Furry Goofballs Hanging on the Tree.

Furry goofballs – a fitting tribute to our pets at Christmas.

Each Christmas, the very first ornaments I look for are the ones that bring cherished memories to life—moments shared with the people I love most. After all, what is Christmas without a touch of nostalgia? Then come the pet ornaments: delicate glass tributes to our furry goofballs, lovingly painted to capture their unmistakable holiday spirit.

Over the years, I’ve had the most fun dreaming up stories to go along with the ornaments I’ve painted for clients, imagining the lives, antics, and heartwarming moments that make each one feel like it belongs on the tree.  I am indeed very fortunate that many of my clients allow me to paint their pets in any style that I can imagine.

Pet portraits on wood slices.

There’s the sweet Sheltie Cody, who has fallen asleep under the tree waiting for Santa. His partner in crime, Jake, was also memorialized on a wood slice.

And then I painted crazy choir cat KitKat, mouth wide open, misbehaving as she mocks other cats in the choir.

Three feline amigos also got into a bit of Christmas chaos – Tony has wrapped himself in Christmas lights, while Iggy drank a bit too much eggnog and Beans got caught under the mistletoe. Who can resist these cute little fur friends?

Pet ornaments on glass or acrylic ornaments.

I try to capture that special mix of innocence as in “Who me?” and mischief as in “I destroy your tree for sport.”

The last few years, more of my clients have requested their pets or friends’ pets painted on flat glass ornaments.

There is Ana with her big green eyes and if you look closely, you can practically hear her plotting to knock that decorated tree down at 2am, causing a ruckus that will awaken the whole family.

And Charlotte!  Well, she has tracked sparkly debris all through the house after rolling in something she really should not have rolled in!

Eden, Katzie, and Jingles.

A few weeks ago, three glass ornaments found their forever home.

Eden—a Biewer like my own Rosie—started it all. The client discovered me on Facebook (which, it turns out, is a wonderful place to find new friends and clients!). I painted Eden for her on canvas earlier this year, and before long, I was asked to paint her again—this time on an ornament—along with two other beloved pets from the client's past, bringing them all together in three sparkling keepsakes.

Any pet lover understands that Christmas would not be Christmas without remembering our precious friends who shred our wrapping paper, who steal Santa’s cookies, and who cuddle up next to us as we watch our favourite holiday movies.

Pet ornaments available.

I also sell “generic” pet ornaments similar to the three goofballs above. Any pet lover would appreciate such a unique ornament. Or commission me to paint a furry friend for you in 2026.

The difference between friends and pets is that friends we allow into our company, pets we allow into our solitude. - Robert Brault.