For all the man's best friend in the world

Buckly, my loyal friend of 16 years (1999-2015). I love how I lost count the number of walks we had taken, and showers I tricked him into. I love this painting because it showcases his always happy and cool personality.

I love dogs since I was a little, curious of animals of all sorts. A dog's unconditional love for people was what captured and stole my heart. Finding Buckly from an animal shelter in Denver CO was my own selfish mission to find another puppy to love and cuddle with. Though very quickly I realized my mission was to provide Buckly the same happiness and love in which he showed me every single day, of 16 years.

I painted this picture of Buckly because this photo really captured the carefree and happy personality he always had. Popular compliments of Buckly were friendliness, loves to lick faces and superb gentleness. Though they are all entirely accurate descriptions of him, but would not be mine words to Buckly.

Each time I look at this painting of Buckly I think about his strength, his strength to outlast me on every one of our fetch sessions (Buckly thinks he was an Olympic fetcher). I remember of his relentless attention to me, no matter how bright the sun was that day, he made sure he was looking right into my eyes. I respected his huge amount of patience with me, never complained on days I may have slept in and had to get him late lunch...

This painting is a tribute of thanks to my bestie Buckly, because he taught me how to love unconditionally and inspired me to be a better dog's best friend.