Charlie and Rosco - Commissioned Portraits

I'm interupting my work with Agatha Christie's portrait to start on a new commission. Besides, the book on which she will be painted on is thicker than usual and waiting a few more weeks to make sure it's completely dry will be a good thing.

Diane is the proud owner of these two hansome boys. They were rescued dogs, one from the Kismutt Small Dog Rescue Shelter and the other one through good samaritains that came across a bitch and her pups in dire need.

Charlie: Diane fell in love with Charlie on-line, through the Kismutt/Pet Finder site. Charlie came from an Amish puppy mill. His little angel face was what caught Diane's attention. A three month old Bichon/Poodle mix puppy, too old to be sold in pet stores and too young to be a breeder, he would have been destroyed had it not been for Kissmutt. Four years later, Charlie has grown into a big, strong, healthy boy, with a sweet, gentle and friendly personality. His curls are so tight that they feel like a soft woolly carpet and he is remarkably white. But like a typical little boy, he doesn't stay clean for very long and will get into trouble by destroying things - boys will be boys. I bit of a scardy cat, he will hide behind Rosco when he feels insecure, but will be very brave when confronting the vaccuum cleaner. He has a suitcase full of toys which he will sit in for a "time out" and will whimper until he gets some attention. A few things he really enjoys are going out, belly rubs, napping in front of the fire place and, of course, his beloved mama, Diane.

Rosco: This silvery hair Shitzu/Poodle mix is six years old and has been with Diane since he was a little pup of 12 weeks. His mother had been found abandoned, in a bush area, on a property that belonged to one of Diane's friends. She was pregnant and gave birth to Rosco and two other pups. The owners of the property kept the mother, but had to find homes for the pups. Diane had recently lost her beloved 12-year-old dog Molly. In her words: "I really didn't want a small dog, a black dog or a male dog. That's what I got and I couldn't be happier with him." Rosco is Charlie's big brother in every way. He is sweet and shy, but at the same time, he is strong and confident. A real introvert, he enjoys the company of people and other dogs, but after a little while, he will want his peace and quiet. At times, he can be very energetic, running and playing, but then it's time for serious business like surveying the yard attentively and looking outside the window for any possible intruders. Just a few things Rosco loves is his round doughnut bed, his daily walks, the warmth of the fire place and last but not least, like Charlie, his mama Diane.

Diane's attentive care and unlimited love for her dogs is priceless. In her words: "... my boys are my babies, and although they are usually naughty, they try their hardest to please me. They are also very patient with any foster dogs I have brought into the house."

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