Gone But Not Forgotten

This is a painting I did for my son's girlfriend who lost her dog just a few days ago. It has been hand painted on a 8 x 10 wood plaque. Anyone who has had a pet knows it has to be the hardest experience to let go and move on. Gone But Not Forgotton is a tribute to all the pets who have crossed over to the RainBow Bridge.

Request From the Rainbow Bridge

Weep not for me though I am gone,
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long,
Upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace, my soul's at rest,
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.

There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath,
Remember not the strife,
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life.

(author:constance jenkins)

If you have lost a furry friend I would gladly do a portrait in their honor. Please contact me by email if you have any questions or concerns.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com
Copyright 2008 CraftyCritters Newsletter

Two Cute

For all you Yorkie lovers out there. RiverRock Critters presents the Yorkshire Terrier. This has been handpainted on a 5 x 7 plaque and purchase price is $45.00. This would make a lovely gift for the Yorkie owner or anyone who loves dogs.

The Dainty little Yorkshire terrier ranks high in the top ten of American’s favorite toy dogs. It might be a bit difficult to find a more intelligent, bright and generally attractive little guy in the doggie world. The Yorkshire terrier well deserves its rank among the American pet owners.

When we trace the origins of this famous toy dog we go back to the days when he was a broken-haired terrier killing rats around and about his home. Others say the broken-haired terriers known sixty years ago or more in the West of Yorkshire at Bradford and Huddersfield were the ancestors of our present breed. These were bright little guys weighing from to 10 to 20 pounds.

The coat of the Yorkshire terrier has been improved over the years of breeding and his size gradually reduced. Colors also have improved. He is a most beautiful toy dog with long silken tresses of hair, a bright tiny face and small eye.

The Yorkshire terrier is always on the watch for a fun time and makes a delightful pet and companion. It is said of Yorkshire Terrier fanciers that a good Yorkshire does not the meaning of the word “fear,” and it is not uncommon to see one of these small creatures tackle an enemy four times his size, thus, retaining many of its ancestors sporting instincts. Many are still great “ratters,” even the daintiest of specimens.

Yorkshire Terriers are unusually healthy little dogs easily reared and not very difficult to get into nice coat. The grooming of a Yorkshire is a very important matter and much of his general appearance depends upon how well this is done. The hair should be divided from the nose to the tip of the tail in an even parting, and be brushed straight down on each side. If the “fall” is very long, it is best plaited and tied on top of the dog’s head. The eyes of a Yorkshire terrier should be small and expressive.

The general appearance of a Yorkshire terrier should be a long-coated dog with the coat hanging quite straight and evenly down each side. The part extends from the nose to the end of the tail. The Yorkie should be very compact and neat. Hair should not be wavy. The hair of a Yorkshire terrier should be long, straight, and glossy like silk. Among the colors are beautiful bright steel blues, extending from the back of the head to the root of the tail. The tail should have plenty of hair on it cut to a medium length.

One of the domesticated dog's greatest attribute is the capacity for unconditional love. He helps protect the family from bad feelings toward one another. Dogs have long served as guardians for man. They are infinitely loyal and steadfast in loving kindness, service and protection.

One can learn many things from the dog:

The joy of service

Loyalty
Sensitivity to "sniffing out" dangerous situations
Faithful companionship
The true meaning of unconditional love

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

My Friend, My Buddy, My Companion

Ah, the Papillon!

This is Banjo, my faithful companion. I wanted to create a wall art piece that I would remember for a lifetime. I feel I captured my friend quite well. Spoiled, pampered, and sitting on his pillow as if it was his eternal throne. He has been painted on a wood surface and sprayed with acrylic spray to ensure a long-lasting keepsake.

They are Butterfly dogs with long silky hair and a feathery tail that seems to float in the air falling freely on their back. They are affectionate and love to give kisses. Aside from being so cute and fluffy they are smart intelligent dogs. They are loaded with charm, intelligence and ability. They are a warm little body with a big heart. Their feisty, precocious, and excitable at times to the point of down right stubborn.

They truly are a companion dog and love to be where their master is. Banjo is quite tough for his small size. Weighs approximately 8 pounds. They love to be outdoors. Banjo loves to go boating with us. He presses himself against the wind and his fur is flying gracefully in the breeze. He loves the feeling of the wind and sometimes hangs out the window in the car for the same sensation.

He is very affectionate and gentle but vivacious, lively and charming. He can be patient and gentle as well as dignified. Their breed instinct is strong for protecting their property and can be quite talkative at times. Training is a must with this little guy, for me it’s an ongoing process.

Even though this breed is small boned and looks delicate, don’t let them fool you. They will try anything once and with energy abound are ready for whatever you want to do. He’s a great dog and truly helped me through the times when I lost my last Pap.

So this painting is my gift to Banjo in commemoration of his “LIFE” and all the wonderful years we still have ahead of us.


Thorns may hurt you, men desert you, sunlight turn to fog;
but you're never friendless ever, if you have a dog.

Douglas Mallock

Please email me at info@riverrockcritters.com If you would like a portrait of your pet.

Pauline Libutti, Artist & Writer
http://www.RiverRockCritters.com/