The Neighborhood Bernese Mountain Dog

A few weeks back, we were on a morning walk and we came across a sweet Bernese Mountain Dog puppy a couple blocks from our house. It's the corner home with an iron fence around it. On a nice day, it's the perfect spot for a pooch to relax, and get a LOT of attention. He was lying in the dirt, and was very receptive to having his photo taken. After that, we didn't see him at all. I was guessing because it was just too hot, that the household was on vacation - but also concerned that something dreadful happened to him - or even worse - he was snatched out of his yard because he was so nice! I also noticed that the dirt where he used to sit was transformed with rocks, but there were three water bowls sitting by the stairs, which was a good sign. But it was my husband who said my friend was back. And there he was today, a little bigger, his tail wagging, welcoming all the attention - not just from me, but anyone who passes by and stops to say hello. I'm certain the owners must get a kick out of having a celebrity. Whenever I see him I miss our dog even more. It's been over ten years, but she is still unforgettable. It's nice to have a pup in the neighborhood. 

Maggie Mae Borzoi

I love Borzois. Our Tatiana lived to the ripe old age of thirteen. She grew up primarily in Milwaukee, in a big house, and a big yard. We have toyed with the idea of getting another one, but can't seem to decide if it would be the right choice in a city and in close quarters. I always look at the Borzoi rescue website, and have communicated with the folks who are responsible for keeping it up to date. I also did a couple of pet portraits for two of the very active members. I was so pleased to see my rendering of one of the Borzoi on the National Borzoi Rescue Foundation poster. In fact it is one of my favorite portraits because it reminds me of our Tatiana. This month we will probably go to the Middleburg Dog Show in Virginia with the sole purpose of seeing the Borzoi. We are still in England for another day, and almost had an opportunity to meet a few English dogs that belong to our friend's daughter. Unfortunately we missed them, but saw the house - a splendid old manor complete with a pond and several outbuildings. I would have preferred seeing the pooches! Maybe that's why I like painting dog portraits so much. Those critters just have a way of bringing a smile to your face. 

The Dog Memorial Portrait

It didn't start out that way. I opened my Etsy shop two years ago featuring digital art. I grew up on watercolors and pastels, pen and ink, and sketches. But when the iPad came along, my life really changed and my hobby blossomed. It started with a win in The New Yorker Eustace Tilley contest, and featured works in the employee art show at The Library of Congress. Capitol Hill and Washington DC are highlighted in a lot of my art. Three of my children's books feature fish, grandsons, family life, and cities. Trips to England, Iran, and Denmark spark some creativity. But one of my favorite subjects to draw is a dog. So far, I've done quite a few. Several are on display at the Wagtime Shop across from the Navy Yard on Capitol Hill. There is just something about a dog - or a cat. We had two wonderful animals when we lived in Milwaukee. A golden retriever named Natasha and a beautiful Borzoi by the name of Tatiana. When they left us, they took a part of us with them. I guess a lot of people feel the same way. One of the most frequent requests I receive for a custom portrait is of a dearly departed pet. And one of the best compliments to receive is that I captured the spirit of that beloved pet in their eyes. It's so rewarding to get positive feedback on anything, but there is just something special about the bond between a pet and his owner. 

Sometimes It's Better Not to Know

Compared to our tiny patio and secret garden here on Capitol Hill, we had an acre of land in Milwaukee. And along with that acre of land was a fenced in yard for a beautiful white borzoi. And all around the house and next to the fence were several gardens that were painstakingly nurtured by me. Several clay pots and window boxes were filled with seasonal selections. Since we moved, we have kept in touch with our next door neighbors and continue to see them regularly. I received a photo of the north side of the house from our friend and was aghast at what I saw. This is why I don't like visiting back home because I can't help but think about all the time and enjoyment I got out of creating the landscape. Although it is no longer our home or yard, I know I have no business commenting about their bad taste - but I can't help it.

Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo

It was the perfect day for a day trip. So with our dear friends, we headed out through Georgetown and stopped in the Palisades for lunch at the Boathouse. Then we made our way down MacArthur Boulevard to our destination. It would have been a more scenic ride taking the rail line, but it doesn't exist anymore. I like her because she was from Massachusetts, was the first female federal employee, everyone thought she was a nurse, she really liked animals, and most importantly had a huge impact on disaster relief. And Clara Barton actually lived, worked, and died in this house. Some of the lesser known places have the best park rangers and tour guides, and that indeed was the case here. It was one of the oddest houses I've ever been in. It started out as a warehouse, then became her home and a motel of sorts for all the folks who worked and supported the relief efforts of the Red Cross. And of course there was the favorite freeloading nephew who kept showing up. Though she never married, there was an adjoining door between her and the young doctor's quarters. No one knows for sure, but it's fun to think about what went on in this place! And it's all just a few miles away.

The Broken Dog

When we moved to DC from Milwaukee we essentially left everything behind. We had bought our condo several months before we moved and furnished it lightly, not really planning to actually move in to 500 square feet. So when we did decide to move in to 500 square feet, only the essential items would be coming along. One of those items was a little crystal dog that my husband gave me when we first met. It is important in that he never gives gifts, and that he knows how much I like dogs. So while he was dusting, it accidentally (I think) landed on the floor in several pieces. Usually I would have just thrown it away. But this keepsake was going to be repaired. Out came the super glue and tape. So, the feet were reattached to the body and the ears were glued back to the head. Now only the head needs to be stuck back on the body. I really don't care how it turns out, and it isn't worth anything. But it made its way all the way from Milwaukee. Not a whole lot of other stuff did.

Babysitting Fish

We used to have a 100 pound borzoi that had in house babysitting when we were out of town. Since we moved to DC we have a tiny betta fish. He probably could survive without daily attention, but believe it or not, he likes interacting and is quite social. So our grandson has the daily duty of feeding him three tiny pellets, talking to him, and watering the plants. This weekend we had a babysitting assignment. Our son has a pond in the front yard with several fish. We were assigned feeding duty twice a day. This amounts to about twenty large sized pellets. The fish did not seem too interested at first. They hid at the bottom of the pond. But then they became acquainted with their new benefactor and gobbled every last morsel. It seems everyone and everything gets used to a change in their routine after awhile - even if it's a tiny little betta fish. Or maybe it's just the hunger that overtakes any inhibition.

Red Dog

Man and Dog