Fleury, Yorkshire Terrier - Part III

When Fleury came into Carol's life, information on him was very skimpy. He was an older boy (at least ten years) but his precise age was anyone's guess. Several health issues were clear, though: Fleury was overweight, had two large cysts on his neck and back, had seriously rotting teeth and bladder stones that required surgery. Blood tests showed hypothyroidism, and x-rays revealed two broken ribs. I shake my head in dismay - and imagine you are as well.

Carol addressed these issues immediately and Fleury flourished. She writes:

He had a quiet gentle demeanor and he loved everyone. He had to be checked from trying to kiss every dog that he met, no matter how large. The amount of love shown in his gazes at me were stupefying and yet reassuring at the same time. He did have a bout of pancreatitis about a year ago but pulled thorough stoically.

Yesterday was a good day to work on the foundation. The three following shots look the same, but if you enlarge them by clicking on the image, you'll see the differences. The foundation stage is never very exciting to show, but it is essential. Many layers applied and many more to come.

You might remember Beauty, Carol's gorgeous Pomeranian from a past commission. Fleury will be hanging beside her once I'm done. Go here to see the making of Beauty's portrait and to read her story.