100% Love -- the animals in our house

Sally the dog

Acrylic on canvas

5 x 7 inches 

Barbara Muir © 2014

I'm so lucky that I grew up with pets.  They really are

a joyful addition to any family.  Yes -- like babies --
they are demanding, sometimes messy, expensive when
they need care -- but also like babies they are wonderful.

Our animal family is a dog, Sally, and two cats -- Fiona
and Timbah.  Sally is still a bit crazy after 4 years -- especially
around other dogs (she was attacked by a Great Dane one
of the first times that we took her to the park).  Plus she
had four owners in her first year, and we are the fourth.
But she is totally calm in the house, unless you ask her
to sing -- then she will accompany you with great gusto on
any song for a cookie.

Outside then please

Acrylic and marker 

on bond paper

8 x 10 inches

Barbara Muir © 2014

Timbah was a shelter cat. When our cat Max died we were
devastated and wanted to get a new kitten like him.  But
kittens are only available about twice a year.  We went to
the PetSmart that fostered animals, and Timbah, who was
one and a half, grabbed my hand through the bars of his cage.
 I was hooked.  He was very nervous at first too, because he'd
been a street cat -- but he is incredibly affectionate now -- so
 he got over it.

Fiona 

Acrylic on mounted birch panel

5 x 7 inches

Barbara Muir © 2014

On the mohair throw

iPad drawing

8 x 10 inches

Barbara Muir © 2012

(This is also Fiona -- and one of

my favourite iPad drawings)

Fiona, the Siamese cat, is my familiar.  She gets me, and
she always wants to play.  So she forces me to get off my
chair when I'm writing or marking, and away from the
easel if I'm painting to throw her tiny toy shark, which she
tosses in the air, catches, and brings back to me.  Plus that
girl loves the piano, and we have to admit that's why we
have a piano.  The cat likes to play.

These three add so much love to our family.  They are
the best.

Have a loving the animals in your life day.