To Honor Taffy's Life, We Rescued Kiah

Our little gift from God. . .meet Kiah: (youtube video)

Summer Commissions. . . . Golden Retriever Portrait in OIL

I've been truly blessed this summer with a number of commissions which helps so much with Taffy's continued treatment for bone cancer! This is a piece I just finished of a beautiful Golden Retriever. If you are interested in having a portrait done feel free to contact me and/or visit my website at Studio Lara I am running a Limited Special for 5x7 portraits on canvas panel for $65 or $100 on stretched canvas or 8x10 portraits on canvas panel for $125 or $150 stretched canvas. Larger sizes are available on my website.

God's mercy & compassion...

Yay! The cancer has not spread to Taffy's legs or lungs :)) He has a bit of arthritis in his back, but we are going to be sure to keep walking him & he has pain meds he takes already...he will be starting back on oral Neoplasene & we are going to try & leave the cone collar off this week & see how he goes. Thank you God for your mercy & compassion towards all creatures great & small...for giving Taffy a fighting chance at life...most dogs would not survive this aggressive cancer & yet you are sparing his life to show others who may not believe, that miracles can & DO happen! Taffy is living proof! ♥ :D

Taffy's Ongoing Battle Against Bone Cancer...

Thought it was time for another video...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQlthHfcY20

Destroying the Tumor & Saving Taffy's Life...

We went to the Oncologist today & they injected the bone with Neoplasene and the tumor some more...it ruptured this afternoon which is good! It will continue to drain & eventually fall off & only leave healthy tissue behind. Praying his eye will be ok...but praying more that his life will be saved! God, we need a miracle.

We Have Hope!. . .Taffy's Battle with Osteosarcoma

Back from the Oncologist and feeling SO hopeful! She injected Taffy's tumor with something called Neoplasene which is from a bloodroot plant. It will destroy the cancer cells and leave the good cells alone. Next week she will also implant some into the bone itself, where the cancer originated from. A dog that had worse bone cancer than Taffy survived by using this treatment! You can read the article here: Oral Cancer in Dogs So grateful to Dr. Greear and Advanced Veterinary Care Group for everything they have done in giving Taffy a fighting chance! :))

P.S. You can see how this stuff works here, it's kinda fascinating! : http://www.buckmountainbotanicals.net/pdf/clinical_guide.pdf 

Doberman Portrait in Oil by Lara Harris

I've been juggling a number of commissions the past few weeks & this is one I have completed...a beautiful Doberman portrait that will be given as a gift. If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup feel free to contact me and/or visit my website at Studio Lara.com

Still Holding On...

 So the latest with Pepper is that my parents are bringing her in for iv fluids the next 2 days (they did yesterday) & trying to feed her tablespoons of food...she did have 4 Tbsp. today & has gone for a walk in the woods so staying cautiously hopeful. Thank you for your continued prayers. ♥

Still Holding Our Breath...

The blood work came back with not so great news...Pepper has a kidney infection & her kidneys are only functioning at 25%. We were prepared to say goodbye, but the vet wants to try & clear up the infection and then see if using medications & a special diet will give Pepper some more time with us. Time will tell...we are cautiously optimistic as she has started to eat a little bit after not eating for several days, but we will just have to wait & see. Fingers, toes, & paws crossed that this is not 'that time'...we just aren't ready to let go. Thank you to everyone for your warm thoughts & prayers!

I'm In!...My Dalmation Painting is in the Art Show at the Dog Show in Kansas!

 

Just wanted to share the good news that this piece will be on its' way shortly to the 2011 Art Show at the Dog Show in Kansas! Fingers, toes, & paws crossed it wins! If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup, feel free to contact me and/or check out my website at Studio Lara.com

Dalmation Pup on Red Vintage Suitcase...Entry for the 2011 Upcoming Art Show at the Dog Show

This is one of 4 paintings I have entered into the upcoming Art Show at the Dog Show 2011 in Kansas. I will know in February if any have been accepted so stay tuned! If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup, feel free to contact me and/or visit my website at www.studiolara.com.

Golden by the Pool...Pet Memorial Portrait

This was a commissioned piece for Christmas of a Golden Retriever who passed away a few months ago. My customer wanted me to create a special piece that would capture the spirit of this beloved Golden and be a lasting tribute for her boyfriend. I was given three photos to work from and was able to create just such a piece! If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup, feel free to contact me or visit my website at studiolara.com

Westie Winter Wonderland Painting in OIL by Lara

It seems hard to believe that there is less than 8 weeks now until Christmas, but alas it is true! A pet portrait would make a grreat gift idea or a custom winter portrait like MacIntosh here! If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup feel free to contact me!

Beautiful Cosette...Saint Bernard Portrait in OIL

("Cosette," Private Commission, 

5"x7", oil on canvas panel)

It was a true pleasure painting this portrait of Cosette...this is her touching story shared by her Mom:

 In August of 2006, our veterinarian called to say that he had just done a surgery on a beautiful 6 year old Saint Bernard, who was now homeless. He went on to explain that the owner did not want to pay for or take care of this dog following a simple bladder surgery and suggested that the Vet "put her down." The dog's owner went on to say that he was always away and she spent most of her days and nights by herself. Her name was Dog. The Vet told him he would not put the dog down, as she was healthy other than needing this surgery. He would, however, find a home for her, if the owner would relinquish custody to him. Fortunately, this is exactly what he did.

 And so the Vet instantly thought of us and wondered if we would like to have another Saint join the 2 we already had, Nanette and Alexis, also rescues. I was skeptical, but still, couldn't get her out of my mind. On the way home from work, I pondered over names we would give her should we decide to bring her into our family and 2 popped into my head immediately: Sophie and Bernadette.

 After days of discussion, we decided to at least have a look at her. The Vet told us that she was going to a Foster Home until a family could be found and to contact the office to make arrangements to see her. I did so, and spoke to a very friendly and warm receptionist who just raved about her. I told her I couldn't believe that the Saint's name was "Dog" to which she replied, "I know. We have been calling her Sophie." That didn't get past me. Then I asked the name of the Foster Mom and where she lived. "Her name is Bernadette Huard and she rescues dogs all the time." In a span of 3 minutes, the 2 names I'd considered a few days before were mentioned. I knew that this was no accident. I knew this dog was going to join our family. And she went home with us the first time we visited her.

 She had no socialization skills and often looked on at others while sitting by herself. She was incredibly beautiful, soft facial features with a lovely mask, but a strong body composition. Ironically, we did not give her either of the 2 names that had been so strongly suggested in my mind. I came to realize that was a sign. We decided on Cosette, the orphan foundling from "Les Miserables" who had such an empty start in life, but fulfilling days once adopted. She lives up to her name.

Custom Pet Portrait ...Westie, Daschund, & Labrador Retriever Painting in OIL

A large private commission just finished last night...3 pups kicking back and relaxing on a couch :) Feel free to contact me if you would like a portrait done of your pup or visit my website: studiolara.com

Bernese Mountain Dog Pet Portrait in OIL

Another portrait of an adorable Bernese Mountain Dog named 'Mosby'...I just love his soft expression in this piece. You almost want to ask 'a penny for your thoughts?' :) If you are interested in having a pet portrait done feel free to contact me!
 10% will be donated to Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue.
(*photo used with permission, flickr id: jtscanlon )

Saint Bernard Painting in OIL

A customer recently asked me to paint a Saint Bernard to go along with the Bernese Mountain Dog painting below that she purchased & I was more than happy to oblige! Just love the soulful eyes & sad (or possibly bored) expression! If you are interested in having a pet portrait done feel free to contact me.

Meet 'Mosby' the Bernese Mountain Dog...Portrait Painting in OIL by LARA

 This is 'Mosby,' an adorable Bernese Mountain Dog! I just love their coloring! Available on ebay at 9pm EST.If you are interested in having a pet portrait done, feel free to contact me! 10% will be donated to Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue.
(*photo used with permission, flickr id: jtscanlon )

Someone STEALING my ART!! on Etsy

Artists be aware! The listing below was brought to my attention today, someone on etsy created a listing with MY painting above, asking another artist to COPY!! MY painting but for less money! Can you believe the audacity??! This is beyond copyright infringement and just plain sickening if you ask me! I have contacted etsy & will be checking to make sure this item is removed by this evening at the latest! And how sweet of them to have the deadline on my birthday!
Oil Panting of Westie Atop Vintage Suitcase posted 6/13/2010 , expires 7/4/2010 I'm looking to buy an oil painting on stretched canvas that is identical (or at least very similar) to this one: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBJMoflpR18QtMzNhvbLLMhx-z_SiUxt83sTKlCgS4BT_QUipGweWYP2jhOq53heWY0jpvI87so4boQVzO4TEfpxxjkTrBnekCHkfvZyo2Dxt3NsyNS7c8B9uq-r_yf2K2boZZG_LpGAN/s400/WestieAtopVintageCaseBLOG.jpg Please let me know in your bid what you would charge for such a piece (the price I have in this listing is just a placeholder since I know everyone's bids will vary greatly) and also what size you are bidding. I am open to any size between 11x14" and 18x24". The deadline date I listed above is the date by which I would like to have the piece in my hands. I realize this may be a stretch so if it is not possible to finish it by that date I can probably be a little flexible. In your bid, please include the price to ship the piece to Virginia. Thanks and I look forward to reviewing your bids! Materials: oil paint, stretched canvas Tags: westie, dog, oil painting, canvas Ideal price: $1.00 Deadline: Jul 19, 2010 Quantity: 1 Ship To: Fairfax, VA 22033 United States Images: (click to enlarge)

CSN Stores $50 Giveaway!!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! THANK YOU!!

CSN Stores has over 200 amazing online stores where you can find almost anything you need whether it be a sofa or a suitcase, 

a dog bed or a cookie sheet! 

To enter to win a $50 Gift Certificate to CSN Stores:

1) Visit their site by clicking here

and leave a comment here telling me 

what you might spend the $50 on!

For Extra Entries:

2) Become a follower of my blog, 

leave a SEPARATE COMMENT telling me so.

3) Post about this giveaway on your Blog,

leave a SEPARATE COMMENT telling me so, with

a link to the blog post.

4) Post about this giveaway on Facebook,

leave a SEPARATE COMMENT telling me so,

& friend me (Lara Harris :)

5) Grab my Blog Button & post it on your sidebar

with a link to My Blog :)

6)  Become a follower of my other blog, 

A Vintage Touch, 
leave a comment telling me so!

Good luck! :)

**Winner will be chosen  Monday, June 7th!**

I SO apologize for not posting this yesterday! It completely slipped my mind, but the 

**winner of the $50 CSN Stores Giveaway **

is #8 clustres!! Thank you to everyone who entered, posted, tweeted, etc.! Be sure to check back in the future for other grreat giveaways! God bless!