Tupelo: Client Profile!

Tupelo

• Pit Bull Mix
• 4 Years Old
• Favorite Toys: Stuffed Toys and Sticks

Tupelo posing with his painting by The Pet Studio!

How did Tupelo come into your life?

I found Tupelo as a stray in the lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. At the time, I was working with a non-profit, rebuilding homes in areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. I had just finished a meeting with a homeowner when, out of nowhere, this little black dog runs over and starts jumping all over me. He was a total mess, with a cut on his left ear (you can still see the scar from that wound today), bald patches over half of his body and he was obviously underweight. 

After playing with him for awhile, I got into my car, ready to leave for the day and in hopped this dog, who made himself comfortable on my passenger seat. I felt like I shouldn't leave him, but I was not ready to just take home a dog. I coaxed him out of the car but couldn't get him out of my head as I drove home. I called my wife (well, she was my girlfriend at the time) and told her about him. The next day, we went back and picked him up. I remember holding him in my arms when we picked him up. He was filthy and smelly but at the same time, it felt incredible to be saving this dog life.

Since we rescued him on Tupelo Street, it only seemed right to name him Tupelo right then to start off his new life.

Handsome Tupelo enjoying some sun.

How has Tupelo changed your life?

As it turns out, Tupelo was a very expensive dog! He needed special baths for his mange, he had heartworms and intestinal parasites and also suffers from allergies. We also had him neutered and needed to work with him on his basic behaviors, such as house-training and how to properly go on a walk. The first few walks that I tried to take Tupelo on did not go well. He would just plop on the ground and refuse to move. Thank goodness for my wife, because she was able to show me how to be patient with him and through some work, Tupelo himself has taught me the importance of patience and sacrifice. He brings joy into our lives and we love him dearly. Everybody that meets Tupelo falls in love with him because he is sweet, charming, and sneaky in his own cute way. 

What are Tupelo's funniest quirks?

Tupelo 'talks' in his sleep, which is adorable and keeps us entertained!
We also love his Darth-Vader-like noises that he makes when he wants a taste of our dinner.

Why did you choose The Pet Studio for your custom painting?

I chose The Pet Studio because in addition to the beautiful portraits, a portion of the painting is donated back to Animal Rescue. That means a lot to me. My expectations throughout the entire experience were exceeded by the artist's professionalism, care and talent! 

"Tupelo", original 16in x 20in Painting.

Note: A 10% donation from Tupelo's portrait was donated to Grand-Paws Senior Sanctuary, a non-profit organization working primarily with large-breed senior dogs. Grand Paws rescues senior dogs from high-kill shelters to let them live our their senior years in Santuary or in one of their lovely foster homes; safe, happy and loved! To donate to Grand-Paws yourself, click here.

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Stephanie Conrad
The Pet Studio | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

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Claire, a Survival Story

Almost two months ago an amazing rescue in the Austin area, Big Dog Rescue took on a heartbreaking case involving Claire, a gorgeous white Great Dane. Claire was rescued from an abuse/neglect situation and upon being picked up by Bastrop County Animal Control, really didn't look like much of a dog. Weighing in at only 60 pounds and nearly hairless, Claire was in desperate need of medical care. 

Claire, day 1 in her new foster home.

After being taken to the Bastrop Shelter, Claire was evaluated and made such an impression on one of the staff members that they immediately picked up the phone and called Lorraine J. and Sarah T., who share the Vice-President position at Big Dog Rescue. It was quickly decided that Claire would come to BDR and move into the home of one of their fabulous Foster Parents!

Claire adjusted quickly to foster life and after receiving medical care for several issues, including 2 types of mange, horrible infections in both ears and severe malnutrition, Claire is on the road to a full recovery. She will still have a few medical issues to work with in the future, including Heartworms (a treatment plan is being set by her Veterinarian to ensure the health and safety of Claire), but all in all, a happy, healthy future is ahead for Claire!


Her foster mom, April has noted on her facebook page that Claire is a 'lap-dog' saying that, "It is one thing when a 70 pound Claire lays on top of you.... but when she is nearly 100 pounds, it gets to be a little painful! ...Time to show her that just her head on my lap will  be sufficient."

Claire in her Foster home, fitting right in with her foster family!

While Claire is looking forward to a future full of love and comfort, Big Dog Rescue is on a mission to ensure that her former owner does not have the chance to cause harm to any other animals. The Animal Control officer that found Claire was able to convince her former owner to surrender her, so Claire is no longer in any danger of landing back in the 'care' of her former owner. Unfortunately, Claire's former owner does still own animals and despite being arrested for Claire's obvious neglect, her current pets have not yet been taken from her. Claire's former owner's right to own animals will be up for discussion at her future court date. Big Dog Rescue is committed to raising awareness and continuing to fight for justice in Claire's honor.

© 'Claire'  |  8in x 10in painting by The Pet Studio

The Pet Studio is proud to support rescue organizations such as Big Dog Rescue, who are making an effort not only to dogs like Claire, but to No Kill Education all around our Austin community! This original painting of Claire is available for sale in my online store as well as a Necklace that is available for purchase! With each Necklace purchased, $4 will be donated to Big Dog Rescue to help continue their amazing rescue efforts! 

Order your "Claire" Necklace Here!

Stephanie Conrad
The Pet Studio | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

Follow The Pet Studio on Facebook!

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Visit Claire's Facebook Page: 'Foster to Forever'

Visit Big Dog Rescue

In Loving Memory of Leo

Leo, known among the Animal Rescue community for his big smile and even bigger heart, passed away last week. Leo was not only special because of the joy that he brought his family, but because he was able to show the world that dogs with a 'bad reputation' really are just good dogs looking for love and guidance. 

© 'Leo' by The Pet Studio | 11in x 14in Canvas

Leo was one of the fifty dogs confiscated from the Michael Vick Dog Fighting Operation in 2007. Even though he had a rough start to his life, Leo didn't let that slow him down. As many people, including Large Animal Welfare Organizations, waited for these dogs to fail miserably in society, Leo (as well as most of the other Vick Dogs) went on to prove that dogs with a 'fighting history' or rough past are just as loving as any other dog, they just need the opportunity to thrive!

Picture taken by Our Pack, Inc

Dr. Leo did just that! He became a certified therapy dog, spending time with seniors and hospital patients. His foster mom and founder of Our Pack, Inc is quoted on the Our Pack website saying, "I've worked with hundreds of dogs. People are drawn to Leo. I've never had a dog that was so magnetic! He has such a tender heart." She calls him her Casanova!

Leo is the essence of the American Pit Bull Terrier.. loving, loyal and kind! He was eager to please and has brought joy to so many faces, mine included! Leo's story will be shared for generations, he has helped the world to see how wonderful a dog, regardless of breed or reputation, can be! 

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As a Thank You for all that Our Pack, Inc does for the Rescued Animals in their care, The Pet Studio will be donating $2 from each sale of our 'Leo' Necklace to Our Pack, Inc until the end of the year! Order your Necklace in loving memory of Leo here.

Necklace Design 'Leo' © by The Pet Studio. 

Stephanie Conrad
The Pet Studio | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

Follow The Pet Studio on Facebook!

A Heart of Gold.

A few weeks ago, one of my contacts at SoCal Bully Rescue emailed me with a very simple request.... to replace a gift certificate that one of her foster families lost during a house fire. After chatting with my SoCal Rescue friend, I heard the story of the fire, which was started due to a malfunctioning power strip. She went on to tell me about her wonderful Volunteer that not only lost her home during this fire, but she lost her pets as well.

Twenty minutes after leaving her home to run some errands, Val V., got the terrible phone call informing her that her home was in flames. She rushed home as quickly as possible, unfortunately the fire department informed her that the fire was an extremely hot fire and sadly her 3 personal dogs, Fifi, Tonka & Talula, her daughters Min Pin, her 2 cats and her 3 foster bulldogs did not survive.

When she arrived at her home, she asked the fire fighters to bring each of the pets out and she was able to say a last goodbye. It was determined that they all passed due to smoke inhalation. 

After hearing the story (and crying my eyes out then cuddling up with my own pets for a little bit), I let my rescue friend know that she didn't need to worry about the gift certificate. Instead, I spent the next couple of nights creating 3 special pieces in memory of Val's 3 Bulldogs, Tank and Talula and her French Bulldog, Fifi.

Val, who has been a foster parent for SoCal Bully Rescue for the past 5 years was described to me as a person with a 'heart of gold'. Val is known for taking in the senior and special needs pups, which is absolutely a blessing to any rescue organization, as these pups tend to be hardest to place with a foster family. Talula (profiled below) was the pup that introduced Val to the animal rescue world. Since then, she has been hooked, and while Val loves all pets, she is particularly attracted to those that need a little more love.

At home, Val is followed around by a Conga line of dogs, her friends playfully joke that they need a camera in her house to capture all of the silly moments between her and the dogs. Even through this tragedy, Val is jumping right back in to fostering, already bringing 2 new special needs foster bulldogs in to live with her (one with demodex mange & the other a puppy who has lost the use of his rear legs). While her fosters will never replace the babies that she lost, Val knows how important it is for these dogs to have a safe place to call home while they wait for their forever family.

A few days ago on Facebook, a friend took a quote and sent it to me from Val's facebook page, "I would be blessed to be able to care for all of the doggies waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for their humans and have all of my babies with me romping around... Now that would be heaven!"

Tonka

Tonka was very special boy.  When Valwas fostering him she quickly found out that something was not right with him, he was deaf.  Val worked with him and taught him hand commands and to trust her.

'Tonka' | 12in x 12in painting by The Pet Studio

Her son was in love with Tonka and they decided to adopt him.  Tonka and Val had a special bond that you could see when they were together, whenever she took him out everyone wanted to pet the big beautiful white bully.  He was sweet boy loved being kissed right in the face by his mama.   He was also almost 6 years old. He was the boy always sleeping on the couch. : )

Tonka taking a nap, one of Val's favorite pictures.

Talula
Talula was almost 6 years old, also calledLuLu Bear she was the apple of Val's eye.  Talula was Val's first adopted Bulldog from SoCal Bulldog Rescue. and the reason she started volunteering forSCBR.

'Talula' | 12in x 12in Painting by The Pet Studio

Talula was born with one eye and the breeder dumped her off at the animal shelter to be euthanized. SCBR thought she was the perfect fit for Val, the moment Val saw her she knew that was her girl. 

Talula posing in her pink for a photo.

When you went to Val's house you knew you would be greeted by Talula as soon as you walked in the door, she would right there pawing you for a scratch. She was a short, chubby girl who snorted around the house with her smile and her super friendly personality, you couldn't help falling in love with her.  Valtook her everywhere and like FiFi everyone fell in love with her, there was not a mean bone in her body, she was pure love.

Fifi

FiFi LeWink the French Bulldog (8yrs old)was surrendered with  3 bulldogs and  a Boston Terrier by a backyard breeder who decided he was going back to work instead of selling puppies.  FiFi was in deplorable condition, covered in dirt, it took severalbaths to figure out she was an all whitefrenchie. She had rotten teeth,  dirt in her intestines and was missing in eye because of a fight she had over food at the breeders house, she lived outside her entire life. Once at the vet for a spay, it was discovered she had a condition called Megacolon.

'Fifi LeWink' | 12in x 12in painting by The Pet Studio

With a lot of TLC, special food and supplements she blossomed to be a beautiful, healthy girl. FiFi was a superstar, everyone that met her wanted to take her home, at 15 pounds she could fit in someones purse.Val always joked that she had to do purse checks before people left her house.

Photo of Fifi.

FiFi was a sweet girl she was always near her mom, either following her or sitting on her lap.  She and Val had a special bond.

To donate to SoCal Bulldog Rescue in honor of Val and her pups, Click Here.

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Stephanie Conrad

The Pet Studio | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

Follow The Pet Studio on Facebook!

An Act of Kindness

I am amazed everyday at the compassion that people can show. While Central Texas has been burning to the ground this summer and many people have lost everything, including pets, their homes and their material lives... there are so many others that are stepping up and offering what they can to help the fire victims.

Two weeks ago, a client of mine, Lisa S., offered such a special gift to share with some of the victims of the fires in this area. She purchased 2 individual paintings (she offered to purchase 3, but I asked her to purchase only 2 and I would match her donation) with the intent to give them to families that have lost everything else in the fires.

Deciding on the recipient of the first painting was a fairly easy decision. Lorraine J., a fellow rescuer in the Austin, Vice President of Big Dog Rescue, Inc and overall inspirational individual lost her home in the largest of the Central Texas fires. Lorraine had only enough time to gather her family members and her pets before being evacuated from the Bastrop area. Unfortunately, one of her cats was unable to be located and they were forced to leave Julie the cat behind for their own safety. 

Julie, lounging in the grass, before she was lost during the Bastrop Fire.

It was something of a miracle that Julie was found and rescued in the Bastrop area by the amazing rescue teams that worked around the clock. She was then transported to the Austin Humane Society, where she received care for some minor burns, scratches and cuts. Julie is now safe and back with her family. 

Julie at the Austin Humane Society after being rescued.

Lorraine has been an animal rescuer for quite some time and despite the personal loss of her home, she was heard saying, "I just want to get back to rescuing animals. That's my life."

While the victims of the fires work to rebuild their lives, mourn the loss of their homes and possibly their pets, both Lisa & I are honored to donate these paintings as a little comfort to help heal the wounds that these losses have inflicted. Our hopes are that these paintings will offer a little color and a little hope in the lives of our friends that are going through such a rough time. 

'Julie' | 8in x 10in Acrylic on Canvas

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"I have been an animal lover since I got my first cat at the age of 5.  Over the years, I have adopted 3 cats from shelters.  My first rescue, Sara, was adopted from the NV Humane Society in 1997 when she was 4 1/2.  I had the pleasure of her company for the next 13 1/2 years.  Sadly, Sara died last year.  While she will always live on in my heart, I wanted Sara to still have a place in my home, so I commissioned a local artist to paint her portrait.  The painting hangs proudly in my dining room, and I look at it and smile every day.  I hope that the portraits you paint for the fire victims will bring them the same feeling I get when I look at Sara's painting.  A photo of Sara is attached.

Sara's passing left an empty space in my heart which was later filled by two kittens, Laci and Paisley.  I love my new cats dearly, but Sara will always hold a special place in my heart -- and my home!"

Lisa S. (Donor of these wonderful gifts).

Sara (In loving memory...)

If you would like to recommend someone that has lost a pet during the Central Texas Fires, please email Stephanie Conrad, artist & owner of The Pet Studio, at thepetstudio@gmail.com. We are still deciding on the remaining 3 donation paintings and would love to hear from you.

Stephanie Conrad
The Pet Studio | Owner | Artist
www.petstudioart.com

Follow The Pet Studio on Facebook!