As a watercolor artist and lifelong animal lover, my inspiration often comes from the four-legged companions who share my life. My dogs are more than pets—they’re family, motivation, and constant sources of laughter. Growing up with veterinarians as parents meant that animals have always been an integral part of my life. Today, I’d like to introduce you to my three furbabies, who keep me company in the studio and inspire my watercolor animal art.
Lexie: The Intelligent Protector of Dogs Everywhere
Breed: Sheltie/Border Collie Mix | Age: 8 Years | Weight: 34 Pounds
Lexie, my oldest, is the poster dog for transformation. Rescued from Gulf Coast Sheltie Rescue at 1.5 years old, she came into our lives as a wild child with no understanding of commands—or even her name. But beneath that chaos was a brilliant mind waiting to be challenged.
Through basic obedience training and some “stupid pet tricks” (like rollovers and spins), we unlocked her potential. Over time, Lexie became my service dog, trained to pick items off the floor for me. Her intelligence and drive for learning were key to her success. Now, she’s my constant companion in public and a true testament to what love and effort can achieve.
Lexie’s personality is just as entertaining as her smarts. She’s vocal, opinionated, and always knows what’s happening in the house. Her protective instincts make her the ultimate watchdog, and her hilariously judgmental expressions remind us daily that she’s practically human.
Paisley: The Mischievous Firecracker
Breed: Papillon/Pomeranian Mix | Age: 4 Years | Weight: 11.5 Pounds
Paisley is my little shadow and the dog I call “mine.” Rescued as an 11-month-old from the St. John the Baptist Animal Shelter, Paisley brought endless energy and mischief into our lives. Despite her smaller size, she has a bold personality and isn’t afraid to challenge the world around her—whether it’s darting out the door in pursuit of cat food or enthusiastically hunting lizards.
While not as sharp as Lexie, Paisley’s intelligence is evident when it comes to things like stealing food or recognizing words like “park.” I hope to channel her energy into agility training, as she loves active tasks. She’s a loyal companion, always making me laugh with her antics and brightening the studio with her vibrant personality.
Porsche: The Lovable Nutcase
Breed: Italian Greyhound | Age: 4 Years | Weight: 11.5 Pounds
Porsche is the clown of the pack, with an irresistible mix of sweetness and chaos. Adopted from friends who breed Italian Greyhounds, she found her way into our hearts despite her “wonky” ears, which disqualified her from show circuits.
Porsche’s favorite pastime? Chaos. From “got your nose” games to her signature “song of her people,” she keeps us on our toes. She’s notorious for counter-surfing and once stole vegetables straight from a pot on the stove! Yet, for all her mischief, she’s incredibly loving. Porsche spends her mornings snuggling with me before settling on my lap while I paint.
Dogs and the Creative Journey
As a disabled artist, my dogs provide more than companionship—they’re part of my artistic process. Their quirks, love, and boundless energy inspire my watercolor animal art and remind me daily of the bond between humans and animals.
Whether it’s Lexie’s loyalty, Paisley’s playful spirit, or Porsche’s lovable chaos, my dogs motivate me to keep creating, even on difficult days. They reflect the joys and challenges of life, reminding me of the importance of humor, resilience, and unconditional love.