I adopted Willy from my sister at five years old. She didn't have time for him anymore, not with two young children. It was my good fortune to spend the next six years with such a special dog.

Willy was an angel in fur, a sweet soul who never let anything get him down - not the crippling arthritis and fatty tumors he developed, not the loss of his brother Rudy in 2004, not even torment from Buster, an obnoxious puppy I took in two years ago. His fluffy white tail always wagged, even when getting painful tests at the vet's office.

While I had Willy, I knew what unconditional love was. He would give up food before he would give up affection, always the first to come over for a pet or belly rub, making Willy sounds - a cross between a whine and a whistle - when he was especially excited. His eyes shone with grace and peace.

Putting Willy down this March was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. I cried for a month straight. The lack of his presence made my house, and my life, seem flat and gray, despite my other three dogs. Once I got over my sadness, however, I gradually came to see that life and love are fleeting and precious - you have to be grateful for it's presence, in whatever form, for however long.

Vicky, I want to thank you for the beautiful portrait of Willy. You perfectly captured his gentle soul, his loving essence. My friends comment how life-like it is, how it's like having Willy here again. At first, your painting brought tears to my eyes. Now it brings joy to my heart every time I see it.

You have an amazing gift. Thanks to you, my home is sunny again.

-Sincerely, Michelle Sathe

 

I had a beloved dog, who died, over 25 years ago.  It broke my heart….I cried for weeks!  It was like losing a member of the family!
 
Before she died, I painted a portrait of her and I am so glad I did! Each time I look at that portrait, it makes me feel she is still with me.  An oil portrait is way better than just a photograph, for some reason! She was an unforgettable dog, but I CAPTURED her life and precious memory in oils and it caused her sweetness to live on!  It comforts me to this day!
 
Her name was Mitzi!  I will never forget her!
 
-Your artist, Vicky Wolf