1/22/13

Today's photo is about a gift. A unexpected gift of time and talent. Our art teacher at Freedom, Cheryl Meehan, is one of the kindest people I know. As most of you know, I adore my dogs and share photos of them with anyone willing to look. I showed a photo of our little Annie to Cheryl and she said "I'd like to paint your dog." Ummm, okay. I did not give it too much thought after that. About a month later she told me she was working on the painting and requested a couple of recent photos. No problem with that - proud dog mama that I am I always have photos of my dogs. I emailed a couple of photos that I took at Thanksgiving to her. 

Last week, one morning Cheryl came into my office with a cardboard box. She then told me that my painting was still drying, but I could have a peek. I was so impressed with what I saw. She captured my little Annie completely - personality and looks! She told me that because I have always been so kind and helpful to her she felt compelled to do this for me. She is a strong believer in karma. I could not help it - I cried! She gave me more than the gift of this painting, she gave me a gift of her time and talent from her heart. Words cannot capture how that made me feel. 

So...if you know anyone with a pet they adore, Cheryl sells these paintings for $300. It is a bargain for the work she does. And, just for the record, last week Cheryl met Annie for the first time. She was surprised. Annie is about 9 pounds soaking wet, and Cheryl thought she was painting a big dog. Anyone who knows my feisty little girl would tell her she was. 

This photo does not do the painting justice, but here it is: