'Frenchy'
acrylic on wood
11"x10"

I like painting on irregular pieces of wood like this.  An interior designer, that bought three of my dogs on similar pieces of wood, painted three neutral squares on her wall where she then placed the paintings.  It gave them a nice defined structure to sit in.  A clever and inexpensive idea!   

'Loving a Sheba...it's Complicated'

acrylic on wood
11"x14"

I've lived with my sheba inu, Yoko, for about five years now.  Twice, in the early days, I wanted to return her to the rescue organization that I got her from.  Why?  I think it was simply her shebaness.  I was somewhat familiar with the breed from what I read online but it was the beauty of this dog that was the driving force.  They have been described as aloof, independent, hard to train, non-affectionate, run-aways, cat-like, very clean--i.e. they lick their butts a lot.  I got her anyway.

Our relationship has needed time to grow.  The key to a happy and loving life with a sheba inu is acceptance.  I accept her.  I don't fight the characteristics of her breed that she can do nothing about.  She may not be affectionate but she is loyal.  She has her place in this family.  And I can say, finally, that I have no regrets.