Cody, the Sheltie, and life at the cottage

“Anticipation.” – a whimsical mixed media portrait of Cody, the Sheltie, as he anticipates leaving for the cottage and chasing his favourite chipmunk.  (11×14 birch panel with 1 inch painted sides). Background is Gelli printed tissue paper collaged on board.

Cody is getting on in age and his owners wanted his portrait painted sooner than later.

The owner says that I have captured Cody’s look of expectation when he goes with his much loved “Grandpa” to the cottage.

What’s not to love about the cottage even for a dog?

At the lake, Cody jumps joyfully, and blows off all pent up energy he has kept in reserve in the city.  For a moment, he forgets his age-related aches and pains.

All the new smells of the forest invite him to explore areas where wild animals have left their calling cards just for him, or so he thinks.

When he is bored with the surrounding woods, he can run to the lake.

Cody enjoys walking along the shore where gentle waters lap against the polished, glistening stones.  How glorious it is to splash around and cool off with a few quick licks close to the rocks!

When he tires (as all old dogs at the cottage do), he can bask in the warmth of the sun on the large deck facing the gentle breezes from the lake.

Most of all though, Cody loves patrolling the property and checking for “chippie” (chipmunk) hideouts.  This activity provides him and his owners hours of entertainment.

Cody chases the chipmunk who skitters away and then hides in the drainspout where Cody will shove his big snout. There, he waits for Chippie to tire of the hide and seek game.  Chippie is wise and waits for Cody to retreat before ever showing himself again.

What would happen if Chippie would decide to come out of hiding with Cody’s snout blocking the way?  No one knows because it has never happened. Eventually, Cody loses interest and calls it quits.

Ahhh, yes, there is much to appreciate at the cottage for a dog.