Introducing Ruby

A year ago a friend had posted about two puppies that she rescued on Facebook...little did I know my life would change forever. Thank you Melissa and Preston Seaver for being the angels that they are-rescuing dogs like ours out of the situations of harm. Also, thank you both for tag teaming my husband and myself with pic messages and specific questions that lead me to love her and want to be the right adoptive Mom for her. I loved her before knowing her so strongly.  I have had Springer Spaniels before, and know exactly what kind of energy level they have, their temperment, and their health problems. Yet, the one that made her way into our home and our hearts constantly surprises me still. She is the freckle faced alarm clock, child lock cabinet opening, crazy smart and equally stubborn, pillow stealing cuddle bug of a dog and her name is Ruby.

This is our first picture of her when we brought her home. Two days before the wedding! She was so terrified she would not leave the comforter I had placed on the floor for her. 

Her coat was really thin when she came to stay with us in September of 2012. So she wore the pink fleece coat a lot. It also helped with the biting issue she had at the time. (She had a food allergy and was itchy, poor thing!)

She soon came to like us and showed us her true nature. Our little diva dog! We got to meet Ruby in full out puppy mode at 5 months old with all the eh...joys...she brings at that age. 

Dog shaming for a dog that is not ashamed ever. She tested us and cost us a lot of money, but the love and simple pleasures she gives us are irreplaceable. The remedy for the destruction is 1. 3 walks a day 2. Lots of play time 3. Chew toys, rope toys, and Kong balls 4. When all else fails, bribe her with cheese!

Look at that face! This is the "uh huh...yeah OK...I know you have something up your sleeve."

 This picture was a rare moment in our house at the time. Ruby napping! I snapped a photo and it inspired me into drawing an oil pastel portrait of her this way. I changed the background coloring to pop out the beautiful red tones she already has in her coat.

I drew this portrait of her in April of 2013.  I'm titling it "Ruby Sleeps" 

My husband would never forgive me if I even thought about selling it. This piece will forever be in my home. Every time I look at it, I am reminded of the love I have for my gift as well as the things that inspire me in this life, and of course my love for my dog.

There will be more Springer Spaniel artwork to come, I'm sure.