I have sketched many versions of my precious boy Bosley, but none were cartoon like. I am still trying to find the right style for capturing his good looks.

I shopped around for illustrators and realized that I simply can not afford one. I received several price quotes, but the average was $5000 for 8 - 10 illustrations. Some said they would "work with me" and start with "three poses for $1500". Um.....no thanks!

Besides, the thought of having to add an illustrator's name to Bosley's project made me feel weird. He is my dog and this is my project and no one knows him like I do! It was then, at that moment, that I realized I would work hard to refine my art abilities and try, try, try until I felt I was representing Bosley the right way.

I had been wanting a Maltese for a while. Growing up, my first dog was a Maltese. Jingles. We had him two years then he went to live at my grandma's house.
      I kept saying I wanted a cute little white fluffy cloud puppy, that would want to be with me all of the time, snuggle and cuddle on my lap and preferably a boy dog.
       By chance I called Petsmart, they said they didn't really get Maltese pups in, but to stop  by at 11:00 am. There was going to be a Shih Tzu litter for adoption. So we went....

In that litter was ONE all white pup. I said "that's the one I want!" He was a boy too!! We adopted him and took him home.
     He was tiny. He slept with me for two months straight. We were inseparable. At his first vet appointment, I asked the Doctor what kind of dog he was. His mother I knew was a rat terrier, but the vet said it's possible for the litter to have two fathers and that Bosley definitely WAS a maltese!!

This is how he slept, every night. Curled up on my shoulder.