Labrador Retriever Christmas Carol

BARK! The herald angels sing - everyone join the chorus! I love my Christmas houses, but a house just isn't a home for me if there is no dog and every dog deserves a loving home. So, over the years I have added a number of dogs to OtterTail Village - black Labs, yellow Labs and chocolate Labs, of course! This picture shows five of them gathering for a romp and howl. Three more dogs are off playing and I sculpted reindeer for my Santa's barn and sheep for the wool shop too. You can see some of my larger Labrador Retriever sculptures by visiting my OtterTail Lab Art website. All were inspired by my own OtterTail Labrador Retrievers. As you will have guessed by now, Labradors are a big part of my life and I am thankful for the joy they bring. Sing along with the pack. Oh Come, All Ye Faithful is another of their favorite carols - there are none more faithful than a loving Labrador!

Merry Christmas to all from Amy and the OtterTail Labs.

New Dog and Pet food bowls

Here is another great gift idea for dog lovers and cat lovers too! I now have ceramic pet bowls (large and small) available with a variety of designs or you can have one personalized. Visit the Dog Food and Water Bowls section of my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop for fun presents for your best pet pal or a pet loving friend. There is still time to order for those Dog Holiday Gifts! These would also make great dog show trophy ideas as is or customized for your club or the award won. You can commemorate any special occasion or doggy accomplishment. Contact me for special orders.

Rescue Lab Home for the Holidays

Happy news for Sally, my latest foster dog. She has been adopted by a wonderful family with a new Mom and Dad and 2 kids of her own and she moved in just in time for Thanksgiving. I think she had a lot to be thankful for indeed! And I am thrilled for her that she is settling in and beginning her new life with her best paw forward.
I wish that everyone would remember all of the animals in need this holiday season and help them in any small way you can. Every little bit makes a difference. Whether it is purchasing products that donate to dog rescue, donating directly to non-profit groups that help such as Rudy's Rescue for Labrador Retrievers, adopting or fostering dogs yourself, or donating blankets, dog products or your time to the local shelter, every little bit truly does make a difference. So many non-profit dog rescue organizations are small groups of hard-working volunteers with very low budgets. Never underestimate the value of even your tiniest donation. Everyone is thankful and you will be part of saving a life. Share your happy holiday spirit!

New Labrador Retriever Portrait Painting

This is my latest yellow Labrador Retriever portrait painting. It is a custom Christmas gift a thoughtful client commissioned for their dog lover friend. I sure hope he likes it! The owner and his dog were both described as bachelors, so the request was made for masculine background colors. I am always happy to do whatever I can to make each portrait just what the customer wants! The glow at the top is funny lighting on my photo, not on the painting. It is a cold, snowy, very gray day here at my home in NY and I didn't set up great lighting for this photo. Actually, photographing paintings well is a job in itself! If you are interested in commissioning your own custom dog portrait painting or other custom dog art, please visit my OtterTail Lab Art website and/or email me. This yellow Lab painting is 12 x 16", acrylic on canvas.

Adopt a Smiling Yellow Lab

Meet Sally! She is my latest foster Labrador that was rescued from a bad situation with her former owner. Sally is full of energy and had her own ideas about chasing the family goats at her previous home. Rather than keep her tied for life her owners decided it was best to let her go to find a new home. She is ready, willing, and able to be someone's family companion.
In addition to donating my time, training, money, and love to foster rescue Labs, I also donate a portion of profits from sales of my Labrador Retriever art. Please visit my shop to select gifts that give in more ways than one!

Labrador Retriever art website - New!

My new OtterTail Lab Art website is ready for testing. Everyone please take a moment to check it out and let me know if anything does not work. I try to test every page on several browsers before uploading, but I have a new glitch this time. My version of Internet Explorer is quite old and they no longer seem to be making a version for Macs. I am having trouble with my new Labrador Retriever paintings page. I have created links to buy fine art prints of my Dog and Lab paintings, but my IE browser version has trouble accessing the Imagekind site at all. If anyone reading this uses IE, please take a moment to test my links and let me know your results. I want to be sure everything is working so you can find the Lab prints you want as easily as possible! If you go to my Labrador Retriever paintings page and click any of the "Buy Fine Art Print" buttons that will be all the test I need. Tons of thanks in advance to anyone with a moment to help and let me know how it works!!

Just for fun I've included this October picture of my chocolate Lab puppy, Nissa, getting dried off after her daily swim. Isn't she a cutie?

Dog gone it! What's everybody been doing?

It's past time I check in - doggone it, time flies! It has been a busy summer and I am currently wrapped up in totally rebuilding my OtterTail Lab Art website and changing servers. I hope to get this well along before the end of the month and get back to making art! Please check back and better yet, check in on my website regularly to see and test the changes. I appreaciate any and all comments. As I get the new pages posted please let me know if you have any problems with it loading or not looking right or links not working. Right now I am making minor changes that you can see, but behind the scenes everything is in a wild jumble - like my two youngest Labs bouncing off the walls, careening around the corners and using the couch as a launching pad, I hope it will look good and behave well when the dust clears! Check back soon.

Labrador Dogs follow a good Pack Leader

Labrador Retrievers, like all dogs, love a good pack leader. Here is a new design featuring black Labs, yellow Labs and chocolate Labs. Similar Pack Leader Labrador designs are available with black and chocolate Labs or black and yellow Labradors in my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop on t-shirts and other fun clothing, stickers, hats, mugs and lots of great products. Even if you only have one dog, you should be a strong, kind and inspiring pack leader for your canine friend. I am a fan of Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, and his message to dog owners to be calm, assertive pack leaders by providing exercise, discipline, and affection, so my design shows the results. Three Labs walk calmly and happily and enjoy following their leader. I use some different tactics to address my dogs and the dogs that I rescue (I use clicker training primarily), but I am inspired by Cesar's energy and I can adapt my techniques to Cesar's ideas or follow his example with rescues and foster dogs who arrive with issues. Be inspired yourself, inspire you dogs by your nurturing guidance and proudly let everyone know you are the Pack Leader!

Labrador Retriever Rescue - Help When You Can

Sometimes in life you have to do what you can when you can. That is how this 7-yr old black boy came to join our pack. His name is Butch and his solitary owner was involved in a serious accident, leaving him in extended IC and possibly paralyzed for life. Butch was lucky to have an "uncle" who drove over twice daily to care for him following the tragedy, but that could not go on. Even a Lab used to living a reclusive life needs more attention in the long term. The loving uncle contacted Butch's vet, who made other contacts and a plea went out over the rescue network. I forwarded it to the group I volunteer with and several others, but everyone is full this year. Poor Butch had no where to go. So - I brought him here. I am fortunate to be in the position to help him right now. I don't want to count how many times over the years I have shuddered to think what would happen to all of my dogs if tragedy stuck my husband and me. I offered my home to Butch wishing that all dogs in such situations could have someone willing to take them in and give them a new loving home. I can only imagine what it feels like from the dog's point of view -- one day your beloved person just does not come home and you never seen them again. For so many dogs this ends up with a trip to a shelter and, especially for older, large, black dogs - who are the most difficult to place - it often means an unhappy end. But not Butch!! I am happy to say he is settling in. He enjoys my 4 other Labs and is fine with our cat. He is a gentleman in the house and really lights up when we go for our daily walks and swims in the pond. It warms my heart to see him becoming more comfortable every day. We wish for a miracle recovery by his "Dad" and, if that happens, I will happily give Butch back. I know how I would feel!!! Until that time Butch can live happily ever after here with us and we give thanks for being in a position to help when we can. Please consider offering your love and home to a dog in need. They ask for so little and you can truly save a life.

New Labrador Retriever T-Shirt Designs

I have 3 new funny Labrador T-shirt designs available in my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop just in time for spring. You can see my new chocolate Lab puppy is already working by posing for the fun dog picture shown here. And I promise you, you do NOT want to underestimate the power of such a cute, sweet Labrador puppy!! The other 2 designs feature powerful black Labs. My old, gray woman wears the expression of "Been There, Done That" and Tallulah shows her attitude of "Don't Question My Authority!" I have a list of funny sayings that come to mind when I look at my dogs' expressions, so if you like these 3 designs there will be more. Have fun wearing your attitude or let your dog speak through you. These and many more Labrador Retriever t-shirts featuring my original Labrador paintings and photographs are ready for you to purchase in a wide choice of styles and colors with a click of your mouse. Satisfaction guaranteed! Have Fun Shopping Now!

Chocolate Lab Puppy Joins OtterTail Labradors

Introducing our wonderful new addition!! I have not posted in a while and she is why. I am thrilled to announce the arrival of Lobuff OtterTail Noble Nissa to our happy OtterTail Labrador home. Thank you Lisa Weiss for giving me the opportunity to have such a wonderful girl! Nissa was born on the 20th anniversary of my own very first litter, making her special indeed. My last litter was nearly 11 years ago, so this new Lab puppy brings great joy. It is also very nice to have a chocolate Labrador Retriever in our family again. My very first Lab (first purebred dog) was a chocolate Lab named Holly - she changed my life and was the instigator of all the rest of my involvement with Labs, inclucing my OtterTail Lab Art. Nissa is a beautiful girl who's name means "a sign", which is in keeping with her special birth date. It is also the name of a character from Dr. Who back in the 1980's who was pretty, sweet and very smart. As a side note for Whovarians - I have also had a Leela and a Tegan - 2 very wonderful yellow Lab girls! And my Leela was just as gung-ho as the doctor's!! I will surely have to write about both of them in the future. They are over Rainbow Bridge now, but many fond memories remain. Check back to see my wonderful Nissa as she grows!

Lab Rescue leads to Happy Labrador Adoption

Our sweet foster rescue Lab puppy, Eli, was happily adopted 3 weeks ago and is adjusting well. How could you not love that adorable yellow Labrador Retriever face? Eli came such a long way in the time he spent with us, it is wonderful to see him move on to his forever home and continue to grow and learn. I joked that he made it "from barn to bed" in one week, and his progress grew from there! He learned to walk nicely on a loose leash, even sitting whenever I stopped, he learned to sit, down, and come on cue, to make eye contact and give kisses. There were SO MANY new things - stairs, crates, car rides - it was a joy to watch him blossom. He even learned to voluntarily jump into the dog shower for a bath after our daily muddy walks and stand quietly for washing. He especially loved being dried - it was like having a massage! I think he is a hose dog in the making - I admit I have a soft spot for hose dogs! Eli is still a bit shy of strangers, but he is responding well to all of the new challenges. He has a dog loving family and we know he will have a very happy life. We do look forward to visits from Eli and his new "pack" in the future! I also plan to make some of my pictures of this sweet yellow Lab available on products with 100% of profits going to support Labrador Retriever rescue. Look for news about shopping at OtterTail Lab Art to donate to Lab rescue this spring and visit my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop for Labrador Retriever t-shirts and other fun clothing, gifts, prints, and products. Support Labrador rescue for a rewarding experience and give a gift to the sweet Lab souls who are so full of love.

Yellow Labrador Retriever Portrait Painting

This smiling yellow Labrador Retriever was a fun portrait to paint. Her name is Chamois and she travels internationally with her family. That is an exciting lifestyle for a rescue dog! Chamois has what is known as "dudley" pigment - her nose and eye rims are pink rather than the desired black. But she is still a cutie and a wonderful Lab. Who could resist that big, silly smile?! This custom dog portrait painting is done in my simplified, abstract style. It is an original acrylic on canvas, an exciting size at 24" x 30". The background colors and style were selected to match the client's requests. I will be making prints of this yellow Lab painting available with a portion of profits donated to support Lab rescue. I will also put this funny dog portrait on greeting cards and gifts in my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop. To see other original Labrador paintings plus fun paintings of other animals visit my OtterTail Lab Art website. Click on this link for examples and prints of some of my other custom dog portraits and Lab paintings.

Labrador Retriever Rescue Dogs Need Your Love

Meet our newest foster dog. He is a 5 month old yellow Lab we are calling Eli (to commemorate the NY football Giant's superbowl win). I am fostering him for Rudy's Rescue, a non-profit group based in Rochester, NY. Eli came from a puppy mill where he lived in a barn with lots of other dogs and little human interaction. When I picked him up he was terrified of everything, but after a warm bath and yummy meal you could almost see his little mind opening. This is only his 4th day with us, but he is coming out of his shell and progressing quickly. Eli is a sweet guy with lots of potential. He enjoys playing with toys and the 3 other Labrador Retrievers who live here now. They set excellent examples for any Labrador puppy to follow and learn. It is rewarding to help Labs in need through fostering dogs, donating my Labrador Retriever artwork and designs and a portion of profits from my Lab paintings and photographs which I sell as prints and on clothing and other products. You can support Lab rescue by bidding on wonderful dog gifts available right now at the Labrador Life Line auction online. Or help save the rest of the dogs at Eli's puppy mill by purchasing my designated OtterTail Lab Art t-shirts, home products and gifts for dog lovers.

Black Lab Painting with Wine and Friends

It has been way too long since my last post, but at least it is because I have been happily busy. The holidays and new year were celebrated and enjoyed, custom Lab Art commissions continue to entertain and challenge me, and I have added new experiences to my daily routine - most notably, playing along with Namaste Yoga on FitTv every morning. I love it! My OtterTail dogs are all well and we are on the downhill side of winter. The year is fresh with great new adventures.
Between custom portraits and art projects I did squeeze in one painting just for fun. This latest version of "Wine is Best Shared with Friends" is a black Lab painting (or any black dog) done in my most simple style. It is acrylic on watercolor paper and has been donated to Labrador Life Line for the annual Labor of Love Auction. This is an on-line auction fund-raising event that I hope will draw many generous bidders. Your shopping for Lab-related items will donate money for Labrador Retrievers in need. The auction runs Feb. 8th through the 23rd, 2008. I have also donated a fine art giclee print of my yellow Lab painting titled "A Head Pillow is Nice". Giclee Prints of these and more of my Labrador Retriever paintings are available at my ImageKind gallery. The original yellow Labrador painting of my wine drinking dog is available directly from me. It is acrylic on canvas board.
Thanks for stopping by to read what's new. I resolve to update more often! Best wishes for a great new year to everyone.

Yellow Labrador Hunting Dog Painting

Here is one of my most recent Labrador Retriever paintings. If you have been reading along you may recognize this as our oldest yellow Lab, Dave (aka "Pumpkin Dave") who crossed Rainbow Bridge in August. Shhhh, it's a Christmas present for my husband. I wanted to capture Dave's big smile and happy Labrador spirit in bold colors and a fun, impressionistic painting style. He was a happy dog. Jim missed him at camp this season and ended up wearing Dave's camo bandana himself - for luck. Even macho guys can have a soft spot for a Labrador. I hope he likes his Christmas painting!

I know I have been lax about writing in my blog. I want to draw interest to my dog paintings and Labrador art and then I get busy and don't make time to write. I will have to do better in 2008! Right now I am working on a custom order for a January wedding as well as finishing a quilted table runner as a Christmas gift for friends. I am also starting an exciting commission of a yellow Labrador Retriever portrait that is requested to be bright and silly in a more abstract painting style. Other projects for early 2008 include illustrations for a stream guide and portraits of 2 Golden Retrievers. Sounds like a great way to start the year!

For fine art prints of this or a selection of my other paintings please visit my Dog Painting and Flower Photography Gallery at ImageKind. For posters, t-shirts and other products with my dog paintings and designs visit my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop or my poster galleries at Art.com and Artist Rising.

Happy Holidays to All!

Happy Thanksgiving Dogs and Cat

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Here is a picture of me with my 2 black Labs (Eponine and Tallulah), my yellow Labrador (Marius) and our calico cat (Helen) during a break in cooking on Thanksgiving Day. We all ate well, drank good wine, watched football and gave thanks for our many blessings. Helen is a rescue cat who turned up under a box on the porch at Jim's camp 5 years ago. She mostly tolerates us and conspires to make us wait on her every whim, but I know deep down she is thankful to live here. We try to get her to earn her keep by posing for and inspiring designs in her own on-line store called Dame Helen's Cat Shop. (Her full title is Dame Helen of Hector.) The dogs, on the other hand, are always full of cheer and happy to help in creating fun Labrador Retriever and dog art on t-shirts, greeting cards, and gifts for your dog loving friends and family. Shop now through Nov. 28th and save $15 on your purchase of $50 or more! Use coupon code: FRFAM2007

For truly unique gifts shop my original Lab paintings, sculpture and art. You will also find designs on silk scarves for wine and flower lovers and custom ideas for that special someone.

Black Lab, Yellow Lab & Chocolate Lab Christmas Cards

Start your holiday season's greetings with fun black, yellow or chocolate Labrador Retriever Christmas cards! Here is a sample of my chocolate Lab stealing Santa's Hat. You will also find yellow Labs ice skating, and black Labs sledding fast downhill. Don't worry, there are black, yellow and chocolate Labs doing all 3, as well as other funny and more traditional cards in my OtterTail Art for Dog Lovers Shop. In addition to cards I have many silly and sincere Labrador Retriever art designs on products from t-shirts to mugs, ornaments to framed prints. All will make great gifts for dog people of every age on your shopping list. If you are looking for fine art giclee prints of Labrador Retriever paintings, please visit my print-on-demand Labrador dogs and flowers gallery. You can choose from a variety of paper types and sizes or canvas and you can select to have your artwork matted and framed before it is shipped. Best of all, visit my website for original OtterTail Labrador Retriever Art.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Greeting Cards

Here is a new dog design for Christmas and winter holiday greetings. This fun Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever art was created by special request. Tollers are cute red dogs with some long hair feathering and white chest, paws, blaze and perhaps a tip on the tail. Tell you Toller lover friends to visit my shop for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever cards and gifts along with Labrador Retriever art, gifts and cards. It's getting to be that busy, festive time of year. Enjoy your holiday shopping in comfort while finding unique, original art for dog lovers by shopping online and ordering directly from the artist.

Fishing Labrador Retriever Design in Wood

We have been cutting my OtterTail Lab Art designs in wood items since 1987. This is my Fishing Dog design. Others include Diving Dog, Dog in Cattails which features birds in flight, Pheasant in the Corn, Swimming Dog, and Friends. You can see some examples of our Labrador dogs in wood on my OtterTail Labrador Art website. We use only quality hardwoods - primarily cherry, maple and black walnut, finished with a hand-rubbed oil to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. Every design is hand drawn and individually cut with a scroll saw, so we can take into account the unique grain on each piece of wood and easily customize pieces for special gifts for dog lovers. This picture shows a cherry peg rack which will be a trophy at the up-coming Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac Bare Bones Specialty 2007. Other trophies for this year's show include a black walnut peg rack with my Diving Dog design and cherry and black walnut cork boards with my 3 Friends design. These are in addition to the custom dog design tile keepsake boxes featured in this blog last month. Other wood items we make include shelves, serving trays, and our very popular picture frames.

We are happy to create custom OtterTail Lab Art pieces for gifts, trophies or your own home decorating. Please allow plenty of time when ordering as all of our dog artwork is made by hand with love and care.