It's National Dog Day!

Who knew? 

Apparently, August 26th is National Dog Day! 

Yay

Above, I pose with Bruiser, the nicest dog in the world,

besides Ricky, who was the sweetest dog in the world :D

Don't worry, no injuries were incurred during our photo shoot.

Snorkle Dog - detail from one of my toy store door paintings 

I'm taking this opportunity to remember the 4 dogs I loved most in my life 

and to shamelessly promote my own dog art. 

Looking over my dog illustrations, I've come to realize that I'm influenced by iconic characters 

like Snoopy, Scrappy Doo and Weebles (they wobble, but they don't fall down)

* Hooray for Today *

Dogs read, when they have the chance. They rarely get a chance however.

Dogs, mostly

I'd like a nutty buddy, please...

Dudley Scooter Dog, zips round the boroughs looking for adventure and fun!

Dancin' dogs and One bun entertain the whole train, except for one very sleepy fox.

Petey meets Sal

Animals love to dance, but dogs really love it most, practicing about 75% more 

of the time than any other animal. That's true.

Dogs dream of flight and space travel. That's just another little known fact I've uncovered ;)

Dogs love birthday parties, but should never ever eat chocolate. They think they can eat chocolate

and they will try to eat chocolate, but dogs must never have chocolate. That is very sad, but true (really true!)

This pup loves his gondola. Really, it belongs to his dad, 

but he knows he will one day

steer one, too!

Melissa Z in her Top Dog tee :)

I have Top Dog tees for sale in my Etsy Shop, Blip Blop. Take a look

or contact me for sizes.

I painted this portrait of Sugi Pug Wonder for my friend, Leslie's birthday one year.

The real Sugi is even cuter, if you can believe that :))

These went off to Arizona Pug Rescue for a fund raising event last year. 

I have a couple of 'Brooklyn Pug' onesies available in my Etsy shop and you can 

purchase a print from my Society 6 shop.

Lyle, he's a little lost and lonely, but things will look up soon. I promise.

This is my 1st dog, Ricky. 

When the Clements family dog, Ginger had puppies, I went over early 

each morning to sit and watch over them. Granted, the family was also my 'baby sitter' 

when my parents went to work. Still, I was enamored with these puppies.

We chose Ricky, named after my childhood friend, to be our dog.

I loved her more than anything in the world. 

This is Ilsa and Bruiser. 

Ilsa, on the right, was a beauty but she was mischievous. 

She loved chewing on anything and everything she could get her teeth on! 

Ilsa and Ricky were often punished together, which upset me greatly :(

We got Bruiser after poor Ricky was hit by a car. She was only about 4 years old. 

I was heartbroken.

Bruiser was as lovely a pet as Ricky, but I still feel terribly sad thinking about little Ricky.

Above, Bruiser and Ilsa meet Jake for the 1st time. 

I found Jake in college and brought him with me whenever I came home, 

which was often since my parents lived only about 20 minutes from VCU campus. 

Love blossoms on Gustavo's gondola

This is one of my favorite paintings. You might even be sick of seeing it by now.

If so, I am sorry.

My dream is to return to Venice to research my little story, 

but for now, I must rely on the wonderful wild web.

Westie at Sea

Another detail from one of my toy store door paintings for If I Were A Toy Brooklyn.

Have a great week and remember to

Celebrate and Love Dogs, today and every day!!

xo, A