Illustration Friday: Celebrate

After my dog Rat died I wanted to create something to celebrate his life. I made this funny little card that is house shaped and a little Topanga stamp to fit on the chimney. This card is a love letter to Rat. A month to the day he died a little black cat showed up every night and he would pop in through our cat door and bite my toes urging me to feed him! I named him Tar, Rat spelled backwards because he is black as tar. I found out his real name is Red and he has a wonderful family.When you open the door to this card Red or Tar is sitting there to greet you. I wanted Rat to know that this cat was checking up on me every night and that I was ok. I sent it out into the world and maybe it found it's way into someone's heart. My submission for Illustration Friday's "Celebrate" theme is a handmade card celebrating the life of my faithful companion.

I hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day and celebrate your loved ones.

copyright 2008 Valerie Walsh

My little Rat boy 1995-2008

Rat (Ratty boy) Hartmann July 1995- July 5, 2008.

Our little sweetheart brought us joy, laughter, companionship, love, hope, contentment, strength, worry and he gave my small world a deeper meaning. He landed in my life by way of a little barn where my mom rode her horses in Washington. I brought him to Topanga and we have had the most wonderful times. Every where we went, people say " Hi Rat!" because of his memorable name and his happy and loving spirit.On December 1, 2008 he went into heart failure and his life was saved by Dr. Steve Weinberg, Viagra and the amazing Docs at City of Angels Animal Hospital. It gave him 6 more months and I will forever be grateful. My only regret is we had to part but I know we will meet at the Rainbow Bridge . I love you forever Ratty Boy. I always felt lucky because of you.

Rat

Rat loves bones! About once a month I go to Topanga Creek Mkt. and I buy Rat a big ol bone. He takes it to his special place. If you could see under the ivy it looks like a bone graveyard but Rat takes great pride in his vast collection and he does not like to share!

Printing Day

October nite in the canyon/ Rat stands guard

My finished "Haunted House" candy box
also doubles as a Halloween decoration!

Wednesday was spent at the Printer. I have such wonderful relationships with all the people that I do business with. This makes for smooooth transactions and it makes a job that might be mundane more fun and interesting! My printer is "Blair Graphics" in Santa Monica. The guys are pros, fun to work with, and they really match my colors. My "Haunted House" Halloween box came out beautifully! I listed a box on Ebay item # 6572081503 for those last minute Halloween shoppers but this item is for 2006 when all of my holiday boxes are finished.
Sometimes Rat likes to go to town but he told me he wanted to stay home and make sure the coyotes stay away! It is a beautiful October night in the canyon...