Mati

Don't let the grey muzzle fool you, this girl is still very much young at heart. You can see her playful spirit in her eyes, in her countenance and posture.
Mati, short for Matilda, is named for the character in the Roald Dahl short story. She was the one left out, from whom not much was expected. That sort of explains Mati's start in life, as well. She was the little shy one, last of her litter, the unchosen. But someone wanted her, very much. And saw the potential in those beautiful eyes. She's now ten years into her life with her special people, who very much love and adore this young lady.
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I finished this painting just in time for Christmas.
It's an 8 x 10 oil on linen-covered board. $170.00.
If you're interested in a painting of your beloved four legged friend, contact me at www.katywidger.com and together we'll immortalize your special pal, too.

Hunter

His coming was a surprise, but not unexpected. I woke up one morning with plans for the weekend that did not include a trip to the mountains of Magdelena to look at a very special German Shepherd Dog. But there has been this giant hole in my restless heart for three years now that just will not be filled. In fact, it feels as if it has grown even larger. Three incredible Lhasa Apsos, whom I love and adore, could not fill it. I didn't ask them to try. They are their own sweet selves and occupy another niche in my canine heart entirely.

I have wanted this dog my whole life. Ever since I read Lad, a Dog by Alfred Terhune, The Call of the Wild by Jack London as a child and more recently, Adam's Task by Vicki Hearne, A Good Dog by Jon Katz. And certainly The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, by David Wroblewski, probably one of the greatest dog stories ever written. I can only pray that I am worthy of this dog, this Hunter, this noble beast.

He has integrated into the pack effortlessly. Sadie accepts him as her charge, and he accepts her as Alpha and his superior. Zeke, not having ever seen a 32 lb puppy before, protected me from him for a couple of hours, until he was convinced that he posed no threat. Wyatt was unsure and a little fearful, but his timidity is giving way to acceptance and curiosity. He and Zeke are already friends, and Zeke does a great job not only of playing and rough-housing with him, but acting the part of "Uncle". He's been with us for 72 hours now. Just give us a week, and this pack will be one cohesive machine. The Apsos have their Mastiff. I have almond eyes attached to a Strongheart of devotion.