Weekend for pets

As my canine friend, Abby, would say, Woooooo! The NW Pet & Companion Fair in Portland was so much fun!

And if our housing situation didn’t limit us to a single dog, we would have adopted at least one friend for Byron. How can there be so many nice looking, well-mannered dogs that still need a good home?

I was heartbroken to find that after a weekend of looking incredibly cute and proudly showing off his big ears, little Aiden (I’m pretty sure that’s his name) from the Humane Society of Southwest Washington still had not found a family to love him. We first saw him Sunday morning, when he padded past our booth with a huge grin. Joel knelt down and received a face-full of doggy kisses. I scratched his head and admired the asymmetrical white blaze on his muzzle. He looked at us with an expression that said, “I found you! You guys are the ones!!!” Byron got up from his bed to see for himself, and responded with excited tail wiggling.

How could someone not want to take this little guy home?
He is so sweet!

The lucky volunteer who led him around all afternoon was surprised too. She said, “He’s just such a good dog!” And he sits pretty well for photos, too, don’t you think? I can’t stop thinking about him.

Aside from many hopeful, adoptable pets, the place was packed with dogs of all breeds who came to sample homemade organic treats, purchase the latest toys, try out dock-jumping, and socialize with other pooches. A few of the dogs had quite an impression on me.

Here is Harvey. At first he was shy…well, tired. But he’s a therapy dog. Even if he’s tired, he is determined to make people happy. He came right over with his friend Amber, and they leaned into me while I rubbed their ears and told them how beautiful they were. Harvey has melt-your-heart golden eyes and the softest ears of any dog I have ever known. Sorry, Hallie, yours are the second softest.

This little pup gets the award for the nicest posture. She had a graceful gate and listened well to her trainer. When they paused for some obedience lessons she sat very straight, ears forward, and performed each command perfectly. Even while relaxing, like when I photographed her, she looked very regal.

The folks at the bulldog rescue trucked in a huge leather couch so their dogs would have maximum comfort. And the dogs definitely took advantage of it between their rounds. Every time I passed by, one or two people would be sitting on the couch, with bulldogs draped over their laps. Those who couldn’t get a spot on the couch managed to make nests in the fleecy dog beds. No need for an eye pillow, when you can cover your eyes with your own wrinkles!

The dogs weren’t the only ones exhausted after a busy weekend. We had a constant flow of visitors at our pet portraits booth. Joel and I worked together to introduce people to my art work and answer questions about the portrait process. Byron patiently represented me, looking cute when I pointed him out after showing his portrait. This was the first time I had exhibited my work at an event like this, and it was wonderful to get so much interest and many positive comments. The other vendors were great. We visited each other’s booths, establishing connections, sharing advice and information, and just chatting about our pets.

See my complete set of pet fair photos here.