Danny Boy, one of our two dachshunds, is the lovable face that I have attached to all of my artwork.  He is a large male Wirehaired Dachshund with a carefree demeanor that never fails to put a smile on our faces, but this portrait, “Waitin’ For My Buddy,” was inspired by his forlorn facial expression when our youngest son, Zack went away to the University of Texas.

 

Danny was given to Zack as a 3-year-old who needed a loving home.  When they met, Zack’s heart immediately went out to him.  Although he was shy at first, Danny realized that Zack was the one who was always there to take care of him, and Zack enjoyed the responsibilities of being the provider for his dog.  They developed a bond that can only be found between a man and his dog.

 

Danny was from show stock, but definitely not a show dog. He can turn his head around like an owl, he has webbed feet, his shoulders are a little too far to the front and broad, making his gait a bit too joyful (we think it's cute).  He is solidly at the top of his standard in both weight and length, but he doesn’t realize it when he’s rough-housing with his sister, Noel, or taking flying leaps into our laps.  He may not be the cleverest dachshund in the world, but he has the unconditional and unabashed outpouring of love and affection that makes him Man’s Best Friend.

 

When our son first went to UT in Austin, Texas, he had us keep him until he could make sure of Danny's place there with him. I drew Danny's portrait to keep Zack company until he could take him along. Well, Zack found a young girl who he decided to marry, but when Danny was finally taken to live with them, he didn’t exactly approve of her!  He piddled every time she would pet him and that kept a nice bond from developing between them. So Zack had a choice to make: keep the wife or Danny.  Naturally, we got Danny back and Zack kept the drawing and his wife, which worked out well for both of us.  Having raised three boys, we’re not sure what we would have done if he had decided to keep Danny and sent his wife to us!

 

 

 

That face of Danny launched my career as a portraitist. I just dickered with my art in comparison to what I am doing now.  That is why, no matter what I may do that may be and is better, that is the face that is on all my material, and deemed my logo/trademark.  Even though he often requires his fair share of forgiveness, we still love that dog.  I feel God used his presence to take me where I would not have thought to go without him.