Tribute to Little Ava

I know the work I do is important which is one of the reasons I get up every morning. I get to help animals by providing prescribed medical care with love, compassion and confidence. I help the owners by listening to their concerns. . They know that I understand the importance of their companions and in no way do I think it's silly to consider them family members. In fact, I think it's silly not to.
And they all know I will give my honest, intuitive feelings when asked if it's time to let them go. And so it was with little Ava these past few days. She seemed to be getting more fragile and frail. There have been two falls that we know of, signs that her legs were getting weaker and probably her heart as well. But with little Ava it was hard to tell because she was so stoic. Never a complainer. Whenever she'd have a tough day, she'd rally. Iva, her Mom calls her The Comeback Kid!
Yesterday when I went over to see her I got a feeling in my gut that her time was coming. We finger-fed her some baby food and her mom started to cry because she was reminded of doing that for her last dog just before letting her go. When we talked on the phone later last night I told her mom that she might want to sleep with her, and she did.
Today it became clear to her that this was the day to let her go before any suffering began. And so it was.
Whatever your beliefs are, you know that little spirit is going to be hanging around the family for a long time to come. And she'll probably visit Iva in a dream tonight to let her know she's okay. Ava and Iva, inseparable souls.
Bless you little girl. You were a perfect patient and a sweet friend. I'll miss you.

Synchronized Sunsets

A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate to have met fellow blogger Sketched Out and her husband, Tom. They drove five hours from Southern California to meet me and to enjoy a weekend on the central coast. I happen to be one of her biggest fans in the blogsphere, and here I was about to meet her! I'm a very shy person in real life even though I may come across quite differently on the blog. Like many, I have self-esteem issues mainly based on my appearance.(Yes, I know what a waste of time that is.) On top of that, my friend came to meet me when I had major life issues going on, including the closing of Studio Lolo. In otherwords, I was not at my best!

We met at a Mexican restaurant and fell into easy conversation and laughter. It was as if we had been friends for years and we were just catching up! She and her wonderful husband were charming and engaging and made the meeting such a breeze. We went to my studio after dinner and they chose an Illustration Friday painting to take home with them, which I insisted they take as a gift. SuperHero now lives with them and I know she has a good home!

We met for breakfast the following morning before they went on their way to Point Lobos and Carmel Valley. We talked about the wonderful photo ops Tom would have as a photographer, and what places I suggested to stop for lunch and wine tasting.

When we met on our final morning together at another breakfast stop, they talked about the sunset and we each described the photos we took.( I watched the sunset that same evening down at Asilomar Beach with my dog, Emma.) So now when I look at this photo, it warms my heart to know they were sharing the same moment a little bit further up the coast.

I'll get down to their neck of the woods one day before I head back east. And I won't be preoccupied with "stuff." This time I'll be at my best.

So, thank you my friend for taking time out of your life to meet me and to bring light into a time of gloom. We'll always have this sunset!

(you can see their sunset by clicking on Tom above!)

Animal Wednesday: Life's A Beach

Fewer things make me happier than animals loving life! Here's my girl Emma at her favorite running place, Asilomar Beach. It's her job (don't ya know) to rid the beach of all pesky seabirds. You go Emmie!!

Just look at the doggy footprints that came before her. Maybe he cleared the birdies!

Happy Animal Wednesday to all you critter lovers out there. What would we do without them?

Cactus Monday again?

Here's a pic I took Saturday of my friend's prickly pear cactus. I love zooming in on the new growth! I hope to do a paiting of this and other shots I took when I find the time. Meanwhile, Happy Cactus Monday Cacuteers!

New Show, Last Show at Studio Lolo

Hello everyone! Thanks for being so patient regarding photos of the "3 Squares" show at studio lolo. These aren't the best shots, but I think you can get an idea. I think if you enlarge the pics, you'll get a pretty good view of most of them. The opening was well attended and fun, but lots of work! But alas, I believe this will be my swan song at the studio as I can't afford to keep it any longer. Also, I have applied for a veterinary job in Rhode Island and I have an interview by phone on Monday. I'll keep you posted!

So please enjoy the show...and many thanks to all who participated. I hope I sell your work before I close at the end of the month!

XOXO

Lolo

Love Your Blog Award

I was given this loving award from a very inspiring lady, Marianne from Mandalas & More. Please visit her wonderful site. She'll draw you into her life with her beautiful mandalas, her adorable furry family and her charm!

Thank you, my friend!

Hens and Chicks

I love doing extra weekly challenges that make me stop and look around. I wonder if I would have seen these Hens and Chicks blossoming if I hadn't stopped to participate in Cactus Monday? I'm sure I would have because I love being in the garden, but at least this made me slow down today so I could appreciate the simple things we sometimes take for granted.

Happy Cactus Monday Cacuteers! And remember to take a moment to stop and smell the succulents :)