Happy Halloweenie Dog Painting Dachshund Violano

Happy Halloweenie- Policeman, Cinderella and Mummy Dachshund SM Violano

About This Painting:
The latest in the Happy Halloweenie Paintings! These happy trick or treat Dachshunds are dressed up as the Mummy, A policedog and Cinderella!

Media: oil on board
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)
Price: $99 USD

How to Purchase:

SOLD

Waiting for Santa- Parrot, Dog, Cat SM Violano

"Waiting for Santa"

5" x 7"
Oil on Board
SM Violano

About This Painting:
These creatures are hanging out waiting for Santa to arrive!

20% of the proceeds will go to help Malibu Pet Companions- a wonderful charity that helps animals in a LA Pound get Veterinary Care for problems that prevent them from being adoptable.

Malibu Pet Companions has helped pets get hip replacements, dental work, tumors removed, treatment for skin conditions and much more!

Please Help Them!

Media: Oil on Board
Size: 5 in X 7 in (12.7 cm X 17.8 cm)
Price: $99 USD

How to Purchase:

SOLD!

NEW STORE! Giftware and Prints for Sale to Help Animals

The Animal News Blog

Art Helping Animals Main Web Site

Happy Halloweenies~! SM Violano

Happy Halloweenies- Alice, Fireman and Prisoner Dog Dachshund

About This Painting:
As Halloween approaches the Halloweenies are at it again! Today we have a fireman, Alice from Alice in Wonderland and a Prisoner! 20% to benefit Old Dog Haven!

Media: Oil on Board
Size: 5 in X 7 in (12.7 cm X 17.8 cm)
Price: $99 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $99 USD plus $7.65 USD s/h
Or, send me an email

THe River Mouse- SM Violano

"The River Mouse"
5" x 7"
Oil on Board
SM Violano

About This Painting:

This little river mouse is heading downstream using a leaf and twig to guide him. 20% to help Malibu Pet Companions a wonderful organization that helps ill and injured pets in Los Angeles County Animal Shelters get the medical care they need in order to be adoptable!

Media: oil on board

Size: 5 in X 7 in (12.7 cm X 17.8 cm)

Price: $129 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal

Price: $129 USD plus $5.95 USD s/h

Or, send me an email

The Hollyberry Park Bears Celebrate Christmasl

"Have a Merry Berry Christmas"
SM Violano
8" x 10"
Oil on Board

The bears are gathered around a lovely tree in the forest decorated by Fireflies and Cardinals!

About This Painting:
This painting will offer 20% of the sale to NRRO HSUS,
The tree is decorated by cardinals and fireflies~!

Media: Oil on Board
Size: 10 in X 8 in (25.4 cm X 20.3 cm)
Price: $689 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal
Price: $689 USD plus $7.95 USD s/h
Or, send me an email

Bull Moose Study- SM Violano

Stroll by the River
SM Violano

About This Painting:

20% of the purchase will go to Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center. Bull Moose are dangerous and hard to photograph-my deepest thanks to Photographer Andrew Merwin http://www.andrewmerwinphoto.com

Stroll By The River- Moose Wildlife SM Violano

Media: Oil on Board

Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)

Price: $99 USD

How to Purchase:

Buy this painting on PayPal

Price: $99 USD plus $6.95 USD s/h

Or, send me an email

More Art of Different Animals By SM Violano

Homeless Senior Dalmatian Painting

"Dal Dog Heaven"
6" x 6"
Acrylic on Board
SM Violano

About the Model:

Missy is a Senior Dalmatian who was rescued from horrible conditions
and was saved along with her son Ranger by Save the Dalmatians.
I painted her as she wishes to be- in a loving forever home surrounded by her own
people family. If you have room in your home and heart will you please consider adopting Missy?

Missy needs a loving forever home and SPONSORS!

The tragic story of Missy and Ranger can be read on the
Save the Dals web site.
http://savethedals.org

20% of the proceeds from this painting will be donated to help Missy!
Please Help Homeless and Abused Pets!

Painting Available:
$129.00 + $6.95 shipping
Pay with Paypal below or Email Me

New Painting for Old Dog Haven

S. M. Violano Original Oil Painting

Click Here to Bid

"Thank You!"

6" x 6"

Oil on Archival Board

About The Model for This Painting:

SOPHIE

Just the other day, Old Dog Haven, a rescue dedicated
to helping homeless senior dogs, rescued this tiny Maltese mix
from a large shelter, in terrible.
donations cover veterinary expenses for dogs like this, who
may not live long but who deserve to be comfortable and as
healthy as possible, and to end their lives in a loving home.

Even a small donation can help! Please visit the Old Dog Haven web site today at http://OldDogHaven.org


Thank you!

20% of the sale price for this auction will be donated to help senior dogs at Old Dog Haven.

Thank you for helping homeless pets

Media: Oil on Board Size: 6 in X 6 in (15.2 cm X 15.2 cm)

Where can I buy your larger gallery work?

Where can I buy your larger gallery work?

Thank you for asking-
I am currently represented by three galleries:
Buenaventura Gallery • 700 E. Santa Clara, Ventura, CA 93001 • 805.648.1235
Harbor Village Gallery • 1591 Spinnaker Drive • Suite 117C • Ventura, California 93001 • 805.644.2750
Contact the Gallery Director, Chris Bierne for sales information:

Contact

I am also represented by the Merwin Art Gallery 2301 Montana Avenue
Billings, Montana 59101

The D. White Pochade- A handmade work horse for the artist

As I mentioned before I have been seeking a new travel Pochade. I did research some of the commercial pochades available but settled on a D. White Pochade because of the sheer cleverness of it!

Here is the pochade on it's maiden trip to the Harbor Village Art Gallery where I was painting for the public.


The D. White Pochade is a work horse.

Each one is hand- crafted by Dean White, a Canadian woodworker.
The canvas holders are adjustable from 9" x 12" to 4"x4" due to a very clever sliding mechanism. It holds two wet panels at a time inside the lid. One can also order additional sliders to hold 4 smaller wet canvases if desired.
So there is no need to purchase extra nesting pieces to accommodate different size canvases.
It has pull- out brush holders that also are perfect to hold palette cups.

In the photos I took you will see the brush holders only 1/2 way out where I prefer them so they are firmly held and not so far out that anyone can accidentally bump them. If I was not in public I would likely use them pulled out a bit more.
There are two large D-rings to clip on a strap but I also found them very helpful to hook on my turpentine bucket and to thread through my paint rag.

The bottom has a tripod mount and the storage below holds my paints and brushes perfectly as well as my palette cups.

Modifications:

I modify all my equipment to meet my needs.
For this pochade I added slide clips to keep the brush holders in place in case of rough bumps as I travel.
I also added a slide clip for the sliding palette but on the newer models the D. White Pochade has a dowel mechanism to keep the palette in place.
Rubber feet- I added rubber feet to the back and bottom to protect the pochade from concrete walls or any other surface I place it on.
I also drilled more holes for my detail brushes in the brush holders.
I also sealed 90% of the palette to make cleanup easier. The other 10% was left natural so it will hold the paint dabs firmly during travel.

Durability:

The box that it was packaged in looked like it had been rolled from Canada to California.
The pochade within had taken a beating but it did not show except for a broken latch (easy fix!)
I do feel that this pochade will be able to handle anything I can dish out. It will likely outlive me.

I have been using it now for several paintings and am very pleased with the palette clean-up and the box overall. Paint remains pliable for several days on the palette and the drawer sizes are perfect for paint tubes.

Looks:
A nice fruitwood stain and a wonderfully
rustic homemade feel make this a box I am not
afraid of dirtying with use.
There is no mistaking the home- made originaltiy of this box.


Price:
I was very fortunate to get this pochade at a price of $55.00 on auction. Direct Purchase price varies from $55.00 to $135.00 depending on size and modifications.

Wish List:
As is this box more than exceeds my needs for a compact, lightweight, workhorse.
My only wish for my pochade would be the impossible- a built- in-the-lid wet panel carrier that would allow me to carry more than two wet panels in case I am on an extended trip.
This option would increase the weight of the pochade but for travel that would not be too bad.
With Airline restrictions it would sure be great to have one less piece of carry- on.

That aside this pochade is now my constant companion. This is one clever pochade!




The new, clean palette- it no longer looks pristine.




For more information on the D. White handcrafted pochade see his sales blog at:
Dean White Pochades

Do you ever paint your own dogs?

Do you ever paint your own dogs?

Yes I have painted my own dogs once in a while. Most recently I painted a tribute to my old rescued dal dog Paisley:

"Memories"
5" x 7"
Oil on Archival Board
SOLD

This painting depicts a photo of the artist and beloved pet. The collar painted here hangs in my studio and always brings a smile as I think of the silly, loving girl who used to lay under my easel as I painted.

What kind of travel gear do you use?

What kind of travel gear do you use?

I travel across the USA and usually my paint gear is in tow. So my kit has to be practical and compact.

Over the years I have had a variety of different paint boxes. I started with a tackle box and travel easel and eventually I progressed to a French style easel.

The French easel does have it's problems- the legs are cumbersome and have to be strapped down with bungee cords now that it is getting older or the legs will flop out. Another issue is that the pallet scrapes on the upper lip of the drawer skimming off paint if I am not careful.
I have a folding chair if I will be painting outdoors.

When the legs are up they have a tendency to slowly collapse if the set screws are not extremely tight and checked frequently. The legs extend out enough to trip a passerby in a cramped space. Airline travel is hampered by the metal lining of the drawer- not a problem prior to 9-11 now it requires a search at each airport.

Now that my French easel is beginning to become more bother than help I have been researching pochade boxes.

The main difference for me between a pochade and French easel is that the canvas or board is stored inside on the pochade where it is protected while wet. The palette is also protected and one can start painting by simply taking out the brushes and opening the lid. This of course limits the size of painting to the size allowed by the box. Not a problem for me as I do not work larger than 11 x 14 while on the road. When home I use my large studio easels.

I have a new pochade and will post a review in a week or so when I have had a chance to test it out.

Was that a REAL Dog Skeleton in your painting?

"The Artist's Taboret"
9" x 12"
Available through the Harbor Village Art Gallery
SOLD
After getting a few emails on the topic of "The Taboret" I thought I should
clarify the inspiration and contents of the painting.

This painting was a late night exercise done using still life objects in my studio. The dog skeleton is a veterinary model which I study when changing the pose of a subject. It is not a real skeleton and no dog was harmed by my possession of this useful tool. I also have a full size medical human skeleton which nobody has questioned *grin*

The glass ball is an antique glass Japanese fishing float and the african violet is one of my favorites but I regret I cannot tell anyone the variety as it was an impulse purchase made on a gloomy day as I left the supermarket.

Hope this has helped set some minds at ease.
I have four more paintings nearing completion and will be posting again tonight.

What is your preferred paint brand?

What is your preferred paint brand?

I actually use three brands of paint- and of these I do not use hues- only the pure pigment colors. The brands I prefer are M. Graham, Old Holland and Utrecht. All have a high pigment
load.

"The Artists"
8" x 10"
Oil on Linen
SOLD

This painting was done to test M. Graham oil paint which had been sent to me by the manufacturer. I found the paint to be incredible to work with. The subjects are the cats that belong to the M. Graham family and I decided that any cat that lived with the Grahams must be artists!
Painting not available for sale.

"How Can You Paint Animals That Nobody Wants?"

"How can you paint animals that nobody wants?


Don't you want to take them all home?"



"What if they are euthanized- wont you feel bad?"



"Why Do You Only Paint Dogs that are on Death Row"



"How can you look at a painting if the animal has died in the shelter?"



First off- I am a full time professional artist and my homeless pet studies are only a small portion of my work which includes historic themes and wildlife.

However I am asked these questions so frequently so I have decided to address them in my blog here.

Anyone who is an artist knows that to paint a painting
is to place a part of yourself on linen. When painting
I bond greatly with my subject.
I will go to the shelter or pound with my camera and play
with the pets while getting images to paint from.

As I paint I am constantly thinking of the pet.
This being said allow me to address the questions:

"Why Do You Only Paint Dogs that are on Death Row"

Not all of the homeless pets are on "death row"- a high kill shelter.
Nor are they all dogs- I paint cats, Rabbits Horses and other animals.
Some are in private rescues and some are in foster care.

But YES- I do paint from kill shelters.
Why do I paint them?
To give a beautiful and deserving animal one more
chance at a happy ending.


"Don't you want to take them all home?"

Yes- I would love to take all the animals home that I paint
however I already have the city limit of pets- all rescued.

"What if they are euthanized- won't you feel bad?"

Feel bad does not even come close to describing how it feels
to learn that one of my subjects has run out of time
and is now at Rainbow Bridge.

Most of the animals I paint DO find loving homes-
but there is the risk that the pet will run out of time. This is a risk that I willingly take-
and will continue to take regardless of how many do not find a home.

I am not sadistic- I am optimistic.
Maybe I could not help that one- but there are more looking at me-
with loving trusting eyes hoping for that one shot at finding a new owner to adore.
How can I let my sorrow let them down?

A Chance is all I can offer- there is never a guarentee.


"How can you look at a painting if the animal has died in the shelter?"


I don't. It is not beneficial to dwell on sadness even though
I mourn the pet. If I am in possession
of a painting of an animal I could not help -the painting goes in the attic- nailed to the rafters facing Rainbow Bridge.

I always remember the pets that never found the home they deserved
and mourn the loss. But I try to concentrate on
the next pet in need to honor those who did not make it.



Stella Violano

The Little Magician Girl and Rabbit

"The Magician"
5" x 7"
Oil on Archival Board

This painting depicts a little Victorian Girl performing a magic trick- only she has
been foiled by a rebel rabbit!

A close up of the wiley bunny!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The end of Summer

This summer ended up being a blur of events, shows and family activities. While I have been busy painting I have also been on hiatus from the sales arena, taking a much- needed break.

As September begins I am starting anew- and will soon be offering paintings of homeless pets and rescues with
new heart and passion.


My goal is to simplify the administrative time by automating the Easel Update. Please watch for an email announcing that you have been placed on the new list which will send out a link to new work as soon as it becomes available.

THANK YOU!
Stella

Angel- Under the Weather

This Poor Little Doggie is feeling bad!

This humorous painting depicts "Angel" a homeless Dachshund in
DRNA Rescue.

She needs a loving and calm home as she is recovering from back problems.


I painted her under the weather just for fun!


The Flu Season is here!

If you wish to bid on her painting please go to my auctions:
http://stores.ebay.com/StellaViolano

To see Angel Please see the DRNA Website:
http://www.drna.org/available.asp



DEO VOLENTE!

Harlow- The Yule Dog

Poor Harlow!

She has been hoping to find a home for a few months now in a Los Angeles County Animal Shelter. She has been spared because of her wonderful nature.
She is very agile and sits on the narrow ledge above the heat vent in her cement run so she can see the visitors - She LOVES people so much!

but they keep passing her by....


In hopes of helping her beat the odds I painted her- ready for the holidays:

"Yule Dog"

Original Oil Painting on Stretched Linen

8" x 10"

50% of the proceeds from this painting will help Homeless Pets Through Malibu Pet Companions!





Please consider this acrobatic girl- she is healthy young and adoring!

Her impound number is A3301626

The Shelter is located at:

29525 Agoura Rd.

Agoura, CA 91301

(818) 991-0071

Hours:

Monday, Tuesday,

Thursday-Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM

Wednesday 9 AM – 7 PM

Closed Sundays and Holidays

Directions:

Exit the Ventura Freeway at Kanan Rd.

Go south to Agoura Rd.; turn right.

Mustang Sallie and Miracle...

"Peace on Earth"

Original Oil Painting on Stretched Linen

8" x 10"

50% of the proceeds from this painting will help homeless and abused horses through

South Carolina Awareness and Rescue for Equines


On a Starlit night... A Miracle Arrives


A Beautiful Mare sees her Newborn Foal for the first time





A tender moment

For a Mustang who has endured much- a blessing.


ABOUT THE MODEL:

Mustang Sallie was born wild and free on the Nevada Plains

But as fate would have it she was captured and domesticated by those

who did not care for her as they should have.

At the age of 19 She was rescued by SCARE in horrible health and pregnant,

painfully walking on 8" of deformed hoof growth from neglect.

Though she was horribly treated she still loves and trusts her caretakers.

PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING SOUTH CAROLINA AWARENESS and RESCUE for EQUINES!

"Miracle"- her foal was born prematurely and lived only a day - but
the love and bond the mare and foal shared will live on forever.

Forever a Princess... Sweet Pea

Sweet Pea is one lucky girl.

She was a family pet who suffered abuse and ended up with severe trauma.


Her family determined that it would be too involved to treat her so
they took her to a vet to be destroyed.

The Veterinarian contacted rescue and a guardian angel human
interviened- paying Sweet Pea's passage to a waiting home many states away and paying for further treatment for her injuries.

Sadly the home did not work out and Sweet Pea did not benefit from the funds provided with intent to treat her. Again her angel interviened- this time calling and finding a Cairn Terrier Rescue who would at the very least pick up the poor Dachshund and house her until a local Dachshund rescue- DARE http://www.daretorescue.com/
was able to pick her up.

DARE volunteers immediately began treatment on her injuries and gave her love and attention which she basked in.

I painted her as a Princess to help DARE:
"Flower Girl"
8" x 10"
Oil on Linen

GREAT NEWS!
PRINCESS SWEET PEA HAS FOUND A LOVING FOREVER HOME!!!


Stella Violano
DEO VOLENTE!

Iron Mike- A Happy Ever After....

Iron Mike is - as you might have guessed- not a dog.

Iron Mike was one of many hundreds of neglected horses who
suffer malnutrition when their owners fall on hard times or simply loose interest.

But Iron Mike was one of the lucky ones- He was
rescued by South Carolina Awareness and Rescue of Equines
http://www.scequinerescue.org/scare.htm

At the time of his rescue he was a senior horse 800 pounds underweight.
One can only wonder what he thought when he was loaded up on the trailer to go
to his foster home. Regardless of his past he soon realized the joy of life again.

In foster care he had plenty to eat and a friend- a horse who had also been rescued named Dinah. He and Dinah soon were inseparable. They would frolic like colts in the warm sunshine and accept treats from their human friends.

Iron Mike recently passed on to Rainbow Bridge.
He leaves behind a grieving foster family
and a legacy of hope.
Dinah still looks for him to come trotting back to her.

I painted a tribute to this magnificent Draft Horse:


"Waiting for Dinah"
8" x 10"
Oil on Linen

50% of the proceeds to go to S.C.A.R.E.-
If you are interested in a reproduction of this painting
please go to the S.C.A.R.E web site.
100% of the proceeds for reproductions
will benefit this worthy charity.


Stella Violano
Deo Volente!

Butterfly Girl- Bridget

"Butterfly Dalmatian"
8" x 10"
oil on Linen

Bridget and her sister Diedre are two senior dalmatians who were found wandering
city streets and ended up in a city shelter. It is not known why
they were not claimed- they are both sweet and beautiful Dals.

They were saved from certain death by Save the Dalmatians and Others Canine Rescue

A bee attracted to the flower garland :)

Dierdre and Bridget need a forever home. They love each other and play like puppies
together, are great on leash and are elegible for the Save the Dalmatians
Dollar a Day Foster Care program

Can you imagine having two loving companions and being paid a dollar a day to get all
that love and affection? Not only that but all Veterinary expenses are covered by Save the Dals too!

Another bee is interested...


Please see pictures of Diedre and Bridget on the Save the Dals Website!

Stella Violano
DEO VOLENTE!

Want To Play Ball? Dukie the Golden Retriever

Dukie is a Golden Retriever who is hoping to find a forever home.
He is in a Los Angeles County Animal Shelter.

When I visited him he generously offered to share with me
his favorite possession- a very used tennis ball.
We played catch and he returned the ball each time and eagerly
stood- as I painted him- waiting for the ball to be thrown.

He is a senior but is agile and full of fun.

If you are interested in Dukie please contact the Agoura Animal Shelter:

The shelter is located at:

29525 Agoura Rd.
Agoura, CA 91301
(818) 991-0071

If you are interested in his painting please
see my chairity auctions on ebay:
http://stores.ebay.com/StellaViolano

Stella Violano

UPDATE:

Dukie- now known as DUKE has found a loving forever home!
His painting has been purchased and will be a gift to his new companion.
My deepest thanks to Sandy T and Dorothy for helping
make a dream come true for a wonderful senior pet!

Walt the Brewery Dalmatian

Walt- the senior Dalmatian at Save the Dalmatians and Others
Canine Rescue has gotten to be the model in a lot of my paintings.
(To see his full story please see my blog entry "Walt and Disney- A Love Story"

A Standard black spotted Dal he is both friendly and good natured.
So it only seemed fitting that he have the legacy of his own imaginary
company.

So I painted "Firehouse Ale- Spotted Dog Brewing Company"

Now on auction for Save the Dalmatians:
http://stores.ebay.com/StellaViolano

If this concept takes off he may even inspire a winery! *GRIN*

Stella Violano
http://smvstudio.com

Babe- From the Darkness to the Light

"Adoration"
5" x 7"
oil on linen

I was recently asked if I would take on the challenge of painting
Babe- a longhaired Dachshund who was rescued by
Dachshund Rescue of North America.

It seems she was a breeding dog- and
spent her entire life in a cage in a basement
of a home producing litter after litter of puppies
for her owner to sell.

When her health declined and she no longer could
produce puppies she no longer held value to her owner
and DRNA took her in.

For the first time in her life Babe was able to live in daylight and fresh air.
It took time for her to adjust- and then revel in her newfound life.

Babe has now found a forever home with the foster mother who
taught her to love and trust. Many others are not so lucky.
I painted her to benefit the Dachshund Rescue of North
America Medical fund which desperately needs help
after an influx of dogs in need.

DEO VOLENTE!
Stella Violano
http://smvstudio.com

Indiana and Magic

Indiana is a Rottwieler. He and his buddy, Magic were recently
dumped in a city animal shelter by the family they had known all
of their lives.

They are older dogs and have been hoping that thier family will return for them
but they have not....

Last night I finished up a small study of Indiana (above) titled "The Gift"

Here is his previous study
SOLD


Indiana and Magic are now getting over Kennel Cough. Soon they will be back up for adoption and the clock will begin to tick....

They love tennis balls and to play...

they are very mellow and sweet dogs!

Please consider going and playing ball with them!
They are at the Agoura Animal Shelter
29525 Agoura Rd.
Agoura, CA 91301
(818) 991-0071

THE BOYS JUST FOUND A LOVING FOREVER HOME TOGETHER!!!

HOORRAAYYY!

Sadie- a dog with unforgettable eyes.

Sadie is one of those Dals with dark eyes that can see the depths of the human soul.


Here is her painting-
"Please Let me Love you!"
Oil on linen
5" x 7"

She is a lucky gal- she ended up in a high-kill animal shelter and was labeled as
a 2 year old Dalmatian.

Closer examination showed her to be in fact a senior! When she greets you she is so happy that
her tail spins like a helicopter and she does a happy dance for treats.
But it is her expression- the loving demeanor that immediately captures the heart and makes you wish you had room for yet one more homeless creature in your home.

She was rescued in the nick of time by Save the Dalmatians and Others Canine rescue.
And she resides there in hopes of finding a master to adore.


I painted her while moving to a larger studio. Using any time I could get
I would work the linen- chosing my colors carefully and being certain not to lose the
"Please Let me Love You" look from her face.


Sadie is hoping to find the love she seeks


I have just learned that a wonderful woman is flying down just to see her this weekend!

Dreams may just come true! I will keep you all posted!

Indeed- Sadie has beat all the odds and has found a soul- mate and loving master to adore!

Stella Violano
DEO VOLENTE!

http://smvstudio.com

Captain Jack- The Pirate Dog

February 2005

JACK- Los Angeles County Animal Control

"Captain Jack "

A Painting of a Very Special Dog...

They say every painting has a story to tell- and this one is the story of Jack- and the story is true.

Jack lived in poor conditions with three other sweet and loving pit-bulls.

At some point in his short life he broke his front leg badly. His owners cared enough at that time to take him in to a Veterinarian and have his leg re-set with a metal plate and screws. Unfortunately his treatment and that of his fellow dogs spiraled downward from there.

As his leg was healing it was again horribly shattered. For reasons unknown his owners no longer felt he deserved to be given veterinary care. Without the humane veterinary care he needed his painfully twisted leg fused as his body attempted to heal itself. His suffering was compounded when infection later set in.

To make matters worse he and his fellow dogs became malnourished as meals became scarce- they all quickly lost weight but through all the neglect they still loved people unconditionally.

Some weeks later Animal Control was alerted to the condition of the four dogs and immediatly impounded them- taking them to the Los Angeles County Animal Shelter in Agoura Hills where they were fed and given preliminary medical care. Jack is now comfortable and on antibiotics.

His roomates were soon adopted but Jack's leg is too badly damaged to repair. He desperately needs surgery to amputate his leg so that he can lead a normal life and hopefully be adopted out like his fellow roomates were.

To credit his sweet and loving nature- shortly after his rescue he went to a special Christmas Adoption Clinic and gave out kisses to anyone willing to pay him attention.

He really is a special boy who deserves a chance.

Please consider helping him via donation or bidding on his painting when it is offered for auction.

Thank you for caring!

Please Consider Visiting him or donating to his urgently needed surgery.

He is at the Agoura Hills Animal Shelter in Agoura CA - his impound number is A3263298

The shelter is located at:

29525 Agoura Rd.

Agoura, CA 91301

(818) 991-0071

If you wish to inquire about Jack or his painting please e-mail me.

Walt and Disney- A Love Story

December, September 2004 & January 2005

WALT AND DISNEY-Save the Dalmatians and Others Rescue

December 2004

"A Good Girl and Boy "

8" x 10"

Christmas Eve brought Walt and Disney one of their favorite visitors!

Saint Nick happily greeted his friends. He had brought them treats

since they have been such good dogs!

He lovingly pets them and says:

"Hello my friends! Perhaps next year when I visit

you will finally be in the new home you dream of"

Walt and Disney are two beautiful senior Dalmatians who were in a loving home until

their owner passed away. Then they were dumped in the Los Angles County Animal Shelter

and left to their fate.

They were then rescued by Save the Dalmatians and Others Canine Rescue CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM!

They have been in rescue for nearly a year and space is so desperately needed- please consider adopting a senior pet. They are housebroken, mellow and will worship you!

They are still in desperate need of a loving home where they can be with a family to adore.

MORE PAINTINGS OF WALT AND DISNEY:

"Please Come Home"- September 2004

"1905" January 2005

---

Pepper- an old Retriever

November 2004

PEPPER- Los Angeles County Animal Shelter

"A Place To Run Free "

8 x 10"

A Gallery Painting of a Special Dog...

They say every painting has a story to tell- and this one is the story of Pepper- and the story is true.

I painted Pepper out on a carefree walk, but the truth is that this painting is a wishful dream for a wonderful Labrador Retriever.

Pepper lived happily with her loving owner. For many years she was his loyal friend and companion.

So loved and so cared for that she never had a care in the world.

As she entered her golden years she did not age as so many Labs do- in fact she often fooled people into thinking she was only 5 or 6.

Then one day her loving owner tearfully brought her to a strange place full of other dogs barking rudely. He wrote a note telling all who

would see her what a great dog she was and how healthy and vibrant she was for a senior dog- and that he had to move to a place where

pets were not allowed.

He embraced her one last time- and left...

Pepper waited for his return.

When he did not come she began looking longingly at every person willing to make eye contact- her eyes saying

"Please give me a chance- I will adore you forever! I will not misbehave or chew- Please don't leave me here"

She is quiet, great natured, young in spirit, healthy and desperately wants the chance to be in a warm home again.

Pepper has found a forever home!

Thank you to the volunteers at the Agoura Animal Shelter.

DEO VOLENTE!
http://smvstudio.com

The Rottie Sisters

October 2004

THE ROTTIE SISTERS-Los Angeles County Animal Shelter

"Together yet so Alone "

Oil on Canvas

24 x 36

Once upon a time there was a true story...

Of two sisters who lived with their loving owner and adored him as he adored them, playing ball and going for walks- life was a dream.

Then the sisters watched sadly as their owner became ill- his illness became so severe that he had to leave the girls and be cared for in a hospital.

The girls eagerly awaited his return- as loyal rotteweilers will do- but he would not be returning home.

Some time later they saw their home dismantled.

A kind stranger took them for a car ride and took them to a noisy chaotic place full of other dogs of all type and size.

Then the kind stranger left....

The two Rottweilers shared a cement run and the kind volunteers who worked in the shelter realized their love of tennis balls and offered them regularly.

Soon the sisters, dubbed "The Rotti Girls", stole the hearts of the volunteers at the shelter- so willing to love and be loved.

After a while they found an adoptive home and they ran and played and loved and lived- and being Rotties they adored their new owners and guarded them loyally.

They would not allow the stranger with the suspicious lawnmower on the property and suddenly they were back in the car- and back in the shelter.

The Rottie Girls are in desperate need of a loving home and they are very bonded and hope to stay together.

They are at the Agoura Animal Shelter in Agoura Hills California (818) 991-0071

Their impound numbers are # A1194443 and # A1194444

If you have room in your heart and your home please go and play ball with the girls....

UPDATE:

THE ROTTIE GIRLS HAVE FOUND A WONDERFUL HOME!!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CARED!

DEO VOLENTE!
http://smvstudio.com

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Companion to a Homeless Man... Sheba

September 2004

SHEBA-Los Angeles County Animal Control

"A Dog Called Misery"

24" x 36"

A Large Gallery Painting of a Special Dog...

They say every painting has a story to tell- and this one is the story of Sheba- and the story is true.

Sheba was the faithful loving companion to a homeless man. She has never known a stable home but has known love and affection. Her warm and sweet disposition made her a favorite among the homeless population. So much so that when her owner became so ill that he had to be hospitalized it was a fellow homeless man who saved up and bailed her out of a high-kill animal shelter to live with him in the meager room that he rented in order to be allowed to adopt her.

Sadly, as is often the case with the transient population, he lost his home and Sheba was again impounded- taken back to the shelter. This shelter has hundreds of dogs and euthanizes after a short time but again Sheba's loving gentle spirit earned her the compassion of the staff who, for an unprecedented three months kept her from lethal injection.

When Sheba could no longer elude the fate ahead of her she was mysteriously transferred to another shelter where she resides now hoping for a miracle in the form of a new home. Her luck is running out so I decided to paint her in hopes that her story and the painting could match her up with the owner she would love to adore.

She is at the Agoura Hills Animal Shelter in Agoura CA - her impound number is A3232129

If you wish to inquire about Sheba or this painting please e-mail me.

UPDATE:

SHEBA HAS FOUND A WONDERFUL HOME!!

Thank You For Looking

DEO VOLENTE!
http://smvstudio.com