Many of you reading this know that the growth behind paperfinery really took off after the sudden passing of my mom late 2019 (read my very first blog post for the story behind paperfinery). Creating became my 'get out of my head' time & my motivation to make pet portraits came about after my best gal crossed the rainbow bridge January 12, 2022 (on her 15th birthday).
So, without further ado, meet Gandi-Lou! Here's our story.
I was 25 when I picked her up in Sisters, OR! I was a 4th year graduate student completing my Au.D. program in Portland, OR at the time. The breeder had 2 available puppies (1 male, 1 female). I called and told her I'd take the male. It was settled... he was going to be named Gandolf. A few days later, the breeder called and told me someone got to him first and he was no longer available. What? I hung up the phone and was devasted. I don't think it was even 2 hours later when I called the breeder back and told her I'd take the female. Her name would be Gandi-Lou.
I'll never forget the moment we met. She ran across the length of a soccer field when I got out of my car to get to me! She was carrying her stuffed monkey that was bigger than her at the time. The rest is history! We were destined to be together. I called her my soul-sister. She was my best pal through the brightest and darkest times in my life - Au.D. completion, a move back home to MN, first career (and a couple after), marriage (she even walked down the aisle), welcoming Josi May (2nd pug), miscarriage, 2 baby boys, first home purchase, and the loss of my mom.
A few days after she passed, I felt the need to attempt making a portrait of my favorite picture of her. That tongue made me giggle daily (she had 4 adjacent teeth pulled at the same time). Over the past 6 months I've made portraits of dogs, cats, rats, and a guinea pig! I swear she knew I'd need something to focus on while grieving her loss.
I've said that my journey with paperfinery is entwined with significant loss & grief so it only made sense to add pet portraits to paperfinery.com. It's been just as meaningful, therapeutic, and rewarding for me as my earring creations have been.
So there ya have it. That's the story behind my journey with pet portraits!
Cheers,
Pug mom for life!
