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"Naughty Nadia," 6" x 8", commissioned jack russell terrier pet portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!).

Nadia is another member of the now infamous terrier family that I'm painting this week. She literally was dropped at my client's place of business by a family headed for vacation. They didn't want to kennel her, and would have her put down if my client (who we've established in a prior posting has a reputation for liking Jack Russells) wouldn't take her. They could not open their hearts or their home fast enough for this little girl.

While the rest of the dogs in her family carry a sense of entitlement, Naughty seems genuinely grateful for all kindnesses that come her way - food, love and shelter. Even after three years of consistant love and care. She's such a dear soul who, like so many others, did not deserve the rough start she got in life. Naughty lucked out, though, in the end, and got the happy ending she deserved.

The story gets even better - something I neglected to mention earlier this week - proceeds from the sale of Naughty Nadia's painting and all the others this week will benefit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Perhaps you've seen the sanctuary on the National Geographic channel, where Dog Town airs. Dog Town is a program highlighting dogs the shelter aids through veterinary care and proper training - you can check your local listings, but around these parts it airs on Fridays at 9pm.

Best Friends Magazine, published by the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, profiled the Painting a Dog a Day project in their July 2007 issue. Conversations with their editorial staff spurred me into developing Animal Welfare Week, where for the first full week of each month I profile animals from shelters, rescues and service dog organizations. I then donate proceeds from the paintings' sales back to the subjects' respective hosts.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary will be February's Animal Welfare Week partner.

But in the meanwhile I have been donating proceeds of commissioned portraits stemming from Best Friends Magazine's readership back to the animal sanctuary. To date Best Friends Animal Sanctuary has received almost $1500 in donations from the Painting a Dog a Day project!

That speaks volumes about you, my readers, clients and friends. Thank you on behalf of all the animals who are, and who will, benefit from your support!

Thanks, as always, for looking.
And for sharing these paintings with your friends and family!
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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