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ARTIST'S NOTE: I framed this piece up exquisitely, and sent it to the Starkweather Gallery for their Members Show. The painting was one of the first sales of the show. I wish the purchasers many years of enjoyment with this kitty.

"Calico," 8"x16" (this is a small painting, yet is larger than lifesize!), $300. $60 from the purchase price of this piece will go to the Oakland Pet Fund, an organization dedicated to making Oakland County Michigan euthanasia free by 2010. Learn more about their mission at http://www.oaklandpetfund.org/ .

SOLD.

I wanted to give this dear little cat a better title, given the healing that she supplied me with last week (read November 28th's post on this blog, the one with the brittany portrait), but nothing came to me that didn't sound hokey or fake. So I decided to keep it simple, and titled it for both the background and her markings.

Yes, this is the calico who, in her own way, helped my son and I come to better terms with the recent loss of our Turtledove. (I have to mention, again, how grateful I am for your kindness these last few weeks - the emails and cards continue to roll in, and each is touching and so very appreciated. Your words have helped our family immeasurably, and I have learned what excellent company Turtle now keeps - for we all have dear animals who have crossed the bridge.)

Back to today's painting, though. This is a cat who loves people, with the dearest little hum of a purr, and has no problem coming right on over and politely insisting on some love. She is available for adoption through the Oakland Pet Adoption Center in Auburn Hills Michigan - one of many cats searching for their forever homes at the shelter. Her control number is 226604. The shelter's phone number is (248)391-4100.

Many of us are not in a position to adopt an animal, but we can still make a difference. Dare I suggest considering volunteering at a shelter or making a donation (food, blankets, toys, etc)? I even had a client several months ago who could not adopt, but sponsored one of the dogs profiled until it found a new home (hugs to you for being so very generous!).

As with my other paintings, this piece is available for purchase to the first buyer. Email inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com .

Any commissions booked during December 2007 of animals adopted from the Oakland Pet Adoption Center qualify for a 20% donation back to the shelter. I will do the same for any portraits booked of PAWS With a Cause service dogs. To date Painting a Dog a Day has raised over $1800 for shelters, breed rescues, and PAWs With a Cause - I would love to see that figure cap $2000 by the end of the year, which is double the goal I set this last summer. I think we may be able to do it this week......! Commission inquiries may come to ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com .

May I also extend a special welcome to my new dog-a-day readers, all of whom I was delighted to meet personally at the AKC Eukanaba Dog Show this past weekend. Welcome to the family of dog-a-day readers - I hope that you enjoy this week's shelter focus, and look forward to sharing many, many more faces with you.

Thanks, as always, for looking.
And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family,
See you tomorrow with another adorable, adoptable face.
Kim

Kimberly Kelly Santini
http://www.turtledovedesigns.com/
distinctive pet portraits
& 4-legged paintings

http://www.paintingadogaday.com/
come. sit. stay.
enjoy the art.

Founding member of the Canine Art Guild
http://www.canineartguild.com/
the gateway to canine art on the web

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