Monday, August 26, 2013

Work Ethic


So we got to the dog park yesterday and we headed to the pond, and I hear all this chuffing, snorting and splashing. I look out and there's a Rottweiler just swimming in circles all by himself - no stick, no ball, no buddies. He was literally swimming in circles as though he was doing laps - all for the sheer love of swimming on a hot day. This is Karl. Done on an iPad with the Paper app.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Dude - I'm Starvin' Here!!


There's no doubt that Max has had acting classes somewhere along the line - he can look so pitiful when he's of a mind to do so. Every once in a while, we have also to question his lineage. He's supposed to be a Lab, but he's as lanky as a Serengeti lion - when the light is right and you see him in silhouette, he looks like the Simpsons' dog.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Takin' Five


Out at the dog park yesterday, caught this guy taking five while I myself was taking five after an exciting but tiring week of meetings and curriculum planning for my drawing courses at NIU this term. I love the way - even though his attention is on another dog to his left - his body and his shadow continue to protect the ball in the downright dog-eat-dog environment of the pond.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

My Real Favorite Dog


This cutie was done from a photo sent in by Pamela Richarde. I have a secret and it must not be divulged to Max. My favorite breed is the Beagle. My only Beagle, Elvis, is long gone - however he remains the dog with the most character that I have ever owned. He was epileptic, very fond of my mother-in-law's peds, and generally a pain in the ass. But he was the best - here's to you Elvis, my buddy.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Another Beautiful Swissy


Here is another of Kathleen Borgmeyer's Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. His name is Robert. What a regal pose! Kathleen breeds Swissys so click on her link here and learn about these fantastic dogs.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Caught Napping


Caught Max napping this morning in a quick sketch. Very often he'll sleep with one of his paws over his snout like this - much to our amusement!

Friday, August 16, 2013

Water dog?


I mentioned earlier that Max (a chocolate Labrador Retriever) doesn't swim; he wades. Well, when he saw Nicole (left) swimming in and out like an otter in pursuit of her ball, he caved in to peer pressure and for the first time in his life went in over his head (right). I was stunned. And, I think . . . . so was he.

7S4D9ZUE3QAP

Thursday, August 15, 2013

All legs!


Max loves going to the dog park. There is a path of about a quarter mile or so that leads down to the lake. Here, Max is leading D, they are about 20 yards ahead of me. As I watch them, two things strike me; 1) how lanky they both are and 2) check out how taut the leash is! As I said, Max loves going to the dog park. Is it true dogs and their masters resemble each other?  What do you think?
Done with Auryn Ink on an iPad.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Swiss Miss


This beauty belongs to Kathleen Borgmeyer. Her name is Delphine. Isn't she striking?
Thanks to Kathleen for the opportunity to draw Delphine.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

So Here's How They Do It


So here's how they do it. They sucker punch us with "cute" and before our heads clear, we've embarked upon indentured servitude for 15 or so years; astronomical vet bills, designer allergen-free food, hair, dander, vomit, chewed trash - and somehow, if we're fortunate, we still manage to hammer out a relationship that works . . . kind of . . .  as long as you don't mind giving, and giving, and giving.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Party, Dawg!


Our friends Amy and Brian own three gorgeous Swiss Mountain Dogs. Each has distinguished itself in the conformance ring, Swissie eventing, or in agility(!). They have so much fun with the girls - and every holiday that comes around, you can expect to see FB photo postings of them in elaborate, flashy costumes! Here is Mardi celebrating her first birthday. Cheers!

Sunday, August 11, 2013

What are you thinking?


I think we tend to anthropomorphize our animals to a very great degree. Sure, there are times when the communication is there and it is certain - and there are other times when I'm aware that maybe I'm engaging in a bit of creative interpretation based in my own feelings and mood at the time. This look of Max's is not uncommon and if I resist the temptation to interpret, I have no idea what it means. . . 
Done using the Paper app on an iPad.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Thoughtful


I don't usually think of the words "thoughtful" and Max in the same sentence, however once in a while something out the window will catch his eye and he'll get a very tranquil, watchful look in his eye. Again, using Paper on an iPad.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Water Fun


We took Max to the dog park yesterday - ours has a small lake for the dogs to play in. Max met Nicole, a sweet black lab who was an amazing swimmer/retriever. Her owner said Nicole can go for ninety minutes straight. We also met this yellow lab who alternated his fetching between a stick and a ball. Max is a source of embarrassment for us at the dog park. He's a full blooded retriever, and yet has absolutely no desire to swim - he'll go in ankle deep with a look of deep discomfort on his face. This sketch was done using the Paper app for iPad.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Max and treats


Like many of his ilk, Max is a complete whore for treats. I should say he does not get many treats; he has a suite of allergies that confounds his vets, therefore we only use treats as needed - and then they are organic, grain-free, salmon and sweet potato nuggets. That said, you can see the look in his eyes when a treat is dangled!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Hungry . . . hungry . . . hungry . . .


A quick sketch of Max as he waits for his morning feeding. He sits by the dryer with a view down the hall to the kitchen. He's very patient and really good at sending guilt vibes distances in excess of twenty feet!