A Forever Family, A Puppy's Tale

Before you adopt a pet there are many things that you need to think about and prepare for. You will first need to decide what kind of pet will fit your families lifestyle. Your family should do research to determine which kind of pet will fit best. There are resources online, at the library, book stores and local shelters to help you make your decision. After your decision has been made it is helpful to purchase a book on the pet to help you in your first weeks. Whether it is a puppy, hamster, fish or anything else, a book can give you many things to think about as you learn about your new Forever Friend. Pets need lots of care and attention. The first thing to do is to make your house and yard safe for your pet. Take house plants off the floor and tuck any wires away. Put away breakable items on low shelves and make sure any cleaners or hazardous items are stored properly. In the yard, make sure your new pet can not escape through small hose or gaps in the fence. Have discussions with your family about:

• Who will care for each of the pets needs.

• What special arrangements do you need to make for your new pet?

• Call your local Vet or shelter to answer any question for you.

• Talk to samll children about how to care for your new pet and hot to handle them.

• Do you have the proper items to care for your pet?

  • Proper food

  • Water

  • Toys

  • Shelter, bed or habitat

  • Grooming items

  • Collar and leash or something for exercise​​​​​​​

To learn something new, one must be taught the basics to become successful. One must learn basic math facts to advance in mathematics, or learn grammar rules in order to become a writer. 

The same definitely goes with the arts. May people think they can just draw something because they "know" what it looks like. Try this test of your drawing skills: Sit down with a pencil and paper, and draw your hand twice. The first time, draw your hand holding an object without looking at it at all. Draw completely from memory. Think about the details, picture in your mind what you see. Think of the lines of the folds in your skin, the textures, and the shadows.

For drawing number two you will look at your hand constantly, as much as, or more than you look at your paper. Pay attention to all those details from above, the lines, textures and shadows. See where the object and your fingers intersect, this will help you place them right. When you're done, compare the two, what do you see? This will work with anything you want to draw.

Try doing the same thing by drawing a self portrait from memory. You see yourself every day in the mirror, right? So, you should "know" what you look like. First draw yourself from memory. Then use a small mirror and draw yourself while looking in the mirror. Again, compare the pictures. I have used these exercised hundreds of times with students, and the results were always the same. In order to draw accurately and realistically, you must "see" what your are drawing. You must have items to reference. From my collection of pictures I learn to draw better and continue to practice this way. I fill sketchbooks monthly with things I see. I draw things that I like and when I'm asked to draw something for someone, my first step is always to reference my picture collection. The internet makes hunting for pictures easy. This is the best and simplest way to learn the basics and become a better drawer. Remember, the test is the final drawing; the learning takes place in the sketchbook, looking at our library of information, and working through the details, to become successful.

The songs that accompany the beautiful story and artwork were inspired by the belief that every animal deserves a good home. The many pets waiting for homes in the shelters should not be ignored or forgotten. I hope the melodies are fun to sing and that several instruments can be identified in the background. Can you hear the different instruments? Instruments that can be listened for include: piano, guitar, background strings, mandolin, recorder, bass, drums, accordion, and banjo. Notice how the mood of the song is related ot the tempo, the sad songs are slower and in a minor key. The happier songs are faster and in a major key. Experiment with your singing. Can you make your voice sound like a young puppy? Are younger voices higher or lower? How hard is it to howl? The beautiful voices on the CD are the talented soprano Becky Rodenburg, and David Miller who also helped with many of the song lyrics. I want to thank them for sharing their wonderul talents and making the project so much fun.