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The Leash Holder of Belonging
Not every gift begins as a plan; some begin as a rescue. Nori’s story started on a snowy Christmas Eve, found shivering on Norwood Avenue with no tags, no chip, and no home. My sister-in-law carried her in from the cold, posting notices and searching for an owner. None ever came forward. But in that in-between space — where fate holds its breath — Nori found Chris. My mother-in-law had never had a dog before, but sometimes love arrives uninvited and undeniable. From the moment their lives touched, they became inseparable. This keepsake was painted for Chris, a way of honoring not only Nori’s face but her place in the…
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Zoey, the Pop of the Block
Every neighborhood has its heartbeat — the friendly face that makes the sidewalks warmer and the afternoons brighter. For ours, it’s Zoey. Curly fur bouncing, eyes always bright with mischief, she’s the kind of pup who turns an ordinary walk into a parade. Kids wave, neighbors smile, and Al can’t take three steps without someone calling out her name. She’s more than a dog; she’s a local celebrity. This portrait was painted to match that larger-than-life presence. A 16×20 canvas became her stage: bold yellow background, brushstrokes alive with movement, her dark curls rendered in layered acrylics so they almost leap from the canvas. Across it, “ZoZo” blazes in bright…
