Pet Portraits

More pet portraits. Little dogs and a cat!

A Group of Portraits

Just a few portraits done recently.

Incredibulls series: Nana

My fourth Incredibull is Nana! Nana is awesome. Just look at her, you've never met a cuter hippo before in your life. You can find her on Facebook and instagram.

She spent the first eight years of her life in misery. Her teeth were removed and she had been bred umpteenth times. Her ears were a botched home crop job and were so extremely infected they both had to be removed. Two pounds of infected flesh came off of her head! But Nana survived and now she thrives. She has such joy for life and the best smile, and is currently in training to be a therapy dog. She is incredibull, for sure.

Incredibulls Series: Wallace

The third dog in my Incredibulls series is Wallace. Wallace is the definition of incredible.  They told him he was unadoptable. They said pitbulls couldn't compete and win disk competitions. And he proved them dead wrong.  Sadly Wallace passed away from cancer,  but his legacy lives on strong.

Seriously if you haven't heard of Wallace you should immediately go buy and read his book, watch some of his videos, and then like his Facebook page. His parents also adopted Hector, one of the dogs recovered from the Michael Vick dog fighting operation.

Incredibulls Series: Fifty

The second Incredibull in my series is Fifty.

There is no shortage of incredible about Fifty. Unjustly shot as a young pup, he lost both legs on his right side.  He runs around on two legs like the best of them though - there's no slowing down Fifty. You can check him out on his Facebook and on instagram. There are some videos of him running around that are amazing to see. 

His momma is equally incredible. She spends a ton of time with Fifty disproving the bad stereotypes about pitbulls and championing shelter and rescue dogs. Recently she and Rude Dog's momma started something called Six Legs Foundation,  to provide financial aid for those dog owners in need as a means to keep families together and dogs out of shelters. I am in serious awe of them both. 

Incredibulls Series: Handsome Dan

Incredibulls series: Handsome Dan

Introducing my new series, the Incredibulls.  I wanted to draw some of my favorite pitbull type dogs, ones who have overcome odds, done awesome things,  and are just plain adorable.

The first dog in my series is  Handsome Dan of Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pitbull Type Dogs.  He was one of the Vicktory Dogs, saved from Michael Vicks fighting operation,  rehabilitated by Best Friends Animal Society and adopted by his kickass parents who run a rescue for pitbulls. They also help local shelters develop and run programs to improve the lives of the dogs inside and increase their adoptability. Handsome Dan is a, well, a handsome, brave boy who came out of a shitty situation and keeps shining.

7.20.11 Pointer/Dalmation (Porkchop)

http://www.facebook.com/saraemartin#!/photo.php?fbid=10150712209785403&set=a.10150712209565403.706595.323965755402&type=1&theater

Meet PORKCHOP!!
ID# 903415
Male
Shelter labels him a dalmation/pointer mix....
3 year old
60 lbs.
Behavior test rating: MILD! :)
Volunteer blurb [detailed bio below]: "Porkchop is a SUPER DOG! A staff favorite. They have him listed as a pointer/ dalmation mix, but he definitely has pittie in him! Just a really nice dog."

A volunteer writes: It was about 6PM and the shift for a shelter staff was just beginning. She came in and kept saying "where's my porkchop, where's my porkchop?" Of course, I had no idea what she was talking about, and wondered if she forgot to bring her dinner with her. Well, it turns out that porkchop is Porkchop her favorite dog. He had been moved to another kennel from when she had last been there. She begged me to take Porkchop out and I am sooooo glad she did. Porkchop is a gorgeous pointer/dalmation mix, all wiggles when he saw me approach. This handsome, tall dog was thrilled to be going out for a walk and relieved himself endlessly when we got on the street. He starts off seeming very dignified and aloof, and then breaks down into a wiggly, tail wagging lover. He walks well on the leash, responding to correction when needed. He was interested in everything going on around him, and when I sat down on the park bench promptly put his head in my lap for some loving. Porkchop is the kind of dog that makes you stand a little taller and straighten out your clothes as you are walking him; he is that good looking. Porkchop will make a wonderful addition to any family that wants to love him. Ask to meet him in Manhattan today.

These dogs are located at the Manhattan AC&C (326 E 110th Street/ (212)722-4939 keep hitting 0 until someone picks up). PLEASE ACT QUICKLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING, and please CALL THE SHELTER to ensure that the dog(s) is still available.

7.19.11 Pitbull (Milan)

http://www.facebook.com/BruisedNotBrokenRescue?ref=ts#!/photo.php?fbid=10150712209740403&set=pu.323965755402&type=1&theater

Meet MILAN!!
ID# 901084
Female
5 years old
41 lbs
Entered the shelter as a stray :(
Volunteer blurb [detailed bio below]: "I think that Milan was used as a breeding dog forcibly - her one ear is a little chewed up and lays on top of her head permanently. And her face and front legs have some scars. She is a good girl!! Needs a bit of leash training but that's it :)"

A volunteer writes: Milan has obviously not had a happy life. She recently had pups, and her face is scarred. But, although she is tentative at first, she warms up quickly, lapping up all the love and attention you can dish out. When I got back from my walk with her, she sat herself in my lap so I could scratch her head and behind her ears. And as staff walked by, she walked up to them and demanded some loving from them, too. They were happy to give it, and when they finally had to walk away, Milan gave one short bark, as if trying to call them back to cuddle some more. She's a small girl, who needs someone who will give her somewhere safe to call her home. Milan was recently adopted and returned for being "too hyper" to train. My experience with Milan is that she needs some leash training, but she is not a hyper dog. I was out with her and when I stopped to talk to a staff member she sat quietly and patiently at my feet. I mentioned that Milan had been returned and why and this staff's comment was "this is NOT a hyper dog". Come meet her in Manhattan and let's prove to her that life can be good as she has not started happily. This is a super sweet and friendly girl who should only know good things from now on. Help us keep our promise to her.

These dogs are located at the Manhattan AC&C (326 E 110th Street/ (212)722-4939 keep hitting 0 until someone picks up). PLEASE ACT QUICKLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING, and please CALL THE SHELTER to ensure that the dog(s) is still available.

7.18.2011 Pitbull mix(Starrlet)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?fbid=10150712209810403&set=pu.323965755402&type=1&theater
STARRLET!!
ID# 903685
Female
10 months old
31 lbs
Entered the shelter as a stray :(

A volunteer writes: Miss Starrlet is a 10 mos old puppy, anxious to get out of her kennel and do what puppies are supposed to do: run, play, love and wiggle. So, when she saw me coming she barked to get my attention, and once she had it, stopped barking and wiggled excitedly at the prospect of a jaunt outside. This pretty honey colored girl is calm, cool and collected once outside. We were standing on the sidewalk and a kid on a motorized scooter came waaaayyyy to close to us and she just stood there observing. She didn't flinch or bark - a city puppy through and through - used to the loud noises of city streets. Starrlet prances along happy to observe everything going on around her, happy for some loving and in love with life as a puppy should be. She loves to play and have fun and is waiting for her forever home where she can run and have toys and exercise and be everything that a puppy should be. Meet Starlett in Manhattan today.

These dogs are located at the Manhattan AC&C (326 E 110th Street/ (212)722-4939 keep hitting 0 until someone picks up). PLEASE ACT QUICKLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING, and please CALL THE SHELTER to ensure that the dog(s) is still available.

7.12.11 Pibull (Happy Henry)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?fbid=10150697286575403&set=a.10150697286245403.701738.323965755402&type=1&theater

Meet HAPPY HENRY!
ID#902672
Male
2 years old
50 lbs
Entered the shelter as a stray
Quick volunteer blurb about HAPPY HENRY: "He has that name for a reason! There is not a part of him that doesn't wiggle!"

A Volunteer Wrtites: Our intake staff chose the perfect name for this 2 year gorgeous boy. This dog wags his tail so hard that his whole body wiggles with joy and happiness. Happy Henry (or Happy for short) has a beautiful healthy looking shiny dark brindle (think chocolate marble cake) coat indicating that he was well cared for before becoming a stray. Indeed his whole demeanor says that he probably came from a home where he was much loved. Happy is thrilled to have a human connection, giving kisses and hugs. He actually has the knack of focusing on his human, making me think there was no one in the world who was as special as I was at the moment. Happy sits on command and loved the treat I offered as a reward. Happy is super sweet, and his joy is contagious as I found myself not only walking with a big grin at him, but at everyone I passed on the street. Happy received allot of compliments as we walked, both on his rock star good looks and his smiling, friendly way. Happy Henry will, of course, be happiest when with his forever family, on whom he can bestow super star wiggles and lots of love, and have it returned in kind. Meet Happy Henry in Manhattan today.

This dog is located at the Manhattan AC&C (326 E 110th Street/ (212)722-4939 keep hitting 0 until someone picks up). PLEASE ACT QUICKLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING, and please CALL THE SHELTER to ensure that this dog is still available.

7.10.11 PitBull (Adala)

After a year long hiatus, dog-a-day is back on!
I've been watching the posts of a group called Bruised, Not Broken, who promote the awesomeness of the breed and spread the word out about all the pitbulls (and other dogs) who are waiting for adoption in the high kill shelters of the NYC AC&C, and other high kill shelters.
I see all these faces and it hurts to know not all of them will make it out. I cannot currently adopt another dog, but I can try and spread the news that these dogs need homes, ASAP.

So, meet Adala.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?fbid=10150697286310403&set=a.10150697286245403.701738.323965755402&type=1&theater

ID#901777
Female
1.5 years old
58 lbs
Entered the shelter as a stray

A Volunteer Writes: Adala is definitely one of the sweetest natured dogs I've met at the shelter. While others barked around her, she was waiting calmly in her cage, just looking up at me with her soulful eyes asking whether it was her turn to have a walk. Though a little timid at first, once we got out into the open air she really opened up with tail wags and kisses and walked just like a lady, no pulling or drama. When we encountered two little boys and their Mom she absolutely loved the attention and pats the kids were giving and her tail was going like a propeller! Adala would make a wonderful pet and she's waiting patiently for you at our Manhattan shelter, come see her for yourself!
This dog is located at the Manhattan AC&C (326 E 110th Street/ (212)722-4939 keep hitting 0 until someone picks up). PLEASE ACT QUICKLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING, and please CALL THE SHELTER to ensure that this dog is still available.

6.15.10 Snoopy

On a cartoon character drawing kick. Today I drew Snoopy.

6.14.10 Scooby Doo

I have been overcome with a desire to watch the live action Scooby Doo movies. And so I decided to draw Scooby!

6.11.10 Bloodhound

Another breed, I LOVE, a bloodhound!

6.10.10 Mini Dachshund

Today's doggy is Lady, one of my aunt's miniature dachshunds. She was used as a breeder in a puppy mill for her eight years of life, until a rescue saved her. She was thin, missing teeth, ribs broken and rehealed on their own from birthing litter after litter with no medical care. Now she's well fed, well loved, and very happy.

6.9.10 Schnauzer

I saw a Schnauzer in the store at work today and wanted to draw one. While browsing the internet for pictures I remembered all the tweets from Simon Pegg about his Schnauzer, Minnie. So I hunted a picture down of her and, here she is!

6.8.10 Basset Hound

I love basset hounds, they're absolutely adorable. Big feet and big ears!

6.7.10 Doberman

I know I've been slacking on my dogs - it's been a very busy past week. Today, a doberman. Because I really like them. That back leg is too long. Shh. We'll pretend he has some sort of physical defect where he has one leg longer than the other.

5.30.10 German Shorthaired Pointer Mix

I wanted to play in photoshop today so I took one of my favorite sketches to date, Hunter, and colored him up a little. I'm offering pet portrait commissions like this , in which you get the original 8x11-ish sized pencil sketch as well as a high res color jpeg, for 15.00. Note, comment, or drop an email to saramartinart[at]gmail.com if you want one! Include a reference picture of your dog/cat/snake/rat/rabbit/whathaveyou.

5.26.10 Golden Retriever/Chow mix

Ashley, running around in the yard Brodie now borrows to run around in. I will have to draw her again sometime, because I'm not 100% happy with this, even for a sketch, and she was Tobias' doggy.