Shannon or 'Shan' is my constant companion.  She has a favorite
corner between my art files and a bookcase.  She never bothers shoes or furniture, preferring the cardboard box containing art books, the rag I use to polish leather shoes or a spool of thread.  Maybe I should just toss her a box and skip the pricey, high-nutrition food I have selected for her.  I have never done animal art, but I may have to delve into this area.  We, as in the royal 'we', have taken on a dog training course.  An illustrated journal would be a 2018 challenge for us.

Our beloved Ruby left us to climb the Rainbow Trail in January.  I thought that I never wanted to have to go through the goodbye again and gave away all doggie items.  It took about three months to realize how empty the house was.  I passed by an adoption display on the sidewalk in front of one of our local pet stores.  All boys and one little girl who was being bullied by a bigger dog.  Of course, she came home with me.  So begins our adventure with a Border/Irish type terrier.  Shannon is so different from Ruby, our cuddly toy poodle.  Think: Ruby with a ruffle dress, bow in hair, white Maryjanes and Shannon with a dirty face, overalls and missing a shoe.  Life is different now.