This painting was done on commission. It is on display as a "sample".
Prod. Code:
Commisioned oil on slate
"Murphey", was a "helper-dog"-in -training. She was being raised her first year by a couple in North Carolina. After the year was up, Murphey, (a female, spayed, golden lab), was sent for further training in Florida. If, after this final stage, Murphey was found suitable to be the companion of a handicapped person, she would be assigned to someone. If she didn't work out for some reason, she would be adopted-out as a wonderful house pet.
Murphey turned out to be an outstanding helper-dog! She was given to a little girl who was wheelchair-bound for life. They bonded instantly! This was a wonderful end for Murphey. But, the couple who raised her for a year and taught her, "basic doggie manners", were crushed! They had fallen in love with Murphey. So, they commissioned me to paint her. I depicted her in all the "stages" of life they had known her: from small "puppyhood", to about six months old, then, finally, as a young adult. They cried when they saw it and wouldn't put it down. That's when my job is the best!
A good note to end on: The next year the couple got another dog to train! It was so rewarding they want to continue! But, Murphey was their first, "special baby".
