Bruno the Pug Portrait (in memoriam): The Small but Mighty Leader in a House of 10 Dogs

BRUNO’S STORY

“He was the small but mighty leader in a house of 10 dogs, mostly Labs and one Italian Spinone that adored Bruno but he didn’t have much patience for and ignored.  He held himself in a very regal and elegant way for such a small pug and separated himself from the pack by not overly seeking human attention.  Bruno would quietly join you on a couch for a movie if you were lucky – never one to nip or scratch at you as a petting request.   He was at the same time a spit fire and operated on his own independent schedule.  We thought he might be deaf during his early years but slowly figured out he has selective hearing when it pertains to what suits him best.  Bruno was sick during his last three years with different ailments and our vet said he couldn’t explain how he continued to bounce back.  My father claims he kept on living for my mother’s linguine.  A dining sight in itself as he had all but two major teeth remaining.  My very tough Italian father began taking Bruno everywhere with him.  Bruno softened him and replaced his immediate requests for grandkids.  He would ride shotgun on the weekends to our lake house and loved roaming the property, coming in for food and long naps only once there.  My brother eventually drove Bruno to the vet to be put down in his final days.  He rode shotgun while my brother opened the window for Bruno’s ritual sniff of fresh air.  After he took it in, he laid back down in the seat and passed away before they made it to the vet.  It was a passing true to his personality – on his own terms.  His urn is engraved “My Way”.”

“The painting has been delivered and looks amazing..absolutely incredible..thank you will never be enough. The painting was such a success…many happy tears!  Our father couldn’t believe how well you captured Bruno’s personality.  Incredible.”

-Private Commission, New York, NY (Christmas gift for father)