Studio Pets
 

Linda Brandon suggested the topic of "studio pets" on another thread. I'm more than happy to start this off, since my zoo is such an important part of life and art.

Before I overwhelm the thread with my dogs and cats, I'll let someone else start. In the meantime I'll be looking for the perfect photos of my best friends. :)

Jean

The Critic
 

another critic.

Jean

Well here they all are, hopefully they will load in the right order.

First we have the miracle kitty, Snickers. We found her in our backyard in -30 degree weather, her feet, ears and parts of her tail were frozen. She couldn't walk for almost three months, so lived in my pocket. She sits on my shoulder while I paint.

Next, Gypsy my son's German Sheperd.

Judo, the old man of the bunch (18 years old).

Last, my dog Zoetrope. Her name means "life", and she is my therapy dog. She is always at my feet or around me when I paint. Sometimes she rests her head in my lap, while Snickers is on my shoulder.

Jean

Topsy
 

I just could not resist posting Topsy's in my studio. Before having kids I thought they would sit and play with wooden blocks on the floor while I was painting and keep me company.
Now, three sons later, when I retire to my studio upstairs dodging footballs and swords, Topsy sits patiently with me and I am happy
Ilaria

My Senegal parrot
 

I hesitate to post this photo of my scruffy parrot in case Cynthia is awarding a "Cutest Pet" monetary prize.

Tikki was banished to my studio on the grounds of shrieking and excessive mess-making; pretty much the same reasons I've been spending so much time there. :)

He's very affectionate with me, though.

Linda, is this the parrot who took a dive into the lead? If so, I think he deserves the award for the bravest in the face of danger.

Jean

My shadow
 

I couldn't resist either.
Although this photo was taken a couple of years ago when she was just a kitten, my little "Tequila" is never more than 10 feet away from me at all times (except when she ventures into the back yard for her second favorite pass time - catching cocroaches, crickets, scorpions,hummingbird moths, lizards, birds, snakes, and anything else that moves).

Mr. Meow
 

Here's my little buddy. His name's Mr. Meow, seven years old, but he'll always keep me company at 3am.

Linda
 

Tikki is fabulous!. And the pose was so strikingly familiar, I just couldn't resist.