biscuit's space | The blog of photographer Katherine Carver

Oct 29

Biscuit’s Health Update Part 2

We received an update concerning Biscuit’s health from our vet on Friday evening. Biscuit’s Free T-4 test results reflected that Biscuit is on the lower end of the reference range. Thus, our vet recommended that we get a full thyroid panel completed to determine for certain whether Biscuit has hypothyroidism, an under active thyroid. Biscuit’s thyroid test will be sent to Michigan. Our vet does not want to prescribe any thyroid medicine until she can confirm a thyroid issue exits because Biscuit is borderline. We hope that it is nothing more serious than an under active thyroid. Biscuit will go back to the vet in November for the full thyroid test as well as a blood pressure check, which can be impacted by Biscuit’s daily kidney medicine.

Biscuit is doing well and he has been in good spirits this weekend. Biscuit got groomed and he got a bath! His fur feels so soft and smooth! He has enjoyed several nice long walks outside before the hurricane. We are home with Biscuit today due to Hurricane Sandy on the east cost. We hope that we will not lose power during this hurricane.

Happy Monday!

Oct 24

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Interview with Mary Medrano, Painter

Interview with Mary Medrano, Painter

Recently, I had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing painter Mary Medrano. Mary Medrano is a painter living in Bend, Oregon. Mary paints dogs and other animals among other things. Please see some of Mary’s daily paintings, and visit Mary’s website.

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as a painter and when did you realize it would become your chosen form of expression?

MARY MEDRANO: I began painting after the dot-com bust in 2001. My job as an Art Director for an Ad Agency in Silicon Valley fizzled, and I needed to figure out what I was going to do next. I took an online course at Quilt University called Fabric Painting. After the class was over I continued painting, gave myself an art show, and from that point on I have been painting and showing my work.

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art formally?

MARY MEDRANO: I have a B.A. in Photography from Western Michigan University and a degree from University of California Santa Cruz in Graphic Design and Visual Communications. I am self-taught in painting, but have taken many courses in drawing and painting from George Rivera, Holly Roberts, Michael Azgour and Jim Smyth to name just a few. I am also grateful for artist friends who have mentored me. You know who you are.

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin painting and, in particular, painting dogs and other animals?

MARY MEDRANO: Funnily, the very first painting I ever sold was of a dog. In 2011, I was juried into the 50 50 Show at the Sanchez Art Center in Pacifica, California. The theme for my 50 paintings was dog faces, shown below. The show was a huge success for me, and launched the pet portrait portion of my business. It continues to this day. (Notice Biscuit is the third down on the far left!)

If you are interested in commissioning any paintings by Mary Medrano, please contact Mary here. Also, here is a link to some of the paintings we had Mary make for us!

KATHERINE CARVER: Where do you show/exhibit your work?

MARY MEDRANO: I recently moved to Bend, Oregon and I am quickly making contacts in the “art world.” I recently had three (3) paintings selected for The Dog Show at Sisters Artworks Entry Gallery. I just held a Grand Opening at my private Art Studio in downtown Bend and will continue to participate in the monthly Art Walks.

KATHERINE CARVER: Looking back on your accomplishments, to date, what are you the most proud of?

MARY MEDRANO: I am most proud that I am to a point with my painting skills that I am able to teach others the craft of painting. It has been very rewarding. In addition to this, I was most proud of my first solo art show at Gallery Blu in Santa Clara, California.

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

MARY MEDRANO: I am just finishing two (2) 16 x 20 inch commissions of dogs for a patron in California and three small commissions for a patron in Minnesota.

I am also working on making new art for galleries in and around my new hometown of Bend. A few examples are shown below.

KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

MARY MEDRANO: I have always loved the German Expressionists, in particular Max Beckmann. I also love the California Society of Six, the Bay Area Figurative Artists, and I most recently discovered the Canadian Group of Seven.

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

MARY MEDRANO: Practice painting daily if possible, even for a short amount of time. I think this is more helpful than painting for long periods of time less frequently. I would also suggest that aspiring artist say ‘yes’ to offers to show their art. Don’t be afraid or shy. Getting exposure in coffee shops, restaurants, friends’ homes, etc. early on is amazing for exposure and almost always leads to the next show. Don’t worry too much about rejections. As someone once said to me, ‘you don’t have to list them on your resume.’ That was very helpful.

If you are interested in contacting Mary or commissioning any paintings by Mary Medrano, please contact Mary here.

All images contained in this blog post were used with the permission of Mary Medrano.

You can read additional interviews here.

Oct 23

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Biscuit’s Health Update

Biscuit is on the mend. The vet determined that Biscuit’s left elbow on his front paw is quite sore and bruised from his fall. We hope that it will continue to heal. Biscuit’s skin infection has cleared. Biscuit’s ears are in better shape, as his ear infection is gone, but we need to continue to clean them daily.

However, Biscuit was not happy to be visiting the vet yesterday. He tried to bite the vet on several occasions, which is not like Biscuit. He did not want the vet to give him an exam. As a result, Biscuit had to have a muzzle placed on his snout. When Biscuit was taken out of the exam room to the back area of the vet’s office for his ear exam, blood work, and urinalysis — he was a very good boy. Next time, we are going to have Biscuit go back with the vet to have his exam without us in the room to see whether it will make a difference in Biscuit’s temperament. We gave the vet a couple of bottles of the Jones Soda featuring Biscuit. Hopefully, Biscuit will do better at the vet next time. Unfortunately, Biscuit has had to go to the vet quite often due to his health issues.

Today, we received good news from the vet that Biscuit’s protein levels are stable. This means that Biscuit’s kidney issue is not worsening and it is being stabilized by the medicine he takes daily. Although, Biscuit’s protein levels are still not within the normal range, indicating that his kidneys are not functioning at 100%. We do not want Biscuit’s kidney issue to worsen. We will go back in a few weeks to check Biscuit’s blood pressure as his kidney medicine impacts his blood pressure. However, Biscuit’s ALK Phosphate level is extremely elevated compared to past blood work. We added on a T4-Free test to see if Biscuit has an under active thyroid, which can be treated with medicine. We should have more news on Biscuit’s blood work later this week. If the blood results are not indicative of a thyroid issue, we will have to do further testing and have an ultrasound completed to look at Biscuit’s abdominal area more closely. We hope that it is nothing serious.

On a positive note, Doug found our first Jones Soda featuring Biscuit last night!

Oct 22

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A Wounded Biscuit

This weekend while Biscuit was strolling around the neighborhood for a walk, in an instant before we could put on Biscuit’s leash, Biscuit jetted across the street covered in Belgium bricks as Biscuit spotted a nearby cat. In his attempt to catch this cat, Biscuit, unfortunately, tripped very badly over the curb and he fell quickly on his belly. Biscuit screamed and cried. I picked Biscuit up immediately and he stopped crying. Doug and I sat with him on a bench outside and petted Biscuit. We were quite worried as Biscuit has injured his paw before. For those of you who have met Biscuit, his demeanor is quite docile. However, when Biscuit puts his mind to something, he does not give up, and we think that Biscuit over estimated his fragile and arthritic legs and paws in his attempt to catch this cat. For some reason, unknown to us, Biscuit really loves to chase outdoor cats. In the past, when Biscuit spotted a cat and started running after it, Biscuit was leashed, and we therefore had more control over Biscuit. We have to be more careful now as we do not want Biscuit to get hurt.

We are taking Biscuit to the vet today for a six month check up. Biscuit will have blood work and urinalysis completed to check his kidney function. We are going to have his leg and paw examined by the vet to make sure it is healing properly. Biscuit has been limping since his fall, but his limp, as of this morning, is less pronounced. We hope that Biscuit will continue to get better. We have given Biscuit some Tramadol for the pain, which has seemed to help him. Biscuit is still giving us his paw in the evening during his “snacking hour,” which we take as a good sign.

Below is a photograph of Biscuit taken yesterday as he was resting on his bed. Please send Biscuit positive and healing thoughts.

Oct 19

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Dog Rescue – Interview with Carol Guth, Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc.

Dog Rescue – Interview with Carol Guth, Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc.

Recently, I had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing Carol Guth who heads and leads the Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Frederick County, Maryland. Carol does extremely important and wonderful work on behalf of many dogs who do not have any other options. Carol has saved many sheltie dogs, including, Biscuit. In January 2011, Doug and I adopted Biscuit from Carol through her dog rescue, the Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc. I believe it is important to highlight this important work that Carol does in conjunction with her rescue, the Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc. Please enjoy our interview outlined below!

KATHERINE CARVER: How did your adventure in dog rescue begin?

CAROL GUTH: I began rescuing shelties when I was a volunteer at our local shelter. A skinny young male sheltie mix, Jake, came into the shelter and he had a rear leg swinging. It was obviously broken. Jake was a stray and the shelter would only keep him for the five (5) days and then put him to sleep since his injury was, in their mind, not ‘fixable.’ I put a hold on Jake. At the end of his “stray days” (the law requires that all strays be kept for a minimum of five (5) full days), I took Jake home with me. I called my friend and breeder and explained what I had done and I asked her if there were any people who rescued these dogs and helped them. She gave me a woman’s name and after two conversations with her, Jake, the sheltie, was on his way to getting his leg repaired! My vet was willing to put his leg back together for a reasonable fee and this rescue paid the vet bill. I took care of Jake and helped him through his rehab. Once his leg was fixed and healed, Jake had about 90% use of this leg; and a week after that, my contact had found a home for Jake. Jake’s new owner kept in touch with me and even moved across the country with Jake. Jake lived to be well into his 15th year and enjoyed life to the fullest. As a result, I was hooked on rescuing dogs.

KATHERINE CARVER: What does your rescue work entail?

CAROL GUTH: Dog rescue is a lot of work. At first there were four (4) of us who shared the rescue work. By incorporation with the State of Maryland, we legally formed our rescue, Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc.; we obtained the 501(c)3 not-for-profit classification; and we created a website all in about a years time. I started taking in a dog or two from the shelter and informed other ‘sheltie people’ about these sheltie rescues. Word of mouth helped with the first three (3) to four (4) shelties who came to our rescue.

Now, I get dogs into the rescue most often from the original owner. These owners do not want to put their dog in the shelter and they are looking for an alternative. Owners call me, we chat, and they bring me the dog with whatever paper work they may have. Once the dog is in my care, I take the dog to the vet for an exam, shots, and spaying or neutering (if necessary). If we find a problem, we take care of it. Our biggest problem is always money. Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc. is funded entirely through donations. In the beginning we did a lot of fund-raising and went to pet stores to share our dogs and our vision. The rescue built up its bank account and it continues to do the same now. We have a couple of people who are monthly contributors and there are others who donate their time to the rescue. There is of course, the daily handling of the dogs. They all need to have exercise, food, love, attention and grooming!

KATHERINE CARVER: What rescue experience moved or inspired you the most?

CAROL GUTH: I think my most inspiring story was a young sheltie named Mitzie. I received a call from an older woman explaining how there was this sheltie that showed up at her house on a regular basis and her favorite pastime was chasing the eighteen wheelers that passed her house regularly. When this sheltie named Mitzie showed up at this woman’s house, she was not running well. After catching Mitzie, this woman discovered a wound in the rear leg; however, she did not have the financial means to take Mitzie to a vet. The woman contacted me, and I traveled and picked up Mitzie and took her to my house. I arrived the following day, and brought Mitzie to the vet who examined Mitzie and discovered that Mitzie had a GUN SHOT wound. At the time, it was December 23, and I could not get an appointment with the orthopedic specialist until December 26. As such, we bandaged Mitzie up and took her home for the holiday.

On December 26, we went to the orthopedic specialist, and it was discovered via x-rays, that bee bees had shattered Mitzie’s knee and the bee bees had gone through a growth plate. We decided to try reconstructive surgery. The surgery went as planned; however, the bone failed to heal. Two (2) months later, Mitzie’s leg was amputated. We placed Mitzie’s photo on the Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc.’s website, and a family contacted me and decided they wanted to adopt Mitzie even though they had to wait for Mitzie to recover. We initially thought they would have a change of heart after Mitzie’s leg was removed; however, this family still wanted to adopt Mitzie who now had only three (3) legs. Mitzie was soon adopted after her rehab was completed following the amputation of her leg. The family who adopted Mitzie came back to visit the rescue three (3) years later, and we watched Mitzie run in the yard, and you would never had known that she was running on only three (3) legs. Mitzie was fast and furious! Mitzie was still willing to chase anything that moved!

KATHERINE CARVER: Do you have any favorite rescue story?

CAROL GUTH: Sherman, a sheltie, had to have been the one of my favorite rescue stories. Sherman came to me from a family with four (4) kids. Sherman was adopted almost as soon as he came into the rescue. I did not have much time to evaluate him in-depth, although Sherman seemed fine and a couple adopted him during the month of October. The man who adopted Sherman called me in early November to tell me Sherman had bitten his wife. After talking with him, I suggested he return Sherman to the rescue. In response, the man said, “Oh, no. I love the dog.” The man stated to me that he would keep Sherman. The man called me again in early December to tell me that Sherman was chasing shadows on the wall and asked if I knew what was wrong with him. I suggested to the man that he have Sherman’s eye examined by the vet. “Oh, and by the way,” he said, “The dog bit my wife again.” We talked and I again suggested that he return Sherman to the rescue as the bite this time had broken skin. The man was afraid I would put Sherman to sleep and, he said, “Oh, no. I love the dog. He is a beautiful dog.” So, he kept Sherman. The man called me again on December 26th and said he had taken Sherman to the vet and to an eye specialist and they both found nothing wrong with Sherman. However, to my surprise, the man informed me that he was returning Sherman ASAP as the man told me that Sherman was a ‘vicious biting dog!’ I ask in response, “What happened to bring this on?” and he replied, “Sherman bit ME!” I was so glad I was not his wife again! Soon after, Sherman came to live with me. We discovered that Sherman had hip dysplasia and that he was afraid of being trapped. As time went on, Sherman learned to trust me, and I got to the point he would let me groom him without a muzzle. He decided after he had lived with me for eighteen (18) months that I belonged to him and that he was responsible enough to be left out loose in the house with my other dogs. He lived with me until bone cancer took him at age fourteen (14). We as a great and beautiful dog!!

Below is a photograph of Sherman!

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect about your dog rescue work?

CAROL GUTH: I think the most challenging aspect of dog rescue is having enough money to pay for vet bills. Vets like everyone else, have expenses that increase each year. I am able to perform the annual shots on the rescue dogs, but the rabies and snap test for heartworm have to be completed by the vet. For each dog rescue, I have the rabies vaccine completed at the local clinics after the initial one is given by the vet. However, some rescue dogs already have their rabies vaccine current by proof of vaccination. However, blood work, surgeries, and other tests are expensive. My vet and I have an arrangement for certain costs that have remained the same. These costs include the snap test for heartworm, rabies, and neutering/spay fees. My vet also has been very generous with our rescue over the last twenty (20) plus years I have been involved in dog rescue.

KATHERINE CARVER: What are the most satisfying and rewarding parts of your dog rescue work?

CAROL GUTH: I am always extremely gratified when a rescue dog gets a wonderful new home and they get a new lease on life. I really love the fact that I have repeat customers for rescues and that people keep in touch to tell me how they are doing. I also board back my rescues so that I can see for myself how they are doing if the family goes on vacation, for example. Biscuit is my first rescue dog to gain public recognition – Biscuit recently was an Orvis Cover Dog Winner; Biscuit represents the Orvis’ Petfinder Commitment promoting dog rescue; and Biscuit is a Jones Soda Label Winner! Please see the highlights of Biscuit below.

KATHERINE CARVER: If you could give pet owners one piece of advice, what would it be?

CAROL GUTH: The best thing anyone can do for their pet is to spend quality time with his/her pet – and for the young and energetic sheltie that means training and dog sports! Get involved with your dog and do things that make you both happy and fit! Agility, Rally, Obedience, Trick, Dancing with your dog (Canine musical Freestyle), Flyball, and Frisbee completions are just a few of the opportunities that are out there for you and your sheltie canine partner.

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice can you give to someone who might be considering getting involved with or starting an animal rescue group?

CAROL GUTH: If you are interested in dog rescue, volunteer first. See what goes into a good working rescue. Also, consider how much time you are willing to spend on paper work, caring for the animals, and fund-raising. It is best to be a consistent volunteer so you see the whole picture, not just one day in the life…

KATHERINE CARVER: What are your goals and dreams for the future?

CAROL GUTH: I hope to retire from my weekday job in another three (3) to four (4) years. I am hoping and planning to spend more quality time with my own dogs and the rescue dogs in the hopes of getting more of them placed into furever homes sooner. I would like my turn around time to place a new rescue dog to be no more than one (1) month.

Below are photographs of Lassie, a sheltie rescue dog who was at the Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc., who has since been adopted. Most noticiable in the photogrphs below, you can see significant positive changes in Lassie’s fur coat and weight. Lassie looks like a totally different sheltie dog in Lassie’s after photograph displayed below.

Lassie (Before)

Lassie (After)

KATHERINE CARVER: How can one donate to your dog rescue, Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc.?

CAROL GUTH: Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit organization. With our 501(c)3 non-profit status, all donations made are tax-deductible. If you would like to send a donation, you can make a check payable to SHSR (Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc.) and mail it to me at 2707 Rosemary Court, Adamstown, MD 21710. Thank you for any and all donations to the shelties in the rescue.

Currently, there are seven (7) shelties in the rescue who are in need of furever homes. These shelties range in age from fourteen (14) years to two (2) years of age. If you want to adopt a rescue dog; donate money; and/or contribute your time to the Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc., please contact me via telephone at 301-663-0635; or via e-mail at sheltytaxi@aol.com. You can also visit our website, which is currently in the process of being upgraded and redesigned at, http://www.sheltiehaveninc.org/.

Below are photographs of three (3) of the current sheltie rescues dogs in need of furever homes. (Please note that I also have four (4) more shelties not pictured who are also in need of furever homes). Please contact me if you are interested in adopting any of these shelties shown immediately below.

Charlie, male sheltie, age 22 months

Spirit, male sheltie, age 8 years

Angel, female sheltie, age 12 years

Photographs of the sheltie rescue dogs are courtesy of Carol Guth, S heltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc.

You can read additional interviews here.

Oct 18

Good Read – “Zen and the Art of Happiness,” by Chris Prentiss

Good Read — My good friend, Angie, highly recommended this book that she had read over the summer entitled, Zen and the Art of Happiness by Chris Prentiss. I recently finished reading this book and it is a very good read and contains insightful nuggets of advice along with practical, spiritual, and applicable wisdom from the Eastern philosophy of Zen Buddhism. This book also provides you with a positive, uplifting message that can impact and influence the very makeup of your body at a cellular level through what you believe, think, and feel. Prentiss uses plain words and simple, easy to grasp, life examples.

The idea of this book, at its core, is that to be happy you must realize that the Universe is looking out for you and regardless of what happens, it is the best possible thing that can happen to you.

What I love best about this book is that it gives you the means to rise above whatever happens. This book will help you find a dramatic change in your life. Pick up a copy, have an open mind, and get into a different type of world that you may have never known.

Two of my favorite quotes contained in this book,

“Everything comes at the appointed time.”

“The Universe doesn’t make mistakes.”

Happy Thursday!

Oct 16

A Finicky Biscuit!

We have had a few issues getting Biscuit to take his medicine recently. We were making little ‘meatballs’ with Biscuit’s prescription wet food and inserting and hiding his medicine. He decided that he needed a change, and refused to eat his prescription wet food that he always gobbled up! So we called the vet, and she recommended using Greenies Pill Pockets to give Biscuit his medicine. They were a hit with Biscuit. He loves them. We stocked up on these for Biscuit! We need to make sure that Biscuit will take his medicine. Luckily, we are down to Biscuit’s standard two pills plus his joint supplement. So, if you are having issues with your dog taking his medicine, consider tying the Greenies Pill Pockets. Biscuit wakes up waiting for his Greenies Pill Pockets!

Oct 15

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Biscuit’s Fun Fall Weekend!

This weekend, we stayed close to home so we would not lose our off-street parking spaces due to a marathon taking place in the city and a home football game! In any event, Biscuit enjoyed a fun weekend! He went on multiple walks; chased an outdoor cat; went to dinner with us in his Hound About; and met a new sheltie friend, McSorley! Biscuit is definitely enjoying the cooler temperatures! Some photos are displayed below! Enjoy!

Oct 12

Interview with Laura Johnson, Le Animalé

Yesterday I wrote about the joined cheetah and panda totem that I had made by Laura Johnson, Le Animalé, as a gift for Doug for our four-year wedding anniversary. I decided to learn more about Laura’s totems and her art making process, outlined below! You can also read why Laura chose to call her animals totems here. I hope that you enjoy her totems as much as I do! It was a pleasure working with Laura! Happy Friday!

KATHERINE CARVER: When and how did you being making animal totems?

LAURA JOHNSON: I started officially making totems in May 2011, but made pieces every now and again before that time as gifts for friends. I didn’t have a particular style before I started le animalé, though.

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art formally?

LAURA JOHNSON: I studied music formally, but not visual art. I play classical saxophone.

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin making animal totems?

LAURA JOHNSON: There is a lot of background behind the totems. So much actually that it is a little tough to weed through and write it all out without either writing a short book or being really confusing, haha. So I’ll try to be concise. I’ve always loved animals, collections, and miniatures – especially animal figurines. I started collecting tiny animals several years ago and would rarely come across realistic figurines that weren’t either just plastic toys or statues over 4″ tall. I have a variety of materials in my own mini animal collection: stone, wood, ceramic, bone, pewter, crystal – but I am always a little extra excited to come across more realistically painted pieces. Even better, realistic with a subtle twist of some sort. I figured if I was going to start making animal figurines myself I may as well make them what I’d love to discover as a collector of animal figurines. That’s part of the reason why I don’t add eyes to my animals (that way they are realistic… almost). If you’re curious about why else I don’t add eyes, I wrote about it here. To put the icing on the cake with my figurines, I decided to give them personalities and energies so they could be more than just a figurine, but a totem: a little sidekick or source of inspiration, support, good luck or whatever the totem’s keeper needs.

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the process to make the panda and cheetah totem?

LAURA JOHNSON: The panda and cheetah totem was a bit different than anything else I’ve made since they are joined together. But I love new challenges. I typically don’t sketch before sculpting because I work with a very organic process and just sort of jump right in and ‘dance’ with the medium until the piece looks right. There is give and take. I had an idea of what I wanted the panda and cheetah to look like together – even though they are joined at the hip I wanted them to appear stable in their own poses as well. To create some movement and connection between the two animals, I turned their heads in slightly toward one another (a suggestion from Katie, actually) and also wrapped the cheetah’s tail onto the panda’s back. In the final piece they are two strong animals but with clear affection, love, support and stability for one another, shown below.

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

LAURA JOHNSON: Right now I am working on so many things. But what else is new? There are two collaborations in the works that are super special and super exciting. They will both be released in time for holiday gifts, and if you’d like to stay connected and hear about them when they launch, please sign up for my newsletter. You won’t want to miss them! I’m also gearing up for the holidays – stocking up on totems and supplies and working on custom orders. Custom orders will only be available for Christmas deadlines until mid November, by the way!

KATHERINE CARVER: Do any artists inspire your work?

LAURA JOHNSON: Not particularly. I am inspired by other artists’ work, but more as a collective idea. If I dig through art sites or go visit a gallery, any art, any gallery, I’ll practically come running out with the NEED to create some sort of art right then, right there. Like a fix. It never fails.

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

LAURA JOHNSON: Create what you love and create it consistently, even if you aren’t feeling particularly inspired. Share what you make with the world so people can find it and enjoy it. Enjoy the process, and don’t get discouraged. I don’t believe that there are things any particular person can’t do. It’s just a matter of putting enough time into it to gain the skill, and asking questions when you don’t know how to do something. And if you are already talented in your area but have fear of putting yourself out there, or fear of failure, or any fear (and we all do), know that “inaction breeds doubt and fear (-Dale Carnegie)”, so move forward, make things happen, and “always do what you’re afraid to do (-Emerson)”. If you do that, soon enough nothing will stop you. I didn’t always believe it, but yes you can absolutely make a career doing what you love… so go for it.

Below are some more examples of Laura Johnson’s work. You can checkout Laura’s website for further examples and reading. Enjoy! We are getting a totem made of our little Biscuit! These totems are darling!

Here is a link to a 360 degree example of a finished dog totem!

Do you see the cheetah and panda totem in the background!

Laura also makes custom necklaces. A few examples are shown below.

This is how your totem will arrive!

Photographs were used with the permission of Laura Johnson, Le Animalé.

You can read additional interviews here.

Oct 11

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Cheetah and Panda Totem

Below is a photograph of a custom hand-made cheetah and panda totem that are joined together. Laura Johnson of Le Animalé recently made this custom cheetah and panda animal totem that we are very happy to have displayed in our home! I had this totem made as a gift for Doug to commemorate our four-year wedding anniversary! We love cheetahs and pandas! Laura is very talented, and you should check out her website to see her vast selection of animal totems! She also includes a stat card with each totem she makes. She can make anything, and we will likely have a totem made of little Biscuit as well!