Ziggy in snow
Acrylic on mounted birch panel
6 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2014
Some sad news today, the wonderful dog who was sisterto my dog Zoey died today, about a month shy of her
14th birthday. Back when the dogs were puppies we
spent so many hours together in the park watching them
romp. They loved one another, and this summer I am
glad we had the chance to take care of Ziggy while
my friend was on holiday, and that the sisters had some
time together before first our dog, Zoey, and now her sister
took their last walks.
Ziggy (foreground) and Zoey
sleeping in our hallway last
summer.
There is something so wonderful about a great dog --
the way they love you, the way they join in on
your family events, the way they get you out
into nature, and teach you so much. Ziggy was a
very smart dog. She learned how to toboggan on her
back one year, and from then on tried the same stunt
even on grass in the summer. Zoey our dog used to
watch in amazement, but she was more cautious
than Ziggy, and I think she thought that looked scary.
We are lucky that a dog-loving friend told us that
we were good dog owners and would make another
dog as happy as Zoey. We were so lonely for a
dog after Zoey died, that I feel blessed that we got
Sally, our latest addition to the family.
Have a toasting-all-the-great-dogs day.
12 comments:
That is a wonderful portrait of Ziggy, her owners will be so delighted. The photo of zoey and ziggy in the hallway, looks like one of your paintings, with all the lovely primary colours in it.
So sorry to read about the sister dogs. Your painting of Ziggy is full of love and personality. And I agree with Sally - that photo of the two in the hallway seems to be begging to get painted by you! XOXO
Hi Barbara,
I spent yesterday thinking about all the wonderful/silly/funny things Ziggy would do like lick my ears (which tickled and made me laugh), shove her snout between my legs while making snorting sounds, and sense when I was sad or upset and try to comfort me. I can't believe I almost forgot about how she used to slide down the park hill on her back! Thank you for reminding me of that wonderful memory, and for painting this beautiful portrait of her. She looks so youthful and vibrant, it's exactly how I want to remember her.
Love,
Claudia
Hi Sally,
Thank you. I'm so glad you like it. The photo of the girls in the hallway is colourful, but a little bit sad, because it was the last time the two really got to spend time together. They were lucky to be owned by friends, and that they got to care about each other all of their lives.
XOXOXO Barbara
Hi Laurel,
Thank you. They were super dogs. We bought them when we saw a notice about Labrador/Border Collie pups in the supermarket, and our kids insisted we go and see them. They were actually Labrador, Border Collie, Dalmatian, so they were fast runners, smart and calm in the house. All good.
XOXOXOXO Barbara
Hi Claudia,
I've been thinking of you all day today. What a great dog Ziggy was, and I will miss saying Ziggy! and having her press against me. She was so smart, and both of those dogs cared about how we were feeling. I'm glad you like the painting. Hope to see you soon and give you a hug.
Love,
Barbara
At first I thought I was looking at a portrait of Zoey. There certainly is a striking resemblance between the two.
I love the soulful, mournful look in Ziggy's eyes - You really nailed it - I also love the way you actually seem to be stroking Zigg's hauntingly beautiful head with your brush. Great names - Ziggy and Zoey - and now you have Sally - that's good!
love,
Marcia
What a sweet face. Dogs are the best. Must love dogs!
So sorry about the loss....
Hi Marcia,
There were small differences. Zoey was more Dalmatian, Ziggy more Lab. But they were a lot alike. I'm glad you like the brushwork. Dear Ziggy. I miss her. The thought of never seeing either of those girls again is distinctly unhappy. Sally bounding down the yard today in three leaps is a very good distraction. And she is a sweetheart too.
Love,
Barbara
Hi Sally Dean,
Thank you! I do indeed love dogs. I was a cat person before my dog Zoey. She was the first in my adult life, although I grew up with dogs. Apparently we are more complete if
we can love both. So I'm happy I do.
XOXOXO Barbara
Oh Barbara :(
another loss.
~Hugs~ to you and your critters.
and it's a lovely portrait of your sweet 'niece' Ziggy.
Hi Mary,
She did feel like a niece in dog land. We used to celebrate the dogs' birthday on February 20th with a barbecue in a local park in the snow. It was a lovely community event, with lots of people and their dogs celebrating.
XOXOXO Barbara
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