My human mother is an artist, teacher and art therapist, Karla Leopold. When I was very young, I had dreams of being a special dog who could make a difference in the lives of others. I come from a long line of prize-winning Standard Poodles, but that future wasn’t for me. I was born the runt of the litter with a mouth full of bad teeth. I knew that I was destined to find a different path. My dream came true when Karla came to take me home, as she needed a studio assistant, therapy dog and good listener.
My jobs are many and include reminding Karla it is time for a break by sitting at her feet and staring at her with my brown eyes until she gets my leash, and we go for a walk. Our Green House Art Studio is surrounded by woods and small creatures. My favorite job is sniffing for leftover food on the studio floor and outside the studio. I need to make sure the small creatures living around us stay out of the studio.
Most importantly I am a good listener and art consultant. People may think Karla is talking to herself, but the reality is, she is talking and consulting with me about her work and creative ideas. Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not colorblind. I see shades of grey, yellow and blue and can view Karla’s paintings looking for good shapes which is helpful.
At the end of our workday, I often need to sit at her feet again to remind her it is time to go home. She gets lost in her creative process and loses sense of time. My stomach tells me it’s time to go home, as I need my dinner.
It’s all in the day of the studio art dog. I love my happy, creative and helpful life.
As Karla’s art studio dog, I know my job is important. I am grateful every day as I know in my own doggy way, I contribute to Karla’s process of creating some amazing art that touches the hearts of many.
