05-DEC-2009
The Magical Shot of her now....through the Storm Door
This is the image used in all the renditions of Tess in this gallery, she looked great, it was like a dream.........nothing of the ugly tumor showed, nothing. Amazing!! You can see the steam from her breath on the lower half of the door.
05-DEC-2009
The Dog of our Dreams
For most of her life Tess did not have white highlights around her face, she was soft, kind and loving.
26-SEP-2009
The Puppy who got into Almost Everything
The hope here is to depict boundless energy......everything got chewed. The lines are intended to transcend her current state visually and to introduce some of that chaotic pup energy.
05-DEC-2009
At Seven she was Strong and Tireless
She climbed mountains with us, to Blueberry Ledges, up Chocorua in New Hampshire or running with me around Arlington.
26-SEP-2009
Five Years Later, Time had Taken its Toll
05-DEC-2009
Struck by Cancer
At 12 years and 3 months she was diagnosed with inoperable osteosarcoma in her cranium. We are so sad.
Getting the beautiful picture of her with snowflakes on her head led me to see what I could do with that image to first show something of the progression of her life, and second, through the use of Photoshop, to convey something of her wonderful qualities. She is truly one of a kind.
05-DEC-2009
The Mindreader
Tess is quiet but she knows what we think, certainly at times. We could be upstairs discussing whether we would go for an evening walk. If we decided not and went downstairs, she would most likely be simply sleeping. If we decided yes we would.....she would be standing at the bottom of the stairs wagging her tail, clearly excited about what was next.
26-SEP-2009
She has a Big Heart and a Deep Heart
Notice how the red in this is concentrated around her shoulders and chest, and notice al the lines. The heart is the second organ to show neural activity in the embryonic state. When I first saw her as a puppy I was deeply affected by, not only her affection, but the way her eyes conveyed understanding, feeling. Her heart is warm, even now. When my second son Tristan returns from University she welcomes him home. Her heart is an example for all of us, give love unconditionally.
05-DEC-2009
A Mud and Water Dog
Many times walking with her on a trail we would come across a swampy muddy patch. She bounded for it.....the deeper she could find herself, the better she was pleased. Happily she is just as fond of water. I carefully planned our walks so that the water came after the mud. That way I could go back into my house without running the risk of being severely reprimanded!!! She was clean!
26-SEP-2009
In Spite of the Fact that She is Adored, She Remains Unpresumptious
At every meal she comes to my right hand side, lies on the carpet and scrutinizes me as I eat. Should I glance at her, she averts my gaze by looking toward the carpet. She may have eaten earlier or maybe she will eat after us. Regardless, she always has been quietly deferential.
