New Labrador and Dog Prints, Lab Christmas Cards, Thank You Cards and more

One of my print shops, Fine Art America, has recently added greeting cards to their offerings and I am excited to say I have uploaded new Labrador and dog images with Christmas designs just in time for holiday cards. You can find great gifts for dog lovers here among the black labrador, yellow lab and chocolate labrador paintings. Choose the ones to match your mood or your friend, from funny to fine art.

Don't forget there are still plenty of great products with my dog designs like Labrador t shirts, bags, mugs, home dec and gift items, as well as Labrador Christmas cards in sets of 10 or 20 in my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop.

In addition to my own shops you can find lots of other fun labrador paintings at Fine Art America and get them matted and framed so they are ready to hang. Happy shopping!

Dog Portrait Painting, A Memorial Gift to Treasure

Meet Misty, a mixed breed girl who knows her own mind and isn't afraid to ask for what she wants. Can you see that in her eyes? She lives with special collectors of mine plus several other pack members. Eventually I will have the honor to do dog portrait paintings of all of them. So far Misty is the fourth to be memorialized. I often receive commissions to do Labrador paintings and Lab mixes, so getting to paint standing ears was a fun change. Her family requested a vibrant blue background to go with her vibrant personality. Why not commission a pet portrait of your special friend or order one as a grand gift? As a present that's hard to beat and it keeps on giving as the years go by. Visit my OtterTail Lab Art website for more information and to get started. Every dog portrait I paint presents a challenge to capture the true essence of a cherished friend and it is an honor for which I am grateful.

Good-bye to my sweet old yellow Lab, Marius

OtterTail Marius 12 June 1997 - 28 September 2011. I have been truly blessed to have spent the last 14 years, 3 1/2 months with this sweet, gentle soul - my beloved boy, Marius. He was beautiful to the end. His soft expression attracted admiration from Labrador lovers everywhere we went his whole life. I spent his last day sitting beside him and feeding him everything he loved until my kind vet came here after work and we said "good-bye". He is over Rainbow Bridge now where he was met by his best friend, Oberon. Obi has been waiting for him and I could see him bouncing with joy at their reunion. Godspeed my Babycake.

A Bridge Called Love - Author Unknown

It takes us back to brighter years,
to happier sunlit days
and to precious moments
that will be with us always.
And these fond recollections
are treasured in the heart
to bring us always close to those
from whom we had to part.
There is a bridge of memories
from earth to Heaven above...
It keeps our dear ones near us
It's the bridge that we call love.

New Black Lab Puppy Joins the OtterTail Pack

I am so pleased to introduce a wonderful new puppy that joined our pack on August 19th. His call name is Tonto, inspired by fond memories I have of watching The Lone Ranger as a kid. I admired the intrepid side kick for his loyalty, crafty skills and keen intuition. Tonto means "wild one" in Potawatomi Indian and kemasahbee means "faithful companion" - both fitting for a wonderful Labrador dog.

My Tonto is a black Labrador Retriever, now 9 weeks old, who has potential to grow into a fine show dog. He was bred by Susan Bennington of Moonlit Labradors. For me that makes "Moondoggie" a ready-made nickname (I was also a fan of Gidgit). I have not decided on his AKC registered name yet.

Tonto is smart and sweet and learning many new things each day. I feel it is of utmost importance to spend time training my puppies, introducing them to new things and establishing our relationship from the first day I get them around 8 weeks old (I started younger when I bred them myself). This is their critical learning period. Those first 4 months of life are the most important for influencing a puppy. Care and training given during the critical learning periods pays off more than any other time in their lives. Tonto is off to a good start. I hope to take videos of his progress. For now, there is an initial movie of his first walk on lead and first swim on my YouTube channel. Visit LabradorDogs to see all of past and future my videos.

Chocolate Labrador Painting - Portrait of a Cute Brown Lab Boy

The problem with dogs is that they touch our hearts, dig deep into the core of our lives, and then, having made us eager to share in their joy and love, leave us all too quickly. Dog should live forever! Well, they do in my heart and in my own little way, they do in my paintings.

My latest portrait is a chocolate Labrador painting of a handsome young boy name Scandal. His registered name is Moonlit's National Inquirer and he is bred and owned by Susan Bennington of Moonlit Labradors. The portrait painting was an experimental shift in style for me, being a bit more detailed and tighter than my usual more abstracted portraits. It is always fun to experiment, especially when the results are rewarding. I gave this painting to Susan as a gift - she loves it too! Scandal is still a young boy who has a life full of show wins and pretty girls ahead of him. I predict the day will come when Susan reflects on this youthful time and is thankful for the memory this painting will bring.

Regular readers may remember Scandal from last December when he was here for Labrador show puppy training. He spent 2 weeks at OtterTail Puppy Camp and was a fabulous student. He left us to begin his show career the next weekend, winning those classes and many more, then on to Lab specialty shows including The Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac, the biggest Labrador show in the world, where he won both his sweepstakes class and regular class. I know he has a very bright future! You can see a video of Scandal, then a 7 month old Lab puppy after training on my YouTube channel under LabradorDogs.

If you are interested in a custom pet portrait painting of your own beloved companion or training for your show puppy, contact me at otail@htva.net. My dogs are my life and it is my honor to help you fulfill that special spot in your heart and your life you reserve for your dog.

New Agility Dog Design - Special Frame for Your Special Labrador

Here is a new agility dog design for you Labrador lovers who run the obstacle course behind your agile companion. The teeter-tooter with Lab ascending is shown here on our popular wood Combination Frame for picture and title. The bottom opening is sized to fit a standard AKC title or an 8" x 10" photograph. The top opening is for a 3.5" x 5" photo of your star. It's a great way to display your title and commemorate your accomplishments together. The frame shown here is black walnut, this design and others are available in a variety of hardwoods, all naturally finished to show the beauty of the wood. Give one as a thoughtful gift to a dog-lover friend or a fun gift to yourself. You and your Lab partner deserve it! As always, visit OtterTail Lab Art for more choices or contact me for custom inquires. Have fun with your dog!

How to Help a Rescue Dog Adapt to a New Home

As regular readers know, I sometimes foster dogs for rescue groups or take dogs in on my own that need a new home. I get lots of questions about behavior issues from rescue dog adopters and from many others who have taken in homeless dogs. There is one line of thinking that causes a lot of well-meaning people to get off to a rough start. I decide to share some thoughts about it here.

New dogs adjust best when they are told specifically what to do - not given the freedom to figure it out for themselves. Dogs like rules. Dogs like structure and routine. That is a lifestyle that makes them comfortable. It is people who want to give dogs free rein to "just be good" with no instruction thinking that will make the dog happy and "rescued". That is a bit negligent about teaching the new dog how to adjust. Adopting is not rescuing - helping the dog adjust and become a calm, happy companion is the real rescue and that takes time and effort.

Until the dog is fully integrated into the routine of your lifestyle all that freedom mostly adds stress to the new dog's life. You don't ever need to be mean about giving instruction and establishing discipline (aka rules) - just the opposite. You want to be calmly in control like a teacher to a new student who is entering the classroom mid-term. Tell them, show them, fit them in to the way that class works by giving clear, helpful direction. Or imagine if you went to give a talk to some group at a strange place where you did not know anyone. Most of us would feel more comfortable if a person in charge met us as we came in, told us where to park our gear, where to sit, what the schedule would be, etc. Not just let you walk in and be "given the freedom" to figure it out for yourself. That's not doing you a favor.

I love analogies -- I hope this helps make what I am saying more clear. The instructors are not mean - they are calm and in control. That is what gives you reassurance and confidence and helps you relax and be able to fulfill your role. If they were agitated and bossy you would not feel as good. Dogs are not so different in that respect except that many will feel the need to take control if no one else does. Or the stress of the instability and lack of direction will push them into acting out aggressively, sometimes because they are simply insecure.

So, don't think of discipline as a bad thing. Discipline with clear rules and instructions is what new dogs need. After some time a routine will be established and the new dog will understand her role - where she fits in. Then she can earn more freedom because she will know how to handle it, she will know what to do that makes everyone happy.

As I always say, train them as much as you can so they can have more freedom. Untrained, undisciplined dogs who do not receive direction are not freer or happier. Give them instruction, explain / train them what to do, put the time in - they are worth it!

Photo is of a young yellow Lab I fostered who had never been in a house or played with toys before he came to me. This was his first day. I Love Dogs!

Two Labradors Turn 14 years old - Senior dogs celebrate

Happy Birthday Marius and Eponine! Marius is a yellow Lab boy and Eponine is a black Labrador girl, littermates from the last puppies I bred under my OtterTail Labradors kennel name. I am lucky and thankful to have them both still here 14 years later. I put together this movie of Eponine having her typical daily fun the past few weeks. I can't help but smile every time I see her bouncy trot and glowing smile. Both old senior Labradors have had some health issues this year and Marius has trouble walking these days. He still enjoys every meal and treat from his comfy big bed in the middle of our great room. Eponine had to have many teeth removed due to a hidden infection in her gums, but she healed quickly. She gained a new nickname - Gummy Bear. Marius and Eponine have been a joy since the day they were born - Wonderful Labradors in heart and spirit through and through. Happy Birthday, my sweets. The pleasure is mine!!

Remembering 9-11 on this historic day

I had the honor of being commissioned to create several tributes to canines involved with the 9-11 tragedy. In memory I am posting pics on this historic day. First, I created a Labrador Retriever sculpture plaque in memory of NY PAPD Labrador, Sirius, who perished in the basement of the towers that day. It was presented to his surviving partner (Officer David Lim) by his breeder/donater (Pat Gadaleta).

Twice I was honored to create custom hand-painted silk scarves for brave women who participated in search and rescue at the towers in NYC immediately following 9-11. Amazingly they both had black german shepards. Here is a picture of one of the scarves. It was specifically requested that I include the twin towers still standing. The first scarf was commissioned by FEMA US&R handler Jen in honor of her black GSD partner Taboo. The second was a custom order by Rose in tribute to her partner, Logan. His name and badge number were a subtle inclusion on two of the buildings. Still amazing to me that I should be found and contacted by two such brave women with so much in common!! I continue to be grateful to them for their service.

Lab Dog Proud Moments at the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac Specialty Show

Nissa did herself proud at the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac specialty show last week. The world's largest Labrador dog show was held in Frederick, Maryland over 4 busy days (plus an afternoon for a match before the big event). There were over 1100 Labradors in attendance for close to 1600 entries! The first 2 days of the show brought torrential rain, flooding the ground and leading to deep, sticky mud. Despite the miserable conditions my chocolate muffin placed 2nd in her Novice B obedience class with a 194.5 and won her rally Excellent A class with a 98, breaking a tie with fast time. It was a long, cold, wet day and we were both happy to get warm and dry back in our hotel room! That finished her RE title.

The second day Nissa made me very proud with her hard work. The mud was worse from all of the traffic in the same paths the day before, but she was a hard-working girl! Nissa won her obedience Novice B class. Nothing coming easy, we had to do an extra heeling routine in the mess when there was a tie (only 3 of us qualified, so it was not expected!). We won the run-off to finish her CD title with a 196+. Now she is officially Lobuff OtterTail Noble Nissa, RE, CD.

We had fun watching the rest of the show. I was happy to see my puppy students showing off. Chocolate Labrador, Scandal, won both his sweepstakes class and his regular class. He is destined to be a star! Black Lab, Jagger, made the cut in his sweepstakes class and placed 3rd in a very competitive 6-9 month old black puppy regular class. Super proud of how he showed himself! After all the excitment we headed home tired but very satisfied. Plus, we won some really neat loot!!

Labrador Girls Continue Their Winning Ways

Black Labrador Tallulah and chocolate Lab Nissa had a big day at the dog show and deserve to be sleeping it off back at home. Both girls made me proud with their performances at the Syracuse dog show on Friday. Tallulah got the early start by winning the first class of the day - Rally Excellent B, which she won with a score of 99 points. Once again I am obliged to admit the 1 point deduction was my handler error! I patted my leg once. It was totally unnecessary and I realized as soon as I had done it, but too late - it's not allowed at that level. I appreciate that Tallulah continues to put up with my mistakes as she rarely makes any in the show ring. She earned 1st place on all three of her RE legs with scores of 99 and 100. She so loves to show off and is sure that everyone in the building has come just to meet her! This leg finishes Tallulah's last AKC Rally title (first RN, next RA, last RE). She is now officially WhitSprgs OtterTail Tallulah, CD, RE. Conventionally we drop the lower level titles from the name as each more advanced title in the same discipline is earned. She has a RN and RA as well.

Chocolate Labrador Nissa was in the second class of the morning, Rally Excellent A. The "A" level is for dogs who have not yet earned other obedience titles or more advanced rally titles. Nissa won her class and I caught myself making another mistake for 3 points off. I think I will get better at this with experience! Later in the day Nissa was entered in a very competitive novice obedience class of 22. There were many wonderful routines with 17 dogs qualifying. Nissa earned 195 points out of 200 which was good enough to tie for fourth. I never like run-offs and I bumbled with poor footwork on this one, so we lost the tie due to my silly feet. It didn't matter to me. I was very proud of Nissa's good work. I am not one to ask my dogs to be perfect when I know I make many mistakes myself. Yet, we all work hard and have fun and, for me, that is the spirit intended for all performances when dogs and handlers work together.

Next stop - Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac Specialty Show where we plan to finish Nissa's RE and CD. It's a fabulous show - if you love labs, it's the place to be!!

Black Labrador Puppy Training for the Show Ring

Meet Moonlits Rolling Stone, aka Jagger. He came to me as a 7-month old boy ready for my 2-week training camp to prepare him for the dog show conformation ring. All of the show ring preparation I do is by capturing or shaping behaviors with clicker training. As always, Jagger learned the meaning of the clicker and began working on meaningful eye contact on his first afternoon here. This picture was taken on the morning of his third day. Visiting puppies live in my house with the rest of my own dogs, so there are rules to learn that have nothing to do with the show ring and we start those within the first few minutes of arrival as well. No busting into or out of the house or gates, be respectful of the other dogs (especially the oldies), no taking anything that is not a dog toy, eliminate outside, wait patiently while I prepare meals and eat only from your own bowl, go in your crate quietly when asked, no begging, no pulling or weaving on leash -- lots of what I consider to be basic manners, but many dogs do not know.

The show training happens throughout the day as I capture behaviors he offers. We start small and shape what each puppy gives into what is needed to be a classy show dog. Jagger is the sensitive type who needed his self-confidence boosted so we worked slowly the first few days, concentrating on bringing out his personality and helping him feel comfortable. Each puppy is different so I tailor my steps to fit the individuals. Jagger learned all of the things chocolate Labrador puppy, Scandal mastered and left here feeling much more confident and proud of himself for knowing how to do what was expected. We created the Jagger Movie to show some of what he had accomplished. Now he will go out in the real world to practice and build fun experiences in the breed ring. Be proud, Jagger!

(In case you missed it, there's a Scandal Movie as well.)

Painted Furniture Donation for a Good Cause

I have been painting furniture for the Yates County ARC "Chair-ish" Auction for several years now. This year I was given this nice cabinet to add any design I like. Since I mostly paint dogs it is fun to do something different now and then.

The possibilities seem endless as with each new furniture shape I spend even more time trying to decide what to paint than actually doing it. Then, no matter how much I plan ahead the projects take on a new direction as my brush touches the surface. I like these jobs that can be so free to float wherever the paint and my momentary whims take them. Yes, sometimes at the end I think I would have done it differently had I followed a plan to get where I got, but these are learning experiences and I enjoy them. It seems those who bid at the auction enjoy the finished products too.

The painting on this cabinet was inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh designs, but it went it's own way as I got going. I let it flow and intended to use a variety of colors, but something struck me at this simple green and white stage and I decided to stay with it. I know everyone is not comfortable with a lot of the vivid color I normally am drawn to use, so here's hoping those who prefer a more subdued palette will bid high on this piece and raise lots of funds for non-profit ARC's work.

While I have not painted many flower designs, I am an avid gardener and can't resist photographing my favorite blooms. You can find prints of the best garden flower photographs in my Dogs and Flowers Print Shop and on a variety of clothes, home and gift products at my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers shop.

Ducks Cut in Wood Picture Frame

We started making dog-theme wood frames and products back in the 1980's and they remain popular today. This example is a vertical version of our "3-Ducks" frame. It is made of solid cherry, individually cut by hand with a scroll saw and has a natural oil finish. We have other designs and use a variety of hardwoods with each piece being selected for the particular project. All of my OtterTail Lab Art has evolved over the years in response to customer requests as well as my own shifting interests, yet it remains always inspired by my own dogs. It is a bit nostalgic to see the photo in this frame which was taken in 1989. The Labrador dog I was showing was my OtterTail Beau Buckaroo, Am/Can CD when he was 18 months old - he looks so young. The judge was the well-know Labrador breeder, George Bragaw. Both have been gone for some time now. The show was during the Wine Country circuit in NY with a large entry and tough competition. It was a long time ago and yet I remember it vividly. That is what special pictures can do. They deserve special frames.

Dog Training Tips - Train a Labrador Pup for Showing

Happy Holidays to all! May this special season bring joy and build merry memories for the future. Our holidays have a different twist with the addition of a young dog here for training. This adorable chocolate Labrador is named Scandal and he belongs to Susan Bennington of Moonlit Labradors. Scandal turned 7 months old on Dec. 23rd and is getting ready to start his career as a show dog. He came to us on Dec. 18 specifically for conformation show training. Dogs at our home are all treated as house pets and expected to abide by certain rules, so by my requirements Scandal is learning some other things too.

I consider eye contact to be of utmost importance in my relationships with dogs and I almost always teach that first at the same time that I introduce the dog to clicker training. For dogs in the breed ring getting eye contact on cue is an element of showing well, so it's a great place to start. With all training I break the lessons down into small parts. I consider what things a dog needs to do to show well based on that perfect picture in my mind (and my experience in the breed ring). Here is a partial list of what Scandal has learned in the past 10 days (not necessarily in order):

Make eye contact on cue
Wag your tail
Stand 3-5 feet away from me
Allow me to place your feet
Allow me to look at your teeth
Stay on my left side on lead
Do not weave from side to side on lead or get underfoot
Do not pull on lead
Do not stop to scratch or sniff when trotting
Trot at a steady, even pace
Turn and trot again in the opposite direction
Trot in a large circle and triangular pattern without bumping into me
Look straight ahead while trotting
Keep you head up while trotting
Upon stopping from trotting look up at me and wait (eye contact and tail wagging)
Follow my hand with your eyes (so I can position his head)
Catch a toy -- advanced into catch a treat
Back up on cue

Other non-show things that Scandal has learned this week include:
When a door and gate is opened, make eye contact and wait to be invited through
How to use the dog door
Pee outside
"Leave It!"
"Move"
Do not complain in the crate (still working on that one)
"Easy" - go extra slowly and carefully on lead (e.g., on ice or steep downhill)
Lie quietly while I prepare dog meals
Wait for and eat from your own bowl and do not bother any other dogs as they eat
Don't harass the cat or eat her food
A noise I make means the same thing as a "click" of the clicker

The above is repeated daily as we introduce the next steps:
Stand with your feet in 4-square position - I may teach this earlier or later in the training. It may be more likely to happen naturally as they mature through different growth stages. You can always position their feet if necessary in the ring. I want them to walk naturally into a perfect 4-square. I teach them to move their feet so I can tell them to fix it if they are not properly placed. All of this should give him excellent preparation for his first exciting time at a dog show. For my own dogs I teach them much more - the more, the better is my philosophy. They love to learn and it makes traveling and showing less stressful if you can give them direction and they understand what to do. Plus the more they learn the smarter they get. Yes, I absolutely do teach my show dogs to sit on cue -- that's a topic for another post!

Black Labrador Portrait Painting for Christmas Gift

Here is my last dog portrait painting for 2010. This Labrador painting was commissioned by a girlfriend in tribute to her boyfriend and his beloved black Lab. It will be a surprise Christmas gift. I hope he loves it! I don't think he is a blog reader, so I am safe to say that the dog's name is Fetcher and he is 14 years old. I can tell by the photographs she sent me that he is a wonderful hunting companion and is said to be still going strong. Good wishes that you may continue on with what you love, Fetcher! It was my pleasure to paint such a special old boy.

I am gearing up for 2011 and already scheduling new paintings to create lasting memorials to much-loved dogs. Why not celebrate your own heart dog or honor a friend with a gift that will last forever? To learn more about commissioning a dog portrait painting of your own and see more OtterTail Labrador and Dog Art visit my OtterTail Labrador Art website.

Yellow and Black Labrador Retriever Dogs Sledding Holiday and Christmas Cards

Just in time for your holiday greeting card needs, here is a new design with two Labrador dogs sledding fast to spread joy and cheer. Send these yellow and black Lab Christmas cards because everyone deserves a laugh along with season's greeting. Choose the yellow and black Lab Christmas card with a simple merry verse inside or the versatile black and yellow Labrador Holiday card to spread joy to all your friends throughout the season. There are many more Labrador Christmas cards for your selection, don't miss the cards for chocolate Lab lovers. If you would like to order individual cards and customize the inside verse or even add your own picture, then my OtterTail Art Cards shop is the place for you! There you can also sign and address the cards to have them shipped directly on the date of your choice. It doesn't get any easier than that!


This fun new Labrador dog illustration was created from an original drawing which was colored and finished digitally. It is fun to experiment with the many different ways of creating designs for greeting cards, t shirts and clothes and gift products. Let these two silly Labs bring smiles to all of your friends this winter and holiday season.

Dog Portrait Painting makes great Christmas holiday gift

Just finishing this latest black dog portrait painting. Her name is Brisket. She is probably a Lab mix, but her family loves her no matter what she is made of! This dog painting is acrylic on canvas with nicely wrapped and painted edges so it may be framed or hung without framing. Brisket will be sharing the "wall of honor" with a black Labrador painting of Hobie, so I made sure the backgrounds will coordinate. They will look great together!

I have 2 openings left for commissions of dog portrait paintings to be done in time for Christmas, contact me if you want to schedule a wonderful gift for someone special. If you miss out on a spot or are a last-minute shopper you can still reserve a future painting and I will send a gift card to the lucky recipient. You can also find a unique and fun gift of an original Labrador painting or, easiest of all, order Labrador dog prints and choose from a selection of mats and frames to have them shipped ready to hang.

Dog Rally Obedience, New title, New starts for 2 great Labrador Retrievers

Tallulah, Nissa and I enjoyed our trip to the Mid-Jersey Labrador Retriever specialty show. There were 2 days of showing with 2 separate rally trials and obedience trials. I am proud to say my girls both won both of their rally classes; four tries, four blue ribbons. Tallulah was wonderful getting us going for our first time in Rally Excellent. She did it all easily, winning with 100 points and a fast time the first day and 99 points the second day. Nissa had me a bit nervous after refusing to jump at our last trial. She needed one more leg to earn her Rally Advanced title. Approaching tentatively, she started to by-pass the jump on Thursday, but in Rally you are allowed a second chance and, after a moment of bonding eye-contact, she jumped with gusto. Hurrah!! That left her eligible to move up to Rally Excellent for Friday. With little time to warm up between dogs I gave her a quick pep talk and off we went. No issue this time, she jumped both jumps on the course with confidence and enthusiasm. It was a great way to start the Excellent level. We'll take the winter off and aim to finish those titles in 2011.

Unfortunately, Nissa made up a new issue for the obedience ring. She had good scores going both days (190.5 and 195 out of 200), but she failed to come on the first call - an automatic NQ. She came beautifully and did a perfect finish on my second call both times. You could see her lean forward as if to start, then correct herself back into a sit, waiting to be sure I really had called. First day I thought it had something to do with the leaf blower I was shouting over, but in retrospect I think it is because I had corrected her for breaking a WAIT when practicing rally a few days before and, being the sensitive sort, that was on her mind. I know it is my fault one way or another when they are working so well and make a mistake, so I'll fix it and we will get her Companion Dog title next year. Still proud of you, Nissa. And Tallulah, it is always a joy to go into the ring with such a show-off!

New Labrador Christmas Card Yellow Lab Dog Tugs Santa

Here is a fun new little painting I did for a Labrador Christmas card design. This yellow Labrador dog has Santa by the leg as he descends down the chimney with holiday gifts for all. Well, this Lab may not be on the "Good Dog" list anymore - Will Santa leave him coal in his stocking? Brighten your holidays with humor and a smile when you send this holiday card to friends for Christmas. Two inside holiday verse versions are available singly or in set of 10 and 20 in my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop or create your own verse and customize the card with your signature, photos inside, or whatever you like at my OtterTail Art Cards Shop.

Advanced Rally Obedience, 2 Labradors and 3 days

My black Lab, Tallulah, and her best buddy chocolate Labrador, Nissa, had a big weekend working toward Rally Advanced titles. We were entered 3 days with great expectations for our first try at this level of rally. These 2 girls and I are learning the Rally ropes together - as usual, I think they are getting it better than I am.

The first morning brought us a wet, cold start, but everyone seemed positive at the show and our judge was very pleasant. Tallulah went first in Rally Advanced B since she already has her Companion Dog obedience title. She did a perfect job and I was most proud of her, but as I exited the ring the judge told me I had made a mistake on one sign by having her sit at heel when no sit was called for. Opps!! That is a 10-point handler error. So we received a score of 90 points out of 100 and Tallulah was jipped out of winning the class. Bad Mommy, good Tallulah. Nissa went a short time later in the Rally Advanced A class and I had a chance to redeem myself. She was perfect too and won her class with a 100 point routine. We got home just in time for the torrential rains to start -- and on they went all night.

Day 2 brought drier air, but mud mud everywhere. My girls made me proud again, both winning their classes. Tallulah got the perfect 100 point score she deserved the day before and Nissa won with 99 points. Tallulah decided she will keep me.

Day 3 was cold, but pleasant. Tallulah was great once again, placing 2nd in her class and finishing her RA title. Way to go, Tallulah Bear!! Many dogs did not show up, probably due to the site conditions. That left me running with only 1 dog between my 2 and foolishly I did not take the time I needed to help my Nissa get ready. She started out great, but faltered mid-test at the jump. It's not like her to refuse and I did not make good use of the handling that is allowed in rally. We took a second try, but without success. We were allowed to complete the run and the rest was perfect. The judge and stewards asked me why it happened and after explaining I thought it was due to my hurrying and no proper warm-up the judge scolded me for not asking for a few minutes before my run. As I told her, I didn't know I could do that. Live and learn. So, Nissa will have to try for one more leg another time and I hope I will be the better handler that she deserves!

OtterTail Labrador and Dog Art Links and Connections

Wondering where else you can find my OtterTail Labrador and Dog Art and learn more about me on the web? Here are a few links you might like to bookmark.

OtterTail Labrador Art - my main website. Here you will find original dog and pet paintings, hand painted silk scarves and other art, as well as links to my various shops, galleries, social networks and everything OtterTail.

OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop - a shop with hundreds of fun products featuring many Labrador and dog designs. You will enjoy the ease of secure online shopping with international shipping. Please browse the many levels of this gift shop because it's fun to poke in the corners and find something special.

OtterTail Art Gallery on Imagekind - a wonderful place for purchasing your fine art prints. You can even try out a large selection of mats and frames to complete your print before you buy, or order one on stretched canvas. Excellent customer service - my favorite giclee printers.

OtterTail Art Cards on Greeting Card Universe. A relatively new shop just for greeting cards with a wide variety of designs and many more to come. You can order one card or take advantage of the quantity discounts, customize the verse inside and/or add your own images, have cards sent directly and even schedule the special date you would like them delivered. Does sending greeting cards get any easier?

OtterTail Labrador and Dog Art on Facebook. Become a fan, find out about ongoing sales and specials, and share with your dog-loving friends. [facebook.com/LabradorDogArt]

Labrador Art Amy on Twitter. Follow me on Twitter. I love to hear from all my Twitter Friends. [twitter.com/LabradorArt]

In case that's not enough, my prints are also available at Art.com, AllPosters.com, Artist Rising and more products can be found at Labrador Dog and Nature Designs by Amy Reges at Zazzle.com.

Join the continuing tributes to Labrador Retrievers and dogs and celebrations of nature's beauty.

Painted Ceiling - Master Bedroom project

Our new master bedroom addition is a project that is still in progress, but here is the completed painted ceiling. It was fun to do and I was delighted when I showed Jim a few colors and he said he loved the purple! Who would have guessed?! It was difficult to photograph, so I took a few sample shots to show some closer views.

The painting was done very free-hand and without any plan. I made it up as I went adding color and textures until I got something I liked. I have found that is the best policy for any of the faux finishes I have done on walls -- If you don't like it just keep adding more until you do. This celing is much more dramatic than any house painting I have done before, but the philosophy still worked for me. I never use a roller when I paint, just don't like them. So even when I make a solid color wall I use a brush with free flowing stokes in every direction and thinned paint. The benefits of this method are that I get good, even coverage after a few easy coats. I do not have the roller texture and missed, alligator spots, each coat dries very quickly and - important for me - it is much easier to get stray dog hairs out of the thin coats. I find it a much more freeing, fun and creative way to paint a wall than the rigid rollering and cutting in of edges. I mostly use a good 3" brush and mix my own colors from "junk" paint that others return. Other size brushes, sponges and rags, and my artist acrylics enter the scene when inspiration strikes.

The walls of this room appear solid colored at first, but there is a subtle, gradual blending from the ceiling gray-green through yellow and down into a peach. I had not planned that, but I like it the way it is so it can stay like that for now. I enjoy how the colors appear to change as the light of the day changes.

This is partial explanation for my not posting more completed art lately. I am bound and determined to move into this addition within the next week. Still have a big cement floor project to complete with a lot of unknowns - learning as I go. Wish me luck!

Art Donated for Seneca Pure Waters, Diving Black Labrador Dog Life Ring

Here is another item I have painted as a donation for a fund-raiser. This time it is for Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, a group dedicated to preserving Seneca Lake and, with it, our drinking water. They chose to have a life saver ring as the item to be painted and auctioned at an up-coming event. I must admit it has proven a challenging surface to paint. I hope everyone will like my design of a Black Labrador Retriever diving in to Save Our Seneca. That is the motto for this event and the letters SOS were a required element in the design. I haven't decided if it is finished yet - I may change the letters and possibly add a few other touches. I am looking forward to the artists reception to see what others did with their rings. All of them will be on display at venues in Geneva and Watkins Glen, NY as well as online on the SLPWA website. I have used my diving Labrador dog design on many wood items. It is nice to use it in a black Lab painting and I'm sure I will use it again, perhaps a painting on canvas next time.

Shop 2 Day Sale on Dog T shirts, Labrador and fun dogs

Cash in on the savings and get fun, creative, original dog designs on T shirts in time for summer heat. ** SPECIAL SALE ** Buy any t-shirt from my OtterTail Art for Dog Lover's Shop and save $3 by using coupon code: TMINUS3 on July 7 and 8 only. Buy as many as you like and save $3 on every one! Tell your friends, shop for Christmas presents in July, and find great gifts for birthday surprises no matter what age! The heat wave in NY and general hot spring and summer we are having so far is enough to convince me you can never have enough fun Tees to keep you cool and show your style. There is a huge selection to choose from and designs include flowers, wine, nature, positive energy, cats and fun sayings in addition to many Labrador and dog designs.

While you are there check out the great selection of Labrador Dog Christmas Cards as well as Labrador Retriever cards for Halloween and Thanksgiving and dog design invitations for holiday or party events.

On a roll for holiday shopping? For that special gift consider an original Labrador dog painting or print or commission a pet portrait painting that will be treasured forever. Shop now, relax later - Have a blast!!

Happy Birthday to the Oldest Labs in our Pack

Marius and Eponine celebrated their 13th birthday on Sat., 12 June. It was a miserable hot and humid day, so the party was mostly sedate with all Labs enjoying rawhides in the shade of the big trees. Here are some old pictures of my "babies". These two lovelies were the last puppies I kept from the last litter I bred. What will I ever do without them??

Eponine was a cutie as a pup and just as cute in her prime as these photos show. She is still adorable, but a lot more gray. I love watching her swim these days. She lolly-gaggles along barely moving her feet like a slow stroll, but her proper Labrador coat keeps her floating high like a cork. She can't hear much anymore, but otherwise is in pretty good shape and has a daily "go-dog-go" run in the midst of our pack walk.



Marius was a beautiful puppy and grew into a very handsome man who got compliments everywhere we went. He hates having his picture taken and I'm sad to say I have never gotten a really good picture of his best soft, sweet expression. Here he is having fun with his big balls - as a baby puppy and still up to the same silliness many years later. He hasn't played with the ball at all this year, his back is too weak for wild games. He was also diagnosed with Pannus in April, so he has to wear Doggles to protect his eyes on sunny days now. He doesn't like them much and they are not conducive to "ball-mania". Still, with drops his eyes are stable so he can still see enough to get around and most days his back is strong enough for a leisurely walk and drink from the pond. All in all he's a happy guy.

I named these two for favorite characters from "Les Miserables" because I was les miserable myself when I decided that would be my last litter. But I couldn't be happier about the sweet souls I got to share in my life for the past 13 years. I love you 'Ponine and Man-i-kin Babycake. Thanks for being you!

Labradors Help Artist Make Dog Art

A Labrador lover friend has been having a sad time lately and I wanted to make her a special card. She has only met my chocolate Lab Nissa so far, so I let Nissa be the model for this art project. It only took about 5 minutes to clicker train her to rest her chin on my knee and peak up at me, then hold it until the pre-set camera snapped the shot. The cropped "Before" picture is on the left. I digitally added pants and took out the messy background to create the card front "After" picture shown on the right. I thought some of you might enjoy seeing how my Labs and I work together to create my OtterTail Labrador Art. My friend loved the card. It will be available in my OtterTail Art Cards greeting card shop where you can change the inside verse to fit your occasion. Look for it in my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Store shortly too.

Training Tips: Showing Dogs, Teach to Focus on You, Clicker Training

A friend recently asked me about training her show dog to look at her and not focus on or try to grab the bait. There are many steps to training a show dog to free stack and show herself. Here are some basic training tips and a suggestion of how to apply them to this one step.

There are lots of ways to train anything - if one approach doesn't work for you or for one dog you can make up another way as long as you understand the principles. Basically, behaviors that are reinforced are likely to be repeated. The beauty of the clicker - used well - is that it marks the moment in a clear, concise "language". So you only need a second of the good behavior or something that is closer to the desired behavior than what you are getting to begin. You reinforce that and build on it. Think of the click as a camera shutter - take a picture of the moment you want to capture. We've all taken lots of crummy pictures in a row with one or two great ones depending on the exact snap of the camera. Click the clicker as if you were taking that great picture - the one when the dog is doing what you want, even if it only lasts a split second. Catch it with the clicker, then give the treat. You can't deliver a treat or say "good dog" with the same accuracy as you can click and the click becomes extremely meaningful to the dogs -- and they love it because it is so clear. Look at my photos. The picture on the left was what was happening only a few seconds before the picture on the right. The sweet puppy sitting politely would be the one you want to capture with the clicker. It's all about your timing.

Try this for redirecting a dog's focus - put the treats on a table within arm's reach. Problem dog will look at the treats. Wait until she looks at you instead, even if just for a second - click. Then give her one of those treats. It won't take long before she only looks at you and does not bother looking at the treats anymore because looking at the treats gets her nothing. Looking at you gets her clicks and treats.

Work up to taking a treat from the table and holding it in your hand and wait for her to make eye contact. Leave your hand by your side, not up by your face. Don't move it away from her. Close your fist around the treat and don't let her take it. Bump her if you want or just wait until she backs off for a second and looks at you - click and give her the treat. You can repeat that many times a day in all different situations, not just while working on show baiting. She will quickly learn that looking at the treat does not get her anything (if you make sure it doesn't) and trying to take the treat should NEVER result in her getting one. Really, that is just rude and disrespectful anyway, so she should learn that regardless of showing. Trying to take food from your hand gets nothing. As soon as she back her nose away the hand opens and treat is delivered. Ask for a little longer time of not touching before you deliver the click so she learns to maintain the backed off behavior. Build slowly on lots of little successes, lots of repetition. You want to add a short delay fairly soon in the process or you will inadvertently teach her that bumping your hand is what you want. Keep you final goal in mind, then dissect it into little steps. Start with the simplest little step and build up to your goal. Don't worry about what else she is doing while you are working on this - sitting, standing, wagging - doesn't matter. You are only working on getting her focus and nose off of the treat.

You can only teach one thing at a time. You can work on different things, but break up the session so she doesn't get confused. Don't try to work on tail wagging, perfect stacking, eye contact and bait attention all at once. Work on tail wagging, take a little break, then work on eye contact and forget about what the tail is doing. Later you can work on perfect foot placement, but forget about where her tail and eyes are during that session. After she learns each piece you can put it all together. You can make showing fun for her by teaching these things, then giving them to her as little jobs for which she will earn that bait she so dearly wants. She will have more fun and be more focused if she understands how to play the game and knows that she can get that reward by working for you and giving you "the right answers". You are giving her control. You are also giving her knowledge. That is much more exciting to a dog than standing there trying to dive for bait and getting kneed in the chest. It also presents a prettier picture to the judge.

Cement Leaves Add Colorful Sculpture to Deck and Garden

I experimented with making these cement leaves just for fun. I sculpted them last fall and finally got around to painting them a few days ago. I made two of them to remind me of Caladium leaves - plants I have always admired, but have not had much success growing. It was a fun process and I am actually letting some burdock weeds get big this spring so I can cast some "lunker leaves". They will look nice in my garden and, perhaps around a fountain I am considering building next to our porch. Once I set up a casting station I will make enough to sell. Keep an eye on my OtterTail Lab Art website, follow me as LabradorArt on Twitter or join me on Facebook to see when and where they are available for sale (along with all of my other art updates and events). Are you interested?

Painted Table Donated to Raise Funds at ARC Auction

Last year I painted a giant Adirondack chair for the Yates County ARC "Chair-ish" auction. This year I got one of the new little tables. It was a fun shape to consider. I changed my mind several times about what I would do, but liked the idea of this pond theme. I was inspired by the colors of spring out my window as I mixed paint and planned for a unique design. I hope it brings them a good high bid at this year's annual auction scheduled for 11 July at Keuka College.

Funny Old Women Pool Walking Watercolor Painting

It's not your age, it's your attitude! And the older you get the more you realize the truth in that saying! I painted this funny little watercolor of two old friends pool walking. It's an activity old women do to keep their joints moving and get some weight bearing exercise without undue strain. My mother pool walks with a group of women in Florida, so I made this watercolor into funny old lady greeting cards for her to share with friends. These ladies know how to live in style, pool walking with their cocktails. Keep your pinkies out! This painting is also available on a variety of products that make great gift ideas for old women. Share a little laughter and a happy attitude with a senior you love.

(This design will be available on greeting cards you can customize in my OtterTail Art Cards Shop. Just give it a couple more days to work through their process.)

Beautiful Labrador Photos - Custom Photograph Retouching

You already know that I am an artist, but you may not know that I also do a lot of photo retouching and manipulation. This is used in my quest for great reference photos for my dog paintings, to crop and clean up pictures used for my custom pet portraits and for the creation of fun Labrador fantasy photos, as well as my flower and nature photography. Now I will be offering this service to you so you can get those lovely photos of you dogs cleaned up and ready to display on your website. The example shows the before and after shots of a picture I took at LRCP in April 2010. Doesn't this girl look even nicer without the busy background? I can crop, edit backgrounds, remove collars and leashes and create a peaceful scene so your dog is the star. Contact me for your own custom dog photo retouching.

Black Labrador Painting for Lab Rescue - Shadow

This painting is for my new series of dogs that have gone through shelters and/or rescue programs or that I have rescued myself. 25% - 40% of profits from the sale of prints in this series will be donated to Lab Rescue. Most original Labrador paintings in this series will also be available and donations will be made from those sales as well.

You may recognize this as our old black Lab foster dog, Shadow, from 2009. The reference photo was taken early in his stay with us and I entitled this black Lab painting "I Rest My Weary Head". Shadow was a serious and grumpy guy when he first moved in with us, but he had been through some trying times. He was also grossly overweight, arthritic and, dealing with so much as a 10 1/2 year old man, he was tired. On this particular day he was beginning to adjust and make himself comfortable in our home. Over the course of the 2 months that he lived with us he transformed into a sweet, happy, affectionate smush. His bum elbow slowed him down, but he loved his daily trip to our Lab swimming pond. He would usually stay there while the rest of us walked the paths of our land or he would head back up the hill where he had a better view to watch us. I hope many dog lovers will feel a connection with this senior black Labrador painting and purchase prints. It will be a double positive - you can enjoy the print in your home or make a friend happy with a thoughtful gift and you will be helping Labs in need! Accept my thanks in advance!!

I chose to paint Shadow as one of the first in this new series to celebrate his recent 1-year anniversary in his new forever home. - Live happily ever after, Shadow. You touched our hearts -

Chocolate Labrador Wins and Earns First AKC Title

Nissa continued her winning ways by finishing her Rally Novice AKC title with a score of 99 points (out of 100). She completed her title with 3 first place wins, making me very proud of her. Now she is officially Lobuff OtterTail Noble Nissa, RN. We competed at the 4-day long Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac Specialty Show last week and had a wonderful time (despite the cold, wind and rain on the day of our rally competition). She also placed 4th in her American Bred class in conformation at LRCP. This is a grand show, once again this year it was the largest Labrador show in the world with over 1000 Labs from far and wide. Definitely a gathering of the creme de la creme. I'm not sure what Nissa will do next - either Rally Advanced or Novice Obedience, but we will have fun training no matter what we do! I did not expect her to do as well as my black Lab and Nissa's mentor, Tallulah, but by gosh, she did it! Good job, Nissa!

Black Labrador Portrait Painting Birthday Surprise

I'd like to share my latest dog portrait commission. Here is Hobie - RIP. She was a rescue dog who taught her family about the special love of a Labrador. This black Labrador Retriever portrait painting was commission by a dog-loving husband as a birthday present surprise for his wife. She doesn't know it yet and I am excited to find out how she likes it next month after her birthday. It has been a very sneaky undertaking conspired by husband, daughter, and other family members. I sure hope she loves it!!

I did her background a little differently than usual. Client wanted a woodsy background, but I found the detail too distracting and it competed with Hobie - the center of interest. So, I took artistic privilege and changed it to this medley of greens. Still has an outdoorsy feel, but not the distraction of unimportant elements. I like to keep my artwork simple and straight-forward. I guess that's the Lab in me! Happily, client loves it and I am pleased with the outcome as well. Now we will just have to keep mum and hope for a great and happy surprise on the big day! Good-bye sweet Hobie. It was nice to spend time with you, but now I have to send you home.

For your own custom dog portrait painting contact me and send pictures of your doggy model.

Fun Dog Tips - Training Your Retriever to Deliver to Hand

I regularly see people who throw balls or sticks for their dogs and the dog happily gets the item, but does not give it back or drops it on the ground and encourages the person to pick it up. I figure I am not the retriever, the dog is! There are times when delivering to hand is essential, so I like to make it a habit for my Labs. We particularly enjoy playing ball with a chuck-it (since I throw like a girl at best!).

Here is my quick training tip: Think of the retrieve in "reverse". Instead of "you throw the ball and the dog brings it back and gives it to you" make it be "the dog gives you the ball, you throw it and the dog brings it back". So don't throw the first ball with the chuck-it. Drop it on the ground and encourage the dog to pick it up and deliver it to your hand. The reward is that you load the chuck-it and throw. Dog runs out, gets it, runs back - has a great time. The only way dog can have that fun again is if he hands you the ball. Turn and start to walk away if dog runs off or drops it on the ground (as in "game over"). I use body language to explain "sorry, I can't reach that and won't chase you. The only way to get me to throw it again is if you help by handing me the ball." This works well for my Labs and keeps them very enthusiastic and happy. It also teaches them to always deliver to hand. Throwing a stick or ball at my feet will not work. That's a pattern my naughty husband gets into when he plays with our Labs and I have to "untrain". This is my pain-free remedy. It gives me dogs that work to put items in my hand even when I am not offering. The only bad part? Sometimes my dogs insist on handing me road-kill frogs or wet, dead shrews, or ... But that is why we teach "drop it" - a different cue altogether. Have fun training your dog. It can be a joy for both of you! (This article was written by Amy Reges, copyright protected - despite what it might say where ever you find it after someone else has stolen it and claimed it as their own. Been finding my posts copied and pasted all over without credit or permission. Come on people - write your own!)

Pictured: OtterTail Labrador Retriever - Marius very proud of himself with his big red ball.

Black Lab Rescue Foster Dog - February 2010

Meet Brandon aka Brandy. He joined the OtterTail Labrador pack two weeks ago as our first foster dog for 2010. Brandon is a puppy in a big dog suit. It seems he and his brother spent their puppyhoods in an owner's basement or tied outside. By the time they were turning a year old they were big, unruly kids and the owner finally realized they needed training. She did not work with them long before deciding they were too much and they were left at a boarding kennel with instructions to find them a new home. With no further payments for their stay this pair of boys were indeed lucky that the kennel operators are kind-hearted and allowed them both to stay for free until rescue group fosters could be found and transport arranged. The rash of snow storms along the east coast delayed the boys' trip from Georgia to New York for four weeks, but they finally made it.

Brandon has learned a lot since he joined us and he is really getting with the program now. He is a typical Lab teenager, big on the outside and silly on the inside. With us he is getting basic obedience lessons as well as learning general manners and that cats are not for chasing. He is doing great on all counts! It appears he was a thief in his previous home, but being so young he is not committed to it. Yesterday on our walk I unknowingly dropped my hat. When I looked to Brandy he had found it and was carrying it up our hill. As I praised and encouraged him he looked totally nonplussed. "But, I'm stealing this" you could almost hear him say. He started to veer in another direction so I called him with a happy voice and encouraged him to me. Once he arrived I had a whole handful of treats ready and made a quick exchange prying my hat from his mouth before he could think about it too long. He didn't intend to bring it or give it to me, but it worked. He was "good by accident" and earned a great reward. Sometimes those seized opportunities give dogs the greatest lessons and lead to big steps in training progress. From the first day I have only called him to come when he is already on his way so that I was sure he would respond correctly and it would be a fun experience for him. Now he is developing a happy, reliable recall. All in all I think Brandy is a sweet boy who will make someone a very devoted and loving pet if they are willing to continue his training and give him the affection he so enjoys. Keep your fingers crossed that Brandon finds a wonderful forever home soon and can truly begin the new life he deserves.

Remember that a portion of sales on designated OtterTail Labrador prints and products is donated to Lab rescue. Shop for great Labrador Retriever clothing and gifts or original Labrador paintings and support Labs in need.

Custom Dog Art Frame for Award Certificate and Photo

In addition to my OtterTail Lab Art dog paintings I also make a variety of dog theme wood items. My husband helps on these projects so it is a family affair. Here is a custom design I created to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of a Lab and her owner. Black Lab Nell has earned her OTCH (Obedience Trial Champion), MH (Master Hunter title), and several agility titles and she is only 5 years old. They are a busy team!

We call this basic piece our Combination Frame. It is sized to hold a standard 8x10" AKC title certificate in the lower opening and a photo of the title holder in the upper opening. (Of course, you could put photos in both openings instead.) They have been very popular since we started making them in 1992. Purchasing a Combination Frame has become a tradition for many of our customers and we are thrilled to help them celebrate their awards and achievements with our beautiful naturally finished hardwood frames. We typically use maple, cherry and black walnut woods, though may have other fine hardwood choices as well. This example is spalted red maple. All pieces are individually cut with a scroll saw and receive a hand-rubbed natural finish that honors the beauty of the wood. Some of the other wood items we make include peg racks, shelves, other styles of hunting dog picture frames and dog urns with multiple design options. Custom inquiries are always welcome.

Labrador Valentine Cards and Gifts - Black Lab, Yellow Lab and Chocolate Labs

This is a sample of 2 of my designs for Labrador Valentine cards and gifts. The Lab running with "I Love You" balloons is available with a yellow Lab and chocolate Lab too. If your heart dog is a black Lab, you will find that design as well as others at my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop. In addition, I have even more dog Valentine cards at my OtterTail Art Cards Store at Greeting Card Universe. Here you can totally change or personalize the inside verse and have your card mailed directly for you. There is still time to order that special someone a special gift for Valentine's Day or send a card to all of your favorite or secret Valentines. Labradors and Love go great together!

She's Like An Old Friend

This is my Rosemary tree I've had for nearly 20 years. Well, she was a little $2 plant sprig in the beginning. I trained her into this tree form and made a few babies for friends along the way. But she has been a big tree for a long time now and 'abused' in a pot. I put her outside every summer - as long as I can from spring until the temperatures dip regularly into the 20's. I keep thinking I should give her a real vacation and plant her in the ground for a season, but she's so heavy and tight in her pot that I never manage to get it done. As you can guess, I have not repotted her in a long time either. Somehow she forgives my neglect and here she is flowering for the second flush this winter. I do use her regularly, but it would probably be even better if I cut her way back and let new growth fill in. Rosemary makes regular additions to my roasted or fried potatoes. I put it in sauces and salads and of course, she in an important member of our Thanksgiving feasts. Yup, she's like an old friend to me. Always there, always happy and smelling good and easy to please, brightening my cold winter days with dainty blue flowers and my cold winter meals with herbal freshness. If you can't have a pet, at least have a plant :-).