As I write this, I can see my two large dogs running around the yard playing together like toddlers. The younger one tends to circle the older one--run figure eights around her actually. They have completely torn up my backyard with their running around, digging holes and dragging items from the house outside (is that a toothpaste tube on our back deck?)--as well as dragging items from the backyard INside (2 foot piece of tree bark, anyone?)
And yet, I know that what they give back in return--unconditional love, loyalty, comfort, playfulness, alerting me that my Amazon package has arrived with a mighty bark...is worth having a patchy backyard.
Ranger and Sadie playing a game of tug of war.
Obviously, they inspire me...
"Not Letting Go" by jodie Sarah Masiwchuk 12" X 36" Acrylic 2015
If your social media feeds are anything like mine they are filled with videos of dogs being saved from terrible living conditions that turn into healthy, loyal family pets, kids giggling at the family Boxer doing zoomies around the living room or a German Shepherd lying at the casket of a deceased soldier.
I wish that I could honor all of the pets that have touched people's lives. I try my best to bring out the joy and happiness that they give to us in my artwork.
This is why I love having my artwork up at Homeward Pet Adoption Center in Woodinville. It lines the hallway where people go to meet their new family member. Homeward Pet has been helping animals find new homes for over 30,000+ animals for 28 years.
As the number of adopted pets got closer to the 30,000th mark, in order to help celebrate, I was asked to paint a portrait of the 30,000th adoption, which happened just a couple of weeks ago! It was a kitty named Spike.
"Spike" 12" X 16" Acrylic. Painted to celebrate the 30,000th adoption at Homeward Pet
I love being able to honor a place that does so much to help animals.
And before I forget, throughout February, Northwest Cellars is donating a dollar per bottle to Homeward Pet with the First Date Red label on it. Also, I will donate 10% back to Homeward for every limited edition print sold at Northwest Cellars throughout February and March.
"First Date Red" Labels being put on bottles at a recent event to honor volunteers for Homeward Pet.
There is still time to pick up wine with these labels, original artwork and limited edition prints at Northwest Cellars. Cheers to helping animals! Until next time...