If you've followed my painting for any length of time, you'll probably recall that a very special source of inspiration for my creativity has been our little Boston Terrier, Zoe. My love for her got me to start painting again a few years ago. She was always so full of life, with boundless energy and an intense desire to play, especially ball. Last year I wrote and illustrated a book about Zoe and how she inspired me to paint. Naturally her little exuberant expression was a joy to behold in person and at the easel. Ever ready with a jump and kiss and that pleading look saying "let's go out and play, pleeeeeease!" She always won.
A few months ago she was diagnosed with a genetic disease, Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. It typically starts between 6-8 years of age...exactly on time for her. And it began in her left eye and quickly progressed to her right eye. We aggressively treated the disease, but sadly as can happen, she developed an ulcer which rapidly deteriorated despite treatment. Due to the nature of the emergency, we knew what we had to do as we would not allow her to suffer.
I will say, that she was one tough and happy little "girl". Up to the last day, despite being in a lot of pain, she was ready to play, and ever so gently, Elizabethan Collar attired, we played.
Zoe was our first pet. Losing her hurt more than I ever imagined. I haven't wanted to paint you know. Even as I write this, tears still pour forth.
After a couple of weeks of sadness, my dear husband could see that the empty house was too much for me to bear and we decided to bring a new baby into our home. Meet Ruby. She's so tiny - even at 9 weeks she's just about 2 pounds! Her full name is Ruby Tuesday. We lost Zoe on a Tuesday and we got Ruby on a Tuesday, so we thought the name fit.
Training this little one is taking lots of time. Happily though, I did manage to do a painting this week. A friend suggested that I do another painting of Zoe. I liked one of the poses from the book so much that I decided to do it really big at 36 x 24". Entitled "Hi There", this painting epitomizes Zoe's friendly nature.
