Where Oh Where Has MY LITTLE DOG GONE?

"Lonely Boxer" based on my Boxer, Coda, Susie Caron

Where Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone
Susie Caron (C) 2021

My Little Dog was gone! Upon return home from a short visit on my Grand Father’s farm, Blacky was gone. At 3&1/2 years old I felt beyond devastated. I’d named him Blacky, and we were buds. He was my comfort, my confidant, and my companion. Tears & anger were not enough to bring him back.

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Susie with her Buddy she named Blacky.

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My toddler legs took me outside to look for him. I called his name daily from my porch, backyard, out near the street and sobbed on my bed at night.  Days went by but no little black dog came to lick tears from my face. 

My parents tried to comfort me saying, “He ran after the car when you left for Pop’s farm.” This backfired as my wailing intensified. My toddler heart felt guilty for leaving him behind. Apparently, my parents found such grieving too much for them.  They never offered me another dog. 

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Susie Caron with her dog Coda, she trained as a psychotherapy dog.

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​Decades later, I learned losses like that follow us through our lives and play out in our behaviors. I knew I could never replace my Blacky. However, over decades of adult life, I’ve looked for, lived with and loved many pets. They filled my heart, gave me companionship and unlimited, unconditional love.
 
Of course, there is no replacing a pet. Each one has unique features, personality, and the way they love and live with you.  You fall in love with them, but a pet’s time with you is always too short and you wish they lived much longer.

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After retirement, I began painting several of our current and past pets. The process gave me unexpected pleasure as each one appeared to ‘come to life’. Framed and displayed in my home I felt like they were back, surrounding me with their love and life.   It occurred to me that other people may like to see their pets this way too.  I gathered photos from family members and friends and gave a few paintings away. Soon after, I found myself engaged in a new way to serve - by creating pet portraits for customers so they could keep their pets forever too.

Want to know how you might get a custom pet portrait?
Contact me: art.susiecaron@gmail.com for your free, no obligation phone chat.
Or visit my web Home page: https://www.susiecaron.com  right on this web site.

Let me know what you think about this article in comments below.
I can't wait to connect with you and learn about your special pet.
​Susie Caron

                                     "The unconditional love of a pet is a gift to treasure forever.”

Framed Acrylic Pet Portrait of Susie Caron's Boxer Josie.

Pet Portrait "Siamese Cat & Post" by Susie Caron based on her Siamese Cat "Scratch."