Last year I decided to start a little side business painting pet portraits, (artpet.net). I love making them for people. They're fun to do and the heartfelt responses I get make it all worth it.

I needed some samples to take with me on a few outings last fall and painted several gifts for friends. I decided not to do the circuit this fall, too many other things going on, so I started giving them out to the people I painted them for. I just got these photos in my email this past week from my dear college friend, Ricky. He is an interior designer in New York and has had his lovely 3 pound Yorkshire terrier, Miss Margaret, for many years. Here is the little 4" painting-a little painting for a little (but mighty) gal-framed and settled happily in its new home.



I wrote last week my friend Donna stopped by while she was in town and picked up her portrait of Gwynnie I'd done for her. She teared up when she looked at the painting, and said through her tears, "wow, I didn't expect that response". I was so touched by her love for her dog, and also grateful that I was able to make something that helped her feel it as well.

These are the good things in life, the ones that really count.