One of my favorite people in this world is Walt Nagle. When I was 12 years old, a little red dog came in to my life. I named her Shannon. She became my best friend for 18 years. Shortly after Shannon showed up as a stray, I discovered Mission City Dog Training at the neighborhood park. Walt Nagle was the trainer and there was a group of dogs and owners learning all about obedience. I was not part of the class, but sat with Shannon off to the side to watch. Walt came up to me and asked if I would like to join the group. I happily did! I stayed with Walt and his group for seven years and Shannon and I became obedience junkies… competing in any dog trial that would allow All Americans… as she was called. So what does this have to do with this portrait of Sam?
Sam is Walt Nagle’s current dog and I really enjoyed painting this beautiful little corgi for him. I have since moved away from that neighborhood, and many years have gone by. Walt is still training at Mission City Dog Training, helping people to train their dogs to be part of the family… as Shannon was. And I have never forgotten his kindness to me that day and all that he taught me. So it is with pleasure that I add Sam to my blog.