Posted August 7, 2016 by Kerry McFall
Gus the First, i.e. the first Gus I painted in a portrait, was a Dog of Intention. He knew what he wanted, which was to GO, anywhere. We met in Marin County, CA last month, and I really enjoyed the challenge of painting his eyebrows.
Gus the Second, with whom we are currently pet sitting here in Monrovia, CA, is a beast of a different color. Chocolate color, to be exact. And a different nature – A Dog of Disinclination. I mean, it is 90 degrees out there in the boiling sun, and he was born in Great Britain so perhaps he just doesn’t prefer the heat.
A butterfly teasing him fails to yield movement. Or a duo of small yappy dogs challenging his territory. Or even a ball being thrown! If he could talk, I know he would be saying, in a lovely Cockney accent, “Whatever.” But that being said, he is well-behaved, easy to take care of, affectionate, and quiet. He can sniff out a hidden treat blindfolded in seconds flat, which is the only clue that he is, indeed, at least part labrador. Good boy, Gus!