artwork of Colleen D. Gjefle
MsSurreal.com

Chamberlain is a spunky little black & white cocker spaniel. He's a little character who loves to have his butt scratched and whines most dramatically when he wants a treat. He was a stray but adapted to life in a doggy household very nicely. He's totally blind now, but you'd never know it as he just charges ahead with no hesitation! Here he is with his ear bandaged after surgery.

Eleanor is a little cockapoo who was a breeding dog in a puppy mill. She came to me terrified of everything and is still often frightened of people. Despite her fears she's continuing to become a little braver every day. She even smiles every now & then and after 2 years with me, has finally begun to defend her treats from my other dogs! I've been documenting her progress and you can see her videos on my youtube page.

Calypso is another little cocker with the sweetest personality. She was also a stray and is obviously very happy to have a home and a pack. She smiles a lot and really enjoys our walks. She quickly figured out where the treats are kept and where her favorite spots to lay are. She's intensely curious and if she had her way, would check out every nook and cranny on our walks! I'm very happy that this doll has come into my life - she's certainly been enriching it!

Esmeralda - Died March 1, 2008

My blind, one-eyed cocker was boss of the house! When I stretched out on the couch she'd crawl up and lay down on top of me - I was glad she never tried to "fluff" me like she did everything else she laid on! When she wanted to be petted, she'd relentlessly paw at her intended target until they gave in. She'd lay in front of the pantry door where the dog food bowls were, preventing the other dogs from getting to the food until they'd come crying. And she did a cute sniper crawl to scratch her tummy.

Sparkles - Died August 17, 2004

Sparkles, a smart and intuitive little creature who was, without a doubt, an angel on earth. I'm sure this little mutt could read my mind. Several years ago I had to leave her with my parents while I spent an extended period of time in Europe. She knew I was leaving and sat with her head down and her eyes sorrowfully looking up at me. It broke my heart, but when I came back and we were re-united, it was the last time we were apart for more than a few hours. She will always be my special one.

Zen - Died July 26, 2001

Zen, my great little pig-headed mutt who had a knack for escaping and finding trouble. He was in bad shape when I adopted him, with bruises and cigarette burns on his body. That's why he was named Zen - a name to help give him peace and healing. It took months for him to come out of his shell, but once he gained his confidence, his adventurous spirit came out. He loved to hide his doggy treats to save them for later. When we visited my parents, Mom would still find his treats hidden away months after we'd been there.

Sienna - Died Feb. 25, 2000

My sweet and sloppy English cocker. She loved greeting me with one of my pillows chewed up in her mouth. She was a breeding dog in a backyard puppy mill and had lots of physical problems stemming from that sad start to her short life. I was privileged to help make the last couple of years of her life filled with security and love. She adored having her ears rubbed and would make the most gratifying vocalizations during the entire process.