art Center in San Marcos, TX. His owners Beverly and Billy Ray lost him recently to old age. Everyone misses him. It just won't be the same without him wandering through during art events. His story is amazing. You'll have to get the book to find out more. I laughed and cried while reading it, it's a good one. Check out their website. Besides rescuing dogs and loving them forever, they teach and offer some wonderful art classes, and both are accomplished artists. I'm getting close to the end of drawing dogs. Right now it is around 67 dogs, I've only got about 8 left to draw. I'm dragging my feet about these final dogs. I'm thinking of making ads for pet portraits for Vet offices, facebook and any other place to find dogs to draw. I really don't know what I'm going to do with myself. Well, besides putting all the stories and rescue groups and such together into the book form for the designer to make pretty. That will be the month of July task. It will be hot outside, and I'll be in the indoors AC happy as can be.

Dog O' The Day

Nigel. A regal looking dog, wouldn't you say? He was much loved by his owners. Recently deceased, and greatly missed by everyone who knew him. More of his story and others in the book. Work is progressing. Almost done with all of the drawing. Now it's time to get it all put together.  Exciting!

Dog A Rific!

This is Truman. He was adopted from a couple who were divorcing and couldn't keep him. He knows when he's done something wrong, and comes running with a big grin on his face. Mostly though, he is pretty darned good. Loving and happy to be in a great home.
Speaking of home, I'm back at home base after 2.5 weeks traveling/teaching/visiting in Texas and the East Coast. Today I sat down to draw a few more dogs for the book. I'm getting close to the end...less than 10 remaining. I'm going to be sad to be done with that part of the book. So, I'm thinking and planning a way to keep drawing these great dogs. Let me know if you have any ideas.

Little Dogs Big Hearts

This is Ginger. What can I say? She is one danged cute dog. Her story and others are told in the Dog Scratchin' book to be released in the Fall of 2012.

One More From The Pittie Family

This is Skippy. He lived with Scout and Rudy (former posts)who have gone to the great beyond. Now he's by himself, with two loving owners. He is a big fan of nibbling on folks he likes...I am one of them. It's kind of like he thinks I'm an ear of corn. Doesn't hurt (too much!) and is pretty amusing. He is a Pit Bull or mix. Can be pretty imposing, but is really a dear. More story in the book.

Another Sweet Pittie!

This is Rudy. He was one of the sweetest dogs. RIP buddy. He lived with Scout (mentioned in the former post) and Skippy (artwork coming soon). When I met him, he was already an elder dog. What a character he was! Stay tuned to learn more.

Pittie Bull Sweetness

This is Scout. She was a big, big Pittie girl. Imposing, but not mean. I had the pleasure of knowing her. It was really hard on my friends who loved her when she passed not so long ago. I'm glad to be including her in the book. They had a house full of pits, 3 total, all with different personalities. Scout and Rudy (who will be featured next post) both passed within the same year. Great dogs, sorry to see them go. They had a really great life after being rescued. Drawing the dogs continues. I'm so happy to be doing this project.

Gracie Dog

This is Gracie. Her owners wanted me to add her dino in the piece because she loves it so much. She has a blind eye, but that doesn't stop her one bit! You'll have to read the book to get the rest of the story. Oh no, I sound like Paul Harvey, right? Good Day!

What Do You Do When A Relationship Goes Bad...Get A Dog!

This is Rebound. As you may guess from the title(and the dog name)...The owner, known as Spike, was getting out of a not so great marriage and falling apart. Thanks to Utopia Dog Ranch which rescues dogs of all types this Boston Terrier came along. She's funny and smart, and really helped with Spike's recovery. How could you not love this face? Just another one of the dogs and dog stories from the Dog Scratchin' Book. Stay tuned.

Another Dog Day Afternoon

This is Hurley Von Murry. She has beautiful brown eyes and she uses them to get what she wants! I just received her story today, you'll know more once the book is published this fall. In the meantime, this is one lovely German Shepard. It was really great fun drawing her. More dogs in the coming days.

Lovely Loca Dog

This is Loca. She was abandoned as a pup and was living scared, in a vacant apartment. I actually know her, and her folks who rescued her. She is a sweet little girl who had a rough start to her life. I can say with confidence that her life now is easy and full of joy. I've read so many stories like this that will be in the book, they touch my heart. I am so glad there are so many out there who take these great animals in and give them a loving home.  I am grateful to each and every one of you. I hope this book project will help to share some of that love. It is my privilege to draw these dogs and tell their stories.

Dog Gone It!

This is Maggie. She's in the Dog Scratchin book. She was supposed to be a little dog mix, (that's what her rescue group thought) but she turned out to be part Rhodesian Ridgeback...which is a pretty large doggie. She is a sweetheart and is in a loving, forever home.

 I was on the road yesterday, but now I am resting up with friends. Later this week I'll be flying to NY  for Ampersand Art to do 3 scratchboard demos for Ampersand Art, and afterwards going to visit dear friends in Boston. I'm a busy scratchin' gal, and I'm having a great time!