Fine Art Images by Suzanne L. Adams-Art and Science Website

"Gaius"
soft pastel

     This soft pastel portrait is of "Gaius Germanicus" named after a Roman Emperor by the Monks of New Skete who raised and trained him at their Monastery in Upstate New York. They are known for their holistic dog training methods and the books, "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" and "The Art of Raising a Puppy." A photo of Gaius as a puppy appears on the cover of the second book.
As a senior, Gaius was adopted by a very caring man, Bill, after his Mistress fell ill with cancer and died. Bill learned of Gaius' grief through his foster dog caretaker whom he happened to work with. Bill understood how Gaius felt because his own mother's German Shepherd, Sophie, grieved identically after she passed away. Shortly after hearing about Gaius, Sophie died too which left Bill grieving not only for the loss of his mother but now for the loss of his childhood dog, Sophie.
       Before long, Bill found Aasta at his friend's shelter, the same one Gaius appeared at later on. He took Aasta in and now Gaius. Together they live happily with Bill along with Caine, another adopted senior German Shepherd as well!
       Gaius brought with him his long-time favorite blanket and 3 toys, all of which he guards preciously everyday. His little squeaky newspaper is his 'security blanket' that he takes with him from place to place. Bill says, "
       Bill exclaims, "Gaius has always been very vocal. He likes to bark and tries to talk. During his first few nights with me, he went out the doggie door alone and stood in the back garden and howled--all alone....It was the saddest thing I think I have ever seen an animal do--and live. After those first few nights, he has never done that again. Guess he decided we weren't so bad after all!"
     " In this portrait," Bill says, "You've captured him just about to speak his mind about something—ears up, eyes bright, and mouth open to speak, and that was our goal!"

A Thought to Ponder from The Urantia Book