WaterCollars Pet Portraits

07/29/2024

A mid-summer round up of some custom pet portraits I’ve had the opportunity to paint….and an important reminder that unconditional love comes in all shapes, sizes and species 💕 If you’d like a portrait of your beloved pet or wish to get a sentimental gift for someone in your life, please message or email me at [email protected] 💌Stone portraits are $95 and a portion of EVERY sale is donated to incredible animal rescue groups such as the 🐾🙏🏻

06/22/2024

A stone portrait I recently painted for my father-in-law (for his birthday, which was also on Father’s Day). This is his little dog named “Emma” who undoubtedly means even more than the average pet. You see, Emma is a physical connection to my late sister-in-law Laura; a connection that he and my mother-in-law can hold in their arms every day. 💕The bond between Laura and Emma was pretty magical. So many dogs are inherently scared of electric wheelchairs, but since day one Emma’s true “safe spot” was Laura’s lap. Wherever Laura went, Emma followed. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly… Emma remained the definition of a true companion, and we are all so grateful for this little dog.

06/07/2024

Another stone portrait of a very good boy named Bailey who is loved and missed every day. This customer has bought other stones in the past of her cherished dogs after they’ve passed away. It means so much that she keeps returning to me to help memorialize her loves. A couple of months ago she sent me a photo of the special spot she created in her home that has been patiently waiting for Bailey’s stone to complete the trifecta (see photo). Loyal customers and pet mamas like this are exactly what makes this work feel like a privilege 🙏🏻💕

01/04/2024

To honor my beloved beagle Charley (who we lost in October, at the age of 15), I’ve been running a memorial fundraiser. I'm selling enamel pins I designed in Charley's likeness to raise funds for the BeFreegle Foundation (BFF) - the amazing non-profit organization that brought Charley into our lives.✨100% ✨of the proceeds from pin sales are always donated to BFF and - to date - have raised well over $9,000!

The mission of the BFF Is to “[provide sanctuary and rehabilitation to dogs that have been used in research…helping former research dogs become beloved companion animals through fostering each dog in a home environment until they become familiar with their new life and are ready to be adopted.”

While 2023 was personally one of the hardest years, there was still hopeful news. It was the most successful year yet for the BFF, as they were contacted by more research laboratories than ever before, looking to relinquish their dogs. BFF helped a record 88 beagles find their way to freedom in 2023 - a tremendous feat for any organization (especially a small one). More and more laboratories are jumping on board, and your support ensures that BFF will always be able help! 🐾🙏🏻✨

Happily, I sold out of the last batch of Charley pins over the holidays, but MANY more are on the way. To purchase a pin (or a bunch of pins!) please CLICK THE LINK BELOW. They make great gifts (and Valentines day isn't too far away now). Also, please note they are temporarily discounted at a Pre-order price of $10 because they won't be available to ship until the end of next week at the earliest.

(Feel free to message me separately if you’d rather not go through Etsy. )💌 And remember, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Befreegle!! Let’s help more furry heroes like my Charley find their way HOME!🐾🏡

xoxo
Maya

https://www.etsy.com/listing/550238561/pre-order-sleeping-beagle-pin-hard?etsrc=sdt&fbclid=IwAR22Y7p5oCnZCP0MxQn51dXK1evAHmvU4IZ9nC7Gy5Dz4gp69FMkhxzliMM

This Pins & Pinback Buttons item by HippoAndHound has 1197 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from New York, NY. Listed on Jan 2, 2024

01/01/2024

Happy new year, everyone. I’m wishing you all a very healthy and happy 2024 ✨💕 While we all try to put our best foot forward, it can be painful stepping into a new calendar year without the loved ones we lost the year before.

You may recall I was recently running a memorial fundraiser to honor my Charley and raise funds for the amazing BeFreegle Foundation (BFF) that brought him into our lives in 2015. ✨100% 💫of the proceeds from pin sales are donated to Befreegle and - since designing them in 2017 - have raised well over $9,000!

🐶 2023 was the most successful year yet for BFF, as they were contacted by more research laboratories than ever before. They were able to help over 80 beagles retire from a life in medical research and find their forever families!! That is a tremendous feat for any organization (especially a small one), and thanks to your support, they can just keep expanding this essential work! More and more laboratories are contacting BFF to relinquish their dogs, and your support ensures they’ll always be able help! 🐾🙏🏻✨

Happily, I sold out of the last batch of Charley pinsover the holidays, but what if I told you there was ANOTHER chance to help honor our beloved pup AND support BFF? I’ve re-ordered 200 more pins which are currently being manufactured. You can place your orders now and I will ship them out as soon as possible.

To purchase a pin (or a bunch of pins!) please click this link: https://hippoandhound.etsy.com/listing/550238561

(Also feel free to message me separately if you’d rather not go through Etsy. )💌

Remember, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Befreegle. Let’s help more incredible, furry heroes like my beloved Charley find their way home!!!! 💕🐾🙏🏻🐶🐾

This Pins & Pinback Buttons item by HippoAndHound has 1193 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from New York, NY. Listed on Dec 31, 2023

12/15/2023

I had a wonderful helper yesterday as I dropped off a huge batch of Charley pins at the post office 🥹 it feels special that Lily can help me honor Charley’s memory and support other dogs who are looking for their forever homes. Do you have YOUR pin yet? They’re going fast! 🔥100% of the proceeds are donated to the BeFreegle Foundation to help former research dogs find their forever families.

Click here to purchase your pin/s: https://hippoandhound.etsy.com/listing/550238561

10/02/2023

This quote definitely hits home at this point in my life. Between coping with painful chronic illnesses, the devastating losses of several important humans and animals in my life, and almost daily migraines due to Covid reinfections, this year hasn’t been….great. Gratitude is powerful, and focusing on the tremendous gifts I DO have is essential. I know that with all my heart, and I also know I’m not lacking in ways I could (and do) count my blessings . But life can be many things all at once, and it’s okay to admit that it’s a struggle to see the light sometimes. 🔦

My pet portraits, in particular , took a back seat lately after losing my beloved Lexi girl pretty unexpectedly this July. I also wasn’t prepared for the daily heartbreak of watching my 15 year old beagle grieve her absence right along side of me…. But of course he is. Dogs are the most amazing creatures, and they love with everything they have. But there are some happier things on the horizon for our little pack. John and I are about to celebrate 10 years of marriage and we are all slowly finding our way. I’m remembering that I have always needed to create in order to find that light; in order to find a sustainable living space where I can find true meaning and connection through pain. 💞

I appreciate your patience with me and the support and love I’ve felt from so many of you as I get my footing 💗 Lexi and Penny and all the animals I’ve loved in my lifetime would definitely want me to keep painting your babies and connecting with all of you 🎨🐾

07/17/2023

"Dogs die. But dogs live, too. Right up until they die, they live. They live brave, beautiful lives. They protect their families. And love us, and make our lives a little brighter, and they don't waste time being afraid of tomorrow." - Dan Gemeinhart

We let our Lexi go on July 3 after finding out she’d been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive GI lymphoma. The grief is still pretty overwhelming and we’re trying to figure out what the next chapter looks like without our big, beautiful, soul dog. She was our calm. She was our silly-hearted, constant companion (especially to our 15 year old beagle Charley, who is perhaps feeling most lost😔) Please send any healing vibes that you might have to spare as we adjust to life without our perfect girl.

Rest peacefully, my sweetest Lexi babe. Since the day you came into our lives, you made everything better. You were exactly what each of us needed - the sensitive, soulful, silly-hearted, counter-surfing, empathetic hippo-headed girl who completed our family. I’ll be forever grateful to Amy and for saving you and allowing us to be your family. In the end, I’m grateful that we could take your pain away (like you always tried to do for us). Our hearts are broken, but we thank God for letting us be your family. 💗 Mom, dad and Charley

04/07/2023

Along with all of the stone portraits I’ve been busy with this year, I also still do small 5”x7” custom pet portraits on fine watercolor paper. Here is a recent example. It was an honor to be asked to paint “Martha” for her adoring family 💗

03/01/2023

A recent commissioned pet portrait of “Skittles” the parrot 🪶💕

02/26/2023

02/14/2023

Happy Valentines Day from two true soulmates (who woke up like this)

02/09/2023

A recent stone portrait of a Bernadoodle named “Maggie” 🌹This will be a gift for a special high school teacher from a very grateful student and his family 🐾

01/26/2023

Rounded up some recent examples of pet portraits I’ve hand painted on stones. I’d love to paint YOUR beloved pet! You can reach me anytime at [email protected] 💌 A portion of my proceeds are always donated to animal rescue

01/24/2023

Another recent stone portrait. This cute pooch happens to live with the frenchie I posted the other day 😊

01/23/2023

Side by side of an adorable “frenchie” I recently painted on a beach stone 🇫🇷🥖🐾 For custom pet portrait inquiries, please email me at [email protected]. A portion of proceeds are always donated to animal rescue ❤️

01/21/2023

Another commissioned stone portrait I just sent out yesterday. It’s a privilege to paint your best friends, so - no matter what - you can (literally) always hold them close 💗

01/20/2023

This stone portrait is actually a belated gift for a dear friend of mine named Daniela, who is a selfless and tireless animal rescuer. This is a portrait of “Bella”, one of the countless dogs she has rescued. I think Bella’s enormous smile says it all. She is now Daniela’s forever dog and knows she hit the doggie jackpot 🎰✨🐾

01/14/2023

I was recently asked to paint a stone portrait of a beautiful and deeply beloved dog named “Reuben” after he crossed the rainbow bridge 🌈Tonight I received this message from Reuben’s mom and I can honestly say it was a highlight of my life as an artist:

“My dearest Maya: Reuben came home today❤️. I was so excited to see the box I could hardly wait to give it to my husband. He had no idea what it was and when he saw Reuben’s sweet face he clasped it to his heart and burst into tears. I finally had to stop him from rubbing it. He said it felt good because he could no longer pet our Reuben. I believe it will offer him , and me, comfort. Thank you for your talent which has brought Reuben home again. ❤️”

01/04/2023

Part of why I’m so drawn to dogs is because this seems like their default way of existing in the world. Just love. It’s so simple. I see people all around me trying to train their dogs to be, in many ways quite “un-dog-like” (sitting quietly and politely indoors, not being led by their senses or “bothering” strangers). Perhaps we should train our hearts to become more dog-like: bursting forth with excited love for the world.

12/30/2022

In loving memory of “Benjamin Button” 💗🐾🙏🏻(pet portrait on stone)

12/30/2022

When a wonderful repeat customer commissioned this memorial stone of her precious senior rescue pup, “Benjamin Button”, I felt deeply honored.
To that special customer: I hope this piece can sit beside your Chloe stone, bringing similar comfort to your family as you remember the wonderful lives you gave these pups 🐾💗💫

12/09/2022

I often get asked if I paint “other” pets besides dogs and cats, and my answer is an enthusiastic YES! No matter the size, shape, or species… whether they’re rocking feathers, scales, or fuzz…I’m honored to memorialize each and every one of your loves! 💌 Take the first step today by emailing me at [email protected]

12/05/2022

Another stone commissioned for the holidays 🌲🐾 I’m so grateful for all of your support and the orders that continue coming in. Some recent health issues and a hospital stay have slowed me down a little bit (I’m okay now, thankfully). But please keep your orders coming! You can reach me on here or email me at [email protected]. Wait times may be longer than usual, but a portion of proceeds is still ALWAYS donated to animal rescue 🙏🏻🐾

11/18/2022

Leia the prettiest diva kitty met her stone portrait in person and I think/hope she approved! 😃 Nothing better than getting customer photos like this one

11/16/2022

Beautiful “Lulu” beside her stone portrait 🧡🐱

11/08/2022

“Addison” was the devoted companion of a friend named Megan who I met years ago through the online chronic illness community. Megan wrote these beautiful words about Addison after she crossed the rainbow bridge this past spring (shortened to fit in the caption) 🌈

“I don't know that there is love quite like that of a soul dog….Nearly 16 years to the day after Addison came into my life, she is gone; her work here is done. I'm beyond blessed for every moment, adventure, and smile we had together. There will be an Addison shaped hole in my heart for the rest of my days…💔

If you asked me what she loved best, it's a hard tie between adventures and parties, just the way life is supposed to be lived. 🚙Car rides, 🥾🌲hikes, cabin and camping trips 🏕, and especially any chance to jump in a river, lake, or even backyard pool...She was an excellent hostess, or even guest at parties too. It did not take her long to learn which neighborhood houses regularly had shindigs, which establishments handed out treats (or ham🍖), and tried to hit all of them on walks. If you came to her party, she'd likely… spend much of the time smiling and watching over things, happy to know everyone was having fun.

But if you asked me what I loved about her best, it's the way she was so in tuned with humans, somehow understanding complex situations and emotions. Detecting who was (the nerve!) not a dog person and turning on her charm….And that smile. Smiling was her favorite.

She lived truly every last drop, traveling through several states, visiting the top of the Upper Peninsula, taking the ⛴ferry to the Apostle Islands. Seeing mountains in North Carolina 🗻and hiking part of the 🌳🌲Appalachian Trail. She's a 2x winner of the Walk Wag Run 5k. 🥇She's swam, camped, climbed trees, canoed, kayaked, SUP'd, and even saw the president on a dog walk. She made friends everywhere she went, both dog and human, and I am certain that her and I were the best friends of all. A true answered prayer dog, a true soul dog. 💞🐾

🛶See you in the canoe, at the Milkbone Cafe on the other side, sweet friend.”

11/03/2022

This pup is named “Eggs” because her owner’s last name is Benedek. How good is that? 🍳🥚😊

10/30/2022

Weekend morning painting sessions with a new mug (shout out to Flex Physical Therapy👍🏻) filled with coffee, starting on a new pet portrait of a dog named Eggs. All is right with the world. ☕️🍳🎨👩🏻‍🎨

10/27/2022

Honored to have been asked to paint this gorgeous girl