getting organized!!

I've been working away on some of the many great stories I received from dog rescuers. I have about 10 paintings completed so far. This morning I sat at my desk for two hours just sorting through all of the many great stories I haven't even had time to get started on yet!...Several folks submitted a story on my blog, but did not send photos by mail or e-mail...Dogs names:Peanut, and
Tess. If this applies...send me photos ....bellaandcompany@kc.rr.com

It takes a village...

Sometimes it takes a village. This painting was inspired by a story sent to me by group of women who decided to rescue some feral dogs from their cardboard box home on the edge of town. They did lots of planning and plotting to capture this wild group, but they were successful in their venture and all the dogs found new real homes.

A Painting a day

I seem to be pretty good at setting goals that are so far out there...I then fear that I might not reach the goal. Of course, I'm writing about painting goals....not life goals...although painting is now back in the center of my life. We are experimenting with an I-photo book to see how it comes out before we get too far down the road with this project. Even though that program has some limitations and probably was really designed for weddings, anniversaries, and reunions, it seems affordable and a pretty good program to work with.
I'm just posting a couple of paintings here instead of the story that will accompany the painting. Dog lovers have sent me some truly amazing, heart breaking and heart warming stories. I may have found the project to last me a life time!

Story of Buddy

We had just arrived at an event for a newly established rescue group when I saw him. We were already volunteers at two local shelters when we stumbled across this new start up rescue group and offered to assist. I was struggling with the loss of my sweet, but difficult shepherd/dobe mix that we had fostered for 15 years because we couldn’t find a home to take him!

We weren’t out of the car yet when I spotted Buddy. Without thinking, I said, “I want that dog!”

We didn’t need another dog, but Buddy had other ideas. We spent the day together and then had to say goodbye, as hard as it was to leave him. We weren’t home an hour when the rescue group called and asked us to come pick him up! He was busting out of crates and clawing through doors. Buddy had already bonded with us! We fostered Bud and took him to many events. He was a crowd pleaser due to his antics and a head turner due to his size and stunningly handsome good looks. After a few weeks, we adopted him and he is the biggest, goofiest, happiest full of life dog anyone would ever meet. He’s known as the giant cartoon character, but please don’t tell him that. He thinks he’s a lap dog. In addition, he’s well named. He truly is the buddy of everyone he meets.

Give Me that Dog project step 2

Wow, have I received some great stories and photos from folks who responded to our request! I've had some difficulty keeping pictures and stories straight, but I think I've got a handle on it now. I am rewriting stories and beginning to make some small drawings for paintings. The stories are amazing and inspiring. In a world that is a little dark and definitely more than a little cold these days, my heart and hands are warmed and I'm ready to get painting soon. I'll post paintings from time to time so that those who enjoy my work can take a peak at the progress.

reminder

Cold icy snow is on its way kind of day, but I've been warmed by so many great dog rescue stories and photos! I should have underlined that 250 word deal somehow to keep my editing job to a minimum! But, I plunge on. Those who have posted comments on my blog need to remember to send me a photo that is clearly identified with your name! how do those folks who work in shelters keep track of everyone?

Great Stories incoming!!!

Finally some great stories coming our way with pictures too. I have selected some of the stories to create paintings from...I'll save some stories and photos for a later project. I will attempt to send rewrites to the people who have submitted stories. The paintings that have resulted from my request will be exhibited for sale at the Carnegie Arts Center in Leavenworth, Kansas. The show is in May. We also hope to publish a small soft cover book. Part of the funds earned from the show and the book will be donated to a local shelter, and of course, part of the proceeds will go to the Arts Center for their continued support of artists like me! Thank you for the stories and the pictures.