Sunday, March 29, 2009

Bestest Gift Ever

To everyone who contributed toward this, I simply cannot thank you enough. When it arrived I was puzzled - I wasn't expecting a package - and Bogart almost scared off the UPS man with his mighty bark. And then I opened it...

It is an incredible work - Ami, you are a GENIUS - and the first thing I did (after sitting on the floor with it and crying for about a half hour) was put it up on the wall directly across from our front door. So it is the very first thing I see whenever I come home. It is so very, very special and I love it very, very much. Klaus' hand is perfect, those are his fingers, and the sleeve is from one of his own jackets - he was a fashion designer in Austria and had his own shop in Vienna - that he made. And I am wearing Klaus' ring. And Bogart's expression is right on!

The other reason to hang it up right away is that our apartment currently looks like this (lets all play Spot the Airedale):

Love, Love, and More Love,

Lulu & Bogart

44 comments:

Hollie and Janie said...

You are more than welcome! It is a beautiful piece of art. Ami is beyond talented. Sheis incredible at capturing a dog's personality.... and Bogie certainly has personality! He always makes me smile!!
All our love,
Hollie and janie

Duke said...

Ami did an awesome job! We are beyond thrilled that you have this beautiful memory of Klaus and Bogie, Miss Lulu! Enjoy it forever!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Jans Funny Farm said...

What a beautiful portrait Ami painted. Something to treasure always.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

OMD!

Asta's Mommi did a pawtastikh job!

We were furry honoured and happy to khontribute!

We are still sitting here shaking our khollekhtive heads at it!

WOW!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Phyll

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Oh, I love it! She captured Bogart so much so that I can almost smell his doggy breath! And to have that part of Klaus, that touch you miss, makes me sigh but happy that you can think of him and all those small parts of him locked in your memory...and wearing his ring is part of that.

You have a special group of friends, that will help buoy you up and I am glad they could do this for you and know what it would have meant to you.

Raising Addie said...

WOW that is just beautiful!

Ami is a wonderful artist and she really caught the moment!

Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie and Lucie

the many Bs said...

wow! that's beyond beautiful. Ami is sooooo talented. we are honored to have been able to contribute in a small way to that wonderful work of art and we know that you will treasure it always. it is given to you with a tremendous amount of love.

woofs.

Sunny,Scooter, (sometimes Jamie) said...

We are so glad you liked the painting! It was top secret you know, and Ami is the greatest artist!!!
It was painted with much love and all of us donated with love. God Bless you sweetie
Jamie & Sunny&Scooter

Lorenza said...

Hi, Lulu!
It was not easy to keep the secret!
The painting is beautiful! Ami is great!
Enjoy it!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Pink Chihuahua Princess said...

Awww...that was so kind of all your friends, Bogart!

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Wow!! What a truly beautiful painting....Ami has captured your fuzzy boy so perfectly, even the shadows...it's so lovely and she really is a genius!
Slobbers xx

Unknown said...

Lulu,

I hope when you look at the wonderful painting you also think that just about every brushstroke represents a hug from one of us, your DWB friends over the miles.

And how can Bogart's expression fail to bring a smile to your face?

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Well...we had to tape Lacie's mouth shut to keep her quiet bout the picture, but have now removed the tape...and she's been yappin' nonstop ever since...Stanny and me followed the progress as the paintin' moved 'cross the country...we are sooooooooo glad you like it...

Mumsie put it on our desktop and we dogs are in awe at how totally connected Bogie and Klaus look in it...Auntie Ami did a totally fabbers job; she's an amazing and very talented artist and we were so happy we could be a small part of it!

We hope it gives you a measure of comfort and grounding in your lives now that must feel so unsettled...

Love ya more than you know...

Barkies!

Scruffy, Lacie and Babystan

Lillie Valentine said...

What a bootiful portrait! DWB friends are so pawesome! Love ya! wet wet licks. Lillie V

Pugsley and Lola said...

My family and I are happy thatwe could be a part of putting a smile on your face:) It is a WONDERFUL piece of art!!

XOXOXO
Pugsley

Ruby Bleu said...

Oh Miss Lulu...it is even more bootiful than I could have imagined!!! Asta's Mama is so talented!!!! I'm real happy that we could be part of putting a smile on your face!

Lots of Licks, Ruby and Michele

Persephone and Buster said...

we were all sworn to secrecy...! ms. ami did a beautiful job catching bogart's handsome self. great place to hang it too! to greet you when you come home...
best too you & the handsome devil & your new home soon to be "boxless" ;o)
theBUSTER, Ms. Persephone & Ms. Bluecogra

Noah the Airedale said...

Secrets aren't hard to keep when they're as special as this. CRIKEY
Ami is a pawesome artist. We just love it too. Enjoy it Lulu.

In the words of Maggie & Mitch
Love ya lots!!

Noah Willow Tess & Lucy

Chef said...

The painting is amazing, Lulu. And we're so glad you have it now to treasure forever. We all know how precious it must be to you and so happy that you have given it a place of honour in your new home.

Glad to hear you are settling in. You seem to be doing so well. We admire your strength and courage.

xoxo
Chef

Jasmine, BamBam and Eski said...

hi Lulu (and Bogart),
that's a very nice picture they've got for you.

we've been checking back..
our hearts are still with you as you move on into the next phase.
people say time will heal, but we know it's easier to be said than done.

please take good care *big hugz*

kingsley said...

this is amazing...

loved the painting!

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

Keeping this secret was hard for Hootie---he has a big mouth!(Not me---I can be airy secretive!) So glad you were cheered by the painting. That Ami is a fine artist. Very cool that you already found a special place for it.
Smooches, BabyRocketDog & Hootie

The Black and Tans. said...

It is so good we live so far away from you across the pond otherwise you would have heard us keep on barking, "Is it there yet, Is it there yet?" Then you may have guessed there was something going on.............
We are delighted you loved the painting. It is a masterpiece from Ami and we are sure it will give you years and years of pleasure.

Love Molly and Taffy

Martha said...

Hi Lulu
The perfect gift - how very special. What a talented artist Ami is - the painting just seems to express how Klaus will always be a part of you and Bogart. Just because you cant see him doesnt mean he is not there, holding both of you safely.
Enjoy your gift for years to come.
All our love xxxxxx

"ME N MY MILLION DOLLAR" said...

prefect gift at a prefect time, is indeed important, l always cried when l read yr entry, just cannot hold back my tears, knowing so many caring people around u really touch my heart, take care someone in this part of the world love u too.

BenTheRotti said...

Oh Wow! Ami did a spectacular job, she is one truly talented lady. We are so glad it made you happy, it was an honour to contribute but the secret mission co-ordinators and Ami truly deserve the thanks, they did an excellent job of organising everything and keeping it all a big secret.

Mum's gone a bit leaky now, kiss Bogart for her,

love and smooches to you both,

Ben & Millie xxxx

Jake of Florida said...

We love what Petey said, every brush stroke is a hug from one of us.

It's impossible not to smile when that Bogart handsome devil face is looking so Bogarty!! We love the idea that you'll see it when you open the door whenever you come home!

Hugs,

Jake and Just Harry

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

It was a privilage to contribute to something so special.

Just enjoy and remember good things.

Hugs GJ and his mum Carol xx

OhMy said...

Bogie and Lulu,

It is a very nice painting, and so much emotion captured in the presentation. I, for one, am very, very jealous. NO ONE has ever even offered to paint a picture of me! BUT, considering all you have been through the past month, I guess you deserve it! Glad you got something to brighten up your new home!

Cisco Kid Airehead Terror Extraodinare & Humans

Eric said...

Your painting is amazing.Ami is so talented. I'm so pleased we were able to play a small part of your special suprise but even better, that it's bought you comfort. Hold on to that. We are in complete admiration for you and how well you are coping.Take care.

Love Eric and B xx

Finni said...

Oh, the painting is just perfect. Ami is such a wonderful artist. We are so glad you love it.
Love
Finni & Nelly xx

Daniella said...

WE have been dying to see Ami's painting and it did not disappoint, it's is beautiful, what a talent. Remember that many many people contributed to having it done and also made a wonderful donation in Klaus's name - you should feel envelopped in love and know that you continue to deeply touch so many of us. The way you have brought together the dog world is truely phenomenal.
I pray that the silence lessons and that with each passing day so does the pain of loss.
We think of you every day.

Axel and Dani

Moco said...

Asta's mommi did one bang up job on that painting. She captured true feeling.

Suzuki said...

Hi Guys!
I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately but my Mum and my brother Scooby have been hogging the laptop fur his new business and blog http://lookinfurlovewithscooby.blogspot.com/ He is still looking fur pups to follow his blog (even if they are not single) to help spread the word about these pups Lookin' Fur Love.
So now I am spending today stopping by ALL my friends blogs and saying Hi :) and catching up on all your news.
Big licks to you
Suzuki
xxx

Deetz said...

I am sorry I have not left a comment in so long. I have been here, several times...I just don't know what to say and they say sometimes the best thing to say...is nothing at all.
You are still in my heart
Deetzy

Mr. T-Bone Beasley said...

The painting came out great!!! We found Bogart!!! He's on the rug...it looks like he's possibly inspecting something?

We love you guys!

Slurp!
Mr. T-Bone Beasley

Tenkiller Airedales said...

Hey..... we found Bogart on the rug too!!!! He looks very tired.... he must be resting before the unpacking begins. Be sure to blog your new address LuLu... Blu said that she wanted to send you a card....She is the only Airedale of the tribe that can actually write... The rest of us have to wait on our hooman mommy to type for us. We just love the picture... it is just great. Keep us posted.... we love you.

Aireslaps,
Apache and her tribe.... and Sherry

Two Schnauzers from New England said...

Hi, Lulu -

That is a pawtastic portrait. We hope you are all settled in your new home.

Love -

Hershey and Kaci

Lynne said...

What a great painting!
You can tell what kind of person someone is by the caliber of friends. Lulu, you rock. Hang in there, girl.

William Tell said...

Perfect!

Happy Tails,
William Tell

The 3 G-Dales said...

Gorgeous and so very thoughtful...you will always have a treasure my dear.....

Wishing you and Bogart peace and love always

Debbi & the G-Dales

TwoSpecialWires said...

Now we understand. Every time you look at this wonderful gift of love, smile. It may be through tears, but smile.

Fondly,
Jake and Fergi and their mom

bea's blog said...

Hei!
What a great work!
You are welcome to visit my brandnew blog as well and join it:
www.gizdog.blogspot.com!
European Greetings
Gizmo

Donna said...

Dat is so awesome! :)