There is a very special story behind this painting. At the 2014 National I was approached by
this cute 15 year old junior handler, Emily, who was just learning to show dogs. She didn't have her own Irish yet, but was
showing dogs for others to learn the ropes.
She was so smitten with my artwork that she secretly commissioned me to
paint her mother's dog as a gift.
Shortly after speaking with Emily, her mother approached me. She wanted to commission me to paint Emily's
first Irish setter once she had it. Oh
gee - what to do. Funny thing is, this
has happened to me before. So, I knew
what to do - I said yes to both of them and
would figure it out later.
Eventually, I told Emily's mother what was going on and we
all laughed about it. Her mother wanted
me to keep the secret from Emily and let Emily think she was
commissioning me when in actuality, the painting would be for Emily.
Now it is 2015 and Emily has her first Irish Setter, his
name is Major. Emily is so in love with
this pup. I was able to meet him in Georgia and can
easily see why she loves him so much.
This pup has such an amazing personality, he even let a 3 year old stack
him (Major is pictured below with his breeder's granddaughter).
I asked Emily to share her thoughts about Major and this is
what she told me;
Major is a fun loving, happy dog who has
never met a stranger. He is My Heart Dog. I have never loved a dog like I love
him. He, at a young age, went to a nursing home and did amazingly well
for a puppy. I plan on getting his CGC next year and hopefully he will be
a Champion next year too. He is one of those dogs you meet and he leaves an
impression on you.
Thank you to Emily and her mom, Tammie, for letting me be
part of your family and create this painting for ya'll. I look forward to watching Emily and Major
in years to come.
And of all the coincidences, her pup Major is out of
Harmony, who is a litter mate to Drew (our male and Bling's father). So Bling and Major are cousins. Just a crazy coincidence.