Oh dear readers, you are so wonderful. After I had to cancel my planned trip to cover the Las Vegas Home & History weekend because Astro was sick, Cathy made me a painting of my little fellow.
Cathy wrote:
Hi Pam, Awhile back you mentioned that you’d given up going to a faraway place because you needed the money for your dog to get some medical treatment. I thought it would be nice for you to get something good out of it all, in addition to just all the joy about your little puppy. So, I painted a picture of your dog for you!
Awwwww. Cathy’s painting is based on the photo I took when I super-mom made him a sweater. What a wonderful likeness! Thank you so much, Cathy, for sharing this kindness. I will consciously work to pay it forward.
Note: Astro had a nasty UTI that took lots of antibiotics to fix. He’s better now, although he now needs to go out much more often. But… don’t we all, as we get older. I also want to clarify, re Cathy’s note, that I ended up staying home due to the medical emergency of the situation, not because of the money per se. But yes, I then spent the same amount on vet bills.
When asked, I have accepted little gifts every now and then from readers, but nominal/sentimental/token value only. Thank you, all, too!
And: Thanks to everyone for your kind emails and for participating so thoughtfully in comments on the blog. 11 years in, and together, we have all kept it a happy place.
Holley says
So glad Astro is feeling better. He’s such a cute little guy and serves as quite the Mascot for your website.
Mary Elizabeth says
Sorry you missed your trip, but glad Astro is feeling better. Due to my life-long slight reading disability (and yes, I became a writer anyway), I read “although he now needs to go out much more often” as “although he now needs to go to church more often,” which gave me pause.
Jay says
Glad to hear your little smoochie pants is feeling better
Eartha Kitsch says
Aww! That’s great!
Karin says
I’m so happy to hear Astro is better. What a lovely gesture from a talented artist.
Nancy says
Such a lovely gift and sweet painting of little Astro. Does your gift-giver paint portraits on commission? If she does, I’d love to have her contact info. If she doesn’t, that makes this gift straight from the heart even more special. I love that the sweater you made him compliments his coloring so well.
Carol says
I would like to know the same thing. She did a beautiful job! What a kind gesture.
CarolK says
What a lovely and cool picture of Astro! And what kindness for Cathy to paint that for you! I’m glad that Astro is on the mend. We all hurt when our furbabies are sick.
Robert McClure says
That is the most sweetest thing ever Pam! 🙂
Susan Halla says
I am so glad to hear that Astro is on the mend! He’s such a little cutie.
And that painting is so wonderful! You are so kind, Cathy.
carolyn says
He looks happier in the painting than the “Aw, Mom” sweater photo.