The new dog, we should really find a temporary name for it, has learned the process. We are always here. Shadow would be a good name as she goes up and down the stairs following me. Our offices are on the second floor, the studio on the first. Thank God she has learned not to jump up every time I am downstairs and need a tool on the shelf, or to warm my coffee in the microwave. Or upstairs when I run from my computer to the accounting computer. She so wants someone to play with her, and Emmy could not be bothered. Our retriever that passed away was the great foster uncle. HE would play with the puppies and tire them out.

I guess having someone around all the time is good, but we really work a lot here and only play on the way to the house.

Hubby said, “she has not jumped into the pond yet.” No she has not. I wonder why as she appears to be a lab. But all dogs that come here consider the pond their personal watering dish.

Still no home for her, on the upside She has been a good resource for the growth pattern of hair for my little dog sculpture.

At least that is what my son suggests. This is why,

On Christmas morning we found 4 kittens on our doorstep. We have been feeding them and the mom and trying to learn about how to take care of the problem of ferrel cats and the endless cycle of reproduction that seems so cruel.

Then we noticed this lab eating out of a dumpster. My husband noticed she had rope wrapped around her neck, and chest and legs. it was so sad. I coaxed her over with a turkey hot dog. It took some time to get the knots out. Now we are trying to find a good home for her. She looks to be about a year old.

Our home does seem to attract those animals in need. I think we have fostered 5 dogs in the last 3 years.

I have been working on this new commissioned sculpture of a little boy and his dog. I was not actually commissioned to sculpt the dog, but when I saw they two together in a photograph, and heard that the dog is aging… well it pulled at my heart strings. Besides the photograph of the little boy whispering in the dogs ear is to say the least so cute. Here a quick roughed in sketch of what I am going for. The dog and boy are two pieces. That way the parents can place them around the shelf. You must remember David. He is the other child in the family. I love that the mom had miniatures made of the children.
Now that I look at them together I can see the placement. Maybe David is not looking down at his toys, but at his brother and his dog. What fun!