Hello, my name is George.

A few months ago one of my students came to the studio with very exciting news.

They were getting a dog.

And not just any dog, but a dog with a lovely story.

A dog named George.

A very lucky little beagle who might not ever win grand champion of the Westminster Kennel Club, but is certainly worthy in the eyes of the three little girls, one of them my student, who adopted and love him.

George was very loved by another family first, a family who had to move to Australia and leave him behind.  A family who made sure to find another perfect family ready to give George all the love he deserved.

But maybe a little less treats.

You see, the other part of the story I have heard a lot about is the fact that George needs MANY walks because he was well, to put it politely, ample in size.

But to George's credit, he is now sporting a new slender figure since joining his new family.

But that doesn't mean George doesn't miss his treats.

So much so that when this student, who created the pastel dog portrait of an Irish Setter a couple of weeks ago decided she really wanted to do another one of her dog George, the way she got him to pose for a photograph was by offering him a treat.

Poor, pitiful George, or at least that is what he would like you to think in this picture, in hopes of getting his mouth on that treat right out of reach, life can be so unfair for a dog on a diet.

Life is unfair to an art teacher on a diet too!  I feel George's pain.

And here is George's, "Please human person, give me a treat" portrait created in chalk pastel by a 10 year old artist whose heart he has stolen...probably along with a treat or two, but who's keeping track.

"George"  chalk pastel by 10 year old

The artist was so happy as the drawing progressed.  "There's George!", she would squeal as the picture began to take shape. She has decided her favorite thing to create is portraits of her pets and so I'm quite sure after spring break, she will be exploring lots of different ways to immortalize the pets she loves so much in art.

Until then, I have no doubt that this artwork will become a family keepsake as the years go by.

A very special dog created by a very special girl.

And speaking of Spring Break, there are still a few spaces left in the camps being offered.  You can send a note to reserve a spot at Kudzustudio.com.