Passing of a Pet

 

Rest in Peace, Stormy, a.k.a The Bossman. 

All of us who have been blessed by a remarkable pet spirit feel a massive loss with their passing. Yet, we are grateful for the profound, heartfelt connection and their intermediary stewardship of untamed nature. This spirit doesn't speak our language but has manipulated our feelings and minds to cross that subterranean bridge to Mother Earth. 

Stormy, a rather large Havanese, loved his two human women fussing over and feeding him.  In return, he took on the job of protecting not only their home but also the entire strip running along the property line on the Rails to Trails as his territory to defend against invaders. We would know if someone was walking along the trail and they knew to keep moving on... or else.. well, not so vicious actually, but  SHHHUSH, they do not know that! Good JOB Stormy!

Stormy was our neighbor, across the lake, and we all would meet up for regular walks and coffee talks. My dog, Ziggy, a silky terrier, was a 5-year-old rescue who was unsettled with past homes, but then he manifested, or should say 'dog-fested' us, the Dog-Loving world, with me, Jim, and his best friend, Stormy. 

These two dogs, Ziggy and Stormy, formed an instant bond, sharing a deep passion for being dogs. Ziggy's discovery of pheasants hiding in the tall grass and the exhilarating chase that followed was a shared joy. This bond was a testament to the warmth and love that can exist between animals. 

Stormy's love for the water was infectious, and he passed it on to Ziggy. The two would venture into the woods together, flushing out pheasants and reveling in the joy on their faces when they succeeded. Their shared activities were always a cause for celebration, with us clapping and cheering for their success. 

Before meeting Stormy, Ziggy was hesitant about entering the water. However, Stormy's fearless nature and love for the water inspired Ziggy to overcome his fear. He now confidently wades into the water, a testament to the positive influence Stormy had on him.

Stormy had a passion for being in the water and, in return, taught Ziggy to not be afraid but to go fearlessly into the cool, healing water. Now, Ziggy loves to go into the ocean and the lake, walking up to his neck in water... not big on swimming, but relaxed enough that I can take him on a waterboard and put him on my shoulder, me wearing a life jacket and flippers, to go swimming around the lake together.

Thanks to Stormy's influence on Ziggy

 To become fearless and wade into the water.

Confidence encouraged by Stormy, 

Now Ziggy gets to shoulder depth into the lake & ocean.

Ziggy has his very own water board while I swim him out.

When our friends, Stormy, Linda & Marcelle, moved away last year, it was a bittersweet moment. Soon after, we received the news of Stormy's passing. Marcelle, a few months later, reached out with a request to commission a pet portrait of Stormy. I was deeply touched by this request and immediately agreed. This was not a commission for money, but a gift to honor the years of friendship we shared with Stormy.

Marcelle went through all her photos to find those that said something about who he is, and there were a lot of great shots of 9 years hanging out with Stormy. 

I picked out a 12"x12"x3" thick canvas and wanted to show off its unique eyes. He could be called a couch potato, or he could say he was a relaxed and aloof character at times. One photo stood out, showing him rolled up in the turquoise, shaggy blanket. That said, everything I needed for a chunky painting style in oils on a 12"x12" canvas.

'Stormy Blanket Roll'

12" x 12" x 3" Oil on canvas

Creating about 50 pet portraits over the years has been a source of immense joy for me. Each stroke of the brush is an opportunity to capture their unique personalities, evoking their spirit onto the canvas. Each painting tells a story and preserves a memory for those who own it.

If you have ever considered getting your pet painted into fine art, you can go to my post to find out more about what to look for in photos that best help the artist to create. Many times, there is no one perfect photo, just like this one of Stormy, which required four pictures for me to reference to make this one painting. Close-ups of the face are very helpful.

Here is my pet portfolio & link to instructions to check out...

www.artgirlgallery.com/p/pet-portraits-gallery.html

Love & Bark, Minaz