Friday, January 23, 2009

beloved Moses


Just the other day, I went to see the movie, "Marley and me" and walked out with tears.  I had a dog growing up named "Snoopy" and remember to this day the call from my mother while I was away at college.  Snoopy was gone.  Our life with our dog Snoopy was gone, all in an instant.  I know what it feels like to lose a dog and the way you never ever forget them.
Earlier this month, I found myself here and felt compelled to draw this guy, "Moses" who is at rest and the most compelling post of the owner and Moses (January 3rd post).  I decided to draw him and his Master. I shall be posting a series of drawings that are dedicated to dogs that have gone before.  If you have a special photo of a canine (or feline) that you would like to have honored, please send me a photo. 

29 comments:

Tara said...

Patricia

I was in a packed movie house watching "M & Me" and a very LARGE man next to me was quietly reduced to tears...when the lights went up, the kleenexes were out and people were sulking towards the door!

Debra said...

Patricia~ I know your thoughtful gift will be a treasure for Moses'
Mom. I went back and read the post- tears! We have lost three beloved pups. Each one leaves it's own special void. As I write this my two are faithfully by my side and I am grateful.
Debra

Kwana said...

These are so beautiful. I've become so attached t my wild Jack that I don't even want to think that far. I'm sure the gifts will be treasured forever.

pve design said...

Tara,
I loved the way a dog closes every gap and connects a family with unconditional love.
pve

Debra,
send me photos of your pups!
pve

pve design said...

Kwana,
It seems like yesterday when Jack graced my door when you brought him home. My how they quickly become part of our world and our hearts!
pve

Courtney said...

Oh man this hits so home right now! My brother had to put down his black lab just last night and the whole family is really torn up about it. Michael's had Ollie since see was a wee pup and we've all grown up with her. She had a tumor removed from her leg and just couldn't recoup from the surgery because of her old age. So sad to see our animals in pain!

It's not been a good year for dogs in my family. My Mom, sister and brother have all had to have surgery on their dogs since Jan...and mine's been to the vet 4 times in the past 2 weeks. Oy! What a lovely way to remember these special family members. And I just love this quote someone sent me the other day:

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." - Unknown.

pve design said...

Courtney-
Oh, I am a well of tears for you. Sorry to hear about Ollie. Do send me some photos.
My heart aches for you and your family.
pve

Emily said...

Our pets are beloved. We had a wonderful English Sutter when I was little. Maggie was the best dog - so sweet. And I have a huge love for cats! We're lucky to be blessed with domestic animals - they calm and nuture us! I love the illustration you did of my sister and a friend's cat. Very sweet.

rebecca said...

That is so sweet!

I haven't seen M&Me yet. The last thing I need to be crying about this week is a dog. Maybe once this move is over and Jason's gone, I'll get out and have a good cry! Lol~

3 Peanuts said...

Patricia,

How sweet. I had a dog named snoopy as a child too and he ran away.

There is a family i know of who has nine children (not or all of them are adopted from around the world). Last week they lost their house and ALL of their belongings in a devastating fire. The very next day their beloved dog died. He was not in the fire but he died from other things. My heart BREAKS for this family. They just returned from Uganda with two orphans that they adopted.d. It would be so meaningful for them I bet to be included. If you wish, I cane-mail you a link to their blog and a photo of their dog is on it.

Kim

3 Peanuts said...

So sorry for all of the typos...my 2 year old was throwing a fit and I was trying to hurry.

Kim

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Such a sweet story. I remember the day my parents called me to tell me that my dog 'scrappy' had passed away, also when I was in college. I still have dreams about him!

Michelle said...

AWwww...so sweet. They are our family...aren't they?

I haven't seen the movie yet. I'll rent it, so I can cry!

Living the life in The Little City said...

So true. You never forget them. Sweet post.

Liz Harrell said...

I havent seen that movie yet, but I think I'll wait to watch it in the privacy of my own home.. b/c I dont like to cry and bawl like a baby in public! These are really beautiful drawings.

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

Patrica,what can I say? I am so grateful for your amazing drawings- even more amazed at your incredible generosity. I have been away from blogs and emails- and saw these late last night in my email from you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU-Cherished.Touched.
and just 2 days ago I acquired a new companion and will be posting pictures- Her name is to be ZEtTA- in remembrance of my friend and mentor Sanford Peele's beloved dachshund.

Julia said...

This is such a beautiful and thoughtful portrait!

Marnie said...

you should listen to Oprah's book group webcast on Monday night 1/26/09 - the book title is The Story of Edgar Sawtelle - about a boy and a dog

So Lovely said...

Oh thats such a wonderful idea.

I can't go and see "Marley and Me" - I know thats cowardly of me. But I read the script and that was heart wrenching enough.

North of 25A said...

How generous and kind. And to remember a loved one who has gone before is to keep them alive in our hearts! Thank you, Patricia.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Oh I do admire your bravery. I know I couldn't take that movie. Your lovely painting of Moses will certainly be treasured by those who miss him.

Leciawp said...

This is so sweet and moving. We lost a cat last summer, but no dogs.

MEADE DESIGN GROUP said...

This entry brought my little Coi Coi's memory back to life - Thanks!

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Oh Patricia...so lovely of you to pay tribute to little Moses. The painting looks amazing. I just clicked through to Little Augury (GREAT blog!) to read her Moses post, and as I said in the comment there -- we've only had our dog since March 2007 (the dog at the shelter that no one wanted...she's an old lady and everyone wants shiny new pups) and I can't imagine not having here. Makes me sad to think about, but happy to think about all the good she's brought to us.

Victoria Thorne said...

brilliant and lovely!

just posted something about peter sis art in subway, and connected to this marvelous woman, lisacat (on flickr) who has done much great work rescuing the lost and lonely in nyc. worth taking a look at her photos. you will find good inspiration there, i have no doubt.

thanks again; your work is vibrant with love

ralph and martha said...

You continue to amaze. thanks for being exactly who you are.

Mary-Laure said...

Oh, how sad, how you must have missed Snoopy...

Elizabeth said...

This is incredible work, as always, Patricia. The very idea is heartbreaking, but wonderful. You are an empathetic soul.


(Thanks for your lovely comment.)

Bradford said...

after "8 below" i'll never watch another dog movie. i just lost my little dachshund toby in august. what a nice idea.