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Today I saw on a fellow artists IG post that it was National Dog day, and it made me think of all the dogs I've had in my life. I think most of us have had a dog at some point in our life.  I realized until we lost Gracie I had only not had a dog for about 2.5 years in my whole life. They were always a member of the family and when they are gone you realize what a huge part of your everyday they were.

I remember when we first got Gracie just a couple of months after having to put Maddie our pup of 15 years down, wondering whether she was going to be a good fit with us.  She was ver different from Maddie who we'd been used to. It seemed we really had to earn her love. During that time of adjustment for both her and us we came to realize the gem we had in her.  If there was one dog in my life to pick a “ do over” and have again, I think both my husband and I would pick Gracie. 

One of my first acrylic paintings I did was of Gracie and it took me forever to paint it. I was so afraid of ruining what I had already painted and unsure of how to proceed to get what I wanted. I eventually finished it and although I would paint it very differently from what I know now, I still love it.  This year I painted the one of her that I use on my website homepage. I always wanted a painting of her on the kitchen floor with her jowls smooshed up which was a common sight, right below the treats. I am happy I have many a reference photo of her as I know there is one more paintings her.  I want to capture the look of love in her eyes when she would look up at us. 

Our animals can bring us so much joy to our lives and memories that last well beyond the life of the animal. They are truly a gift. So go and hug your critter today even if it is not a dog, you'll feel happier for it. And if you don't have a pet because you just can't at this time, I'm sure a friend or neighbour will let you hug theirs.