Chihuahua Dog Portrait Watercolor Illustration
By Charlie

Furry Holiday Friend

Written by Charlie O'Shields

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without family and that certainly includes beloved “Pets,” our prompt for today. While staying at my mother’s house, my niece dropped by last night with her little dog, Cooper, so I decided to choose him for my sketch today. He’s a cute little chihuahua mix who was a bit shy at first, but then became really friendly. Actually, in truth, he became adorably demanding when it came to getting cuddles and love. Cooper immediately took to Philippe and spent the evening on his lap, occasionally nudging Philippe’s hand whenever the petting stopped. His mom trains pets for a living so he’s incredibly well-behaved and a joy to be around. It was a short visit, but fun to see my niece again, and her little dog. It was the first night of our visit, so Philippe and I were both feeling a bit tired from the travel. Our own little dog Phineas is staying at a pet resort while we’re gone. I’m rather sure he’s not at all pleased to be there, as ever, since he doesn’t consider himself a pet at all.

Last night we went with my mom, sister, and brother-in-law to our favorite Greek restaurant in town. Sitting at the table next to ours was a large family from Greece who were visiting. They were all speaking in Greek and so it made the entire experience even more fun and authentic. Though I don’t speak the language it wasn’t difficult to understand and feel the joy they all felt from spending time with one another. The restaurant itself is very small in a strip of shops that are all closed during the evening. When you pull into the parking lot, all you can see in the dark Texas sky is a glow of glittering lights at one end and little unassuming sign that reads “Hibiscus Cafe.” It’s family-owned and even though Philippe and I only visit once a year, the waitress still remember us each time. So, it’s really fun to visit and feels liking visiting part of our extended family. The food is also insanely good and we came home feeling quite stuffed, but quite happy all at the same time.

Tonight we’re heading to my sister’s house for a very small gathering. One of my nieces now lives in Dallas and the other has plans tonight so it might just be the same small crew as last night. I did confirm that my sister will have her infamous rum balls present, so it should be a very fun evening indeed. By infamous, I mean they’re quite boozy, yet really delicious, so one has to watch how many one eats. This afternoon was blissfully lazy and wonderful. We spent it putting a puzzle together and chatting with my mother while watching a Flea Market Flip marathon on HGTV. Philippe and I don’t have cable so we always take this opportunity to binge watch shows that we never get a chance to see. And while time seems to fly by in our busy everyday life, time here always floats by at a lovely and peaceful pace when we arrive. It’s the most relaxed I’ve felt in quite some time and why I always love visiting my family. And, of course, it’s always a delight when the trip includes a visit from a furry holiday friend.

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 Chihuahua Dog Portrait Watercolor Illustration Sketchbook Detail

 

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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30 thoughts on “Furry Holiday Friend”

  4. I love reading your holiday travels and restaurant reviews, Charlie. It all seems so nostalgic and familiar, such as the waitress at the Greek restaurant. (and that it’s still open each year you visit!). Are you and Philippe going to Paris also? It You should have a book devoted entirely to the animals you encounter. Could be your 3rd book? And it wasn’t entirely clear to me but does Cooper’s mom train dogs or Philippe’s? Always love the furry friend stories! For some reason, our sweet red tabby gets even sweeter during December. Hard to resist the incessant crawling paws at 3 a.m. by our Buster. I am happy to learn that there are some genuine family places to visit that know how special those bonds are, especially at Christmas. Have a wonderful time realizing you’re experiencing family time that’s only written about in Hallmark movies. What a lovely way to spend Christmas, Charlie. Merry Christmas to you, Philippe, and respective families! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Fanna! 😃💕 Philippe and I will be heading to Paris again next year, but looks like it will be autumn instead this time. And a book of animals would be fun! So sweet to hear about your red tabby getting extra cuddly. Even, our fussy Phineas, gets a bit cuddlier this time of year! We’re having a beautiful time with family!

      Reply

  8. If Cooper is half as adorable in real life as he is in your painting, he’s the cutest dog in the State of Texas (he couldn’t compare in Missouri of course, because Phineas has the crown). I hope you get the chance to meet all your usual friends and maybe meet a few other new ones along the way – especially if they are as cute as Cooper.

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  10. All three of Joe’s sisters came to visit today and they brought carryout Thai food for dinner so that was a treat! They also came with early birthday cake and ice cream for me, so everything was perfect. I passed on some paintings so my stack is getting a bit smaller. Time to log some more brush miles because you never know when you are going to need a gift.

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  12. It sounds delightful!

    Charlie says, “Phineas is staying at a pet resort while we’re gone. I’m rather sure he’s not at all pleased to be there, as ever, since he doesn’t consider himself a pet at all.”

    I’m betting Phineas is strolling the perimeter, observing and collecting data for his next book, Dogton Abbey. No doubt there will be at least one other reticent intellectual at the
    spa and even though he will make you feel guilty as sin for leaving him, he is really having the time of his life.

    That is a precious pup you have painted. I love the expression he wears!

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  14. It isn’t the differences between languages that creates divides, it’s unwillingness to sense the sameness between all people. You of course are not deterred by words that sound Greek to you because smiles and fun need no words at all. Our common humanity is the true theme for the season – you did a great job of conveying that idea, Charlie.

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 And SO true! I’m not wonderful at speaking actual languages, but there’s a lot to be said for body language. That I’m fluent in. A smile is sometimes all that’s needed. It’s a universal language in the end.

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