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Exotic Pets

Dozer

Dozer is a Staffordshire Terrier who lives in the Pacific Beach community of San Diego. At first glance, Dozer's powerful body may seem intimidating. But, his laid-back attitude and lap-dog mentality quickly give him away. That is, unless he senses that Beth, his owner, is threatened, an off-leash dog comes within eye range, or her boyfriend is using the "F" word. Beth is strict but loving and Dozer has learned well.

Dozer and Beth met when he was three-years old and had outgrown the weight-restrictions at his original owner's apartment complex. Beth took Dozer to foster but quickly realized that he needed to be a permanent part of her life. Early in their relationship, they met an odd but friendly character on one of their walks. He seemed harmless enough, as he stopped briefly to pet Dozer while chatting amiably with Beth. But a few minutes later and seeming to appear from nowhere, he lunged towards Beth. Dozer jumped into action and the last Beth saw of the accoster was his shadow as he rounded the corner. Did I mention that Staffordshire Terriers are unflinchingly loyal and protective?

I've used Dozer's image in many projects. He's been the cover art on several Christmas cards for a local retailer and served as the poster-boy for the 2008 Ocean Beach Kiwanis Canine Carnival.

Reggie

Reggie had a rocky few years before he came into my life. His original owners boarded him multiple times with a vet while they worked out the details of their divorce, his final stay lasting six weeks. Finally, they relinquished custody of Reggie to a standard poodle pet rescue group. But by this time, the effects of Reggie's yo-yo existence had made him stressed, surly, and insecure. He lived briefly with three different pet foster-parents, each time becoming more territorial and agitated in spite of their best efforts.

In the beginning, Reggie had a Jeckyl-Hyde personality. With me, he was loving, loyal, and relatively calm, although his neediness was always close to the surface. But, he could turn aggressive very quickly with others. He bit my son, Ian, and best friend, Lisa, the first time that he met each of them. Life with Reggie was challenging the first few years.

Eventually, he mellowed and became playful and affectionate with others--proof that love and firm discipline can overcome bad behavior. Reggie saw me through my father's illness and death and assorted other dramas of life. He was steadfast, loving, followed me everywhere as if I was the most interesting person on earth, and was endlessly entertaining. So much so, that I featured him in a book project, "Travel Adventures with Poodle Boy." He died before the book was finished, but lives forever in my heart. If it's possible to have a four-legged, furry soul mate, I did.

Marty

Marty spent much of his first year being fostered by friends when his original owner became sick. Susan was to be the third foster-parent. But, when Marty, a Jack Russell terrier and Labrador mix, first bounced through her gate, Susan was hooked. She announced to her ill friend that Marty would be living at her home from that point forward. Everyone was in agreement-especially Marty who had immediately bonded with Susan.

Marty is a young, lively dog with a huge curiosity and even bigger capacity to love. Two years later, Marty is a valued member of the household. He earns his keep by chasing birds audacious enough to perch in the courtyard, snuggling on the sofa, and watching guard over Susan as she sleeps--curled up by her side, of course.

This commissioned, acrylic portrait is 16" x 20" and portrays Marty barking up a tree--one of his favorite past times.

Love what you do. Do what you love.

I’m an artist who loves animals. Shortly before I relocated to San Diego, my long-time pet, Reggie, died. I ended up settling into an apartment with a no-pet policy, which is particularly odd since I live in one of the most dog-friendly communities in San Diego. I get my canine-fixes at the local dog beach, through my friends lucky enough to share their homes with a pet, and by painting their portraits.

When I paint, I go into a transcendent state, a natural high that I think of as “Nature’s Valium.” But, painting pets moves me into another dimension.

This blog showcases my pet portraits and, when possible, tells the story behind the animals. It’s easy to understand why people cherish their pets. My goal is to capture a pet’s unique personality on canvas so that they remain forever in the hearts of those that love them.