Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Animal Wedensday - Leopold

Leopold here has a little story. I painted him for my MIL's 90th birthday next week. This sweet cat used to be a neighbor. All summer when he felt like visiting my MIL he would come sit in the window and peer in to see if anyone was home. If the garage door was open he would come to the people door and knock until she would let him in. He would stay a  few hours or a few minutes. Whatever was "his" schedule. She kept treats and a special scratch box for him. He is quite a friendly cat.
Unfortunately Leopold's family moved away a couple of weeks ago. My poor MIL is so sad losing her furry friend. He was always a bright spot in her day. We have offered to get her a cat and keep up with shots etc although she could well afford to do so herself. She just doesn't want the responsibility at this point in her life. She sure misses Leopold though.
Please say a prayer for my MIL who is finding it difficult to cope with losing her husband just a couple of years ago, turning 90 and missing her furry friend.



19 comments:

Mim said...

aww.....sad for your MIL - it ain't easy losing so much.
she'll love the picture

Laure Ferlita said...

What a sweet expression you've captured, Lisa! And I feel for your MIL.....how sad to lose so much in such a short timeframe.

Julie said...

Oh, Lisa...I am so sorry for your MIL's loss. I know she misses that kitty...(Your painting is gorgeous)!!! My Mom has my cousins cat next door that visits her, too. She is the same way...will not have a pet of her own to be responsible for...I guess I can understand that. I will say a prayer for your MIL!

Teri said...

What a loss for you MIL, but she has this gorgeous, and I mean gorgeous painting to relate all her momories to.

sukipoet said...

so sweet of you to make this painting of dear Leopold. What a special friendship MIL and he had. So many losses for sure esp after 90 years of life! Sending prayers. She's lucky to have you!

Elizabeth said...

What a beautiful painting! And a poignant story...It is so hard to lose a friend.

My experience is that cats seem to know who in the neighborhood is cat-friendly. I like to think that a new friend will visit in the future.

Meanwhile, as others have said, she has a wonderful memento of Leopold. I can see that lion heritage in his handsome face.

Katiejane said...

I do sympathize. Pets are such a comfort when times are bad. Too bad she won't let you replace Leo with a cat of her own. This painting of him is really good and maybe this will give her a smile. (I think you should rescue a grown cat from the pound and surprise her :) )

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

What a great job you did. She will love this. How about a rescue cat who needs a home that is older for your MIL. Pets are such a good thing for older people. Lovely thought doing this painting.

PAK ART said...

I will pray for her. It is sad to lose those you care about whether human or animal. I love your painting - you did a great job!

studio lolo said...

Lisa, this is beautiful, both the painting and the reason for painting it.

I'm sure Leopold misses her too. He had no choice in the move.

SandyCarlson said...

What a sweet cat. Your painting captured a lovely spirit!

ArtPropelled said...

Such a sweet expression on Leopold's face. Lisa, I'm sure your MIL will be very touched to receive this lovely gift.

marianne said...

Ohh what a sad story!!!
I can just imagine how she feels........... Hope another furrfriend will cross her path. This was just perfect , not the responsibility but just the joy they can bring.
And BTW that portrait is STUNNING! what a beautiful cat painting Lisa! I am sure she will love it!

Have a nice day♥

Lynn Cohen said...

My heart goes out to your dear MIL. What a special friendship she had with Leo...Wow. A cat who knocks at the door. I love it.
Yes, she will be sad and miss him. Must be a list of things a 90 yr old misses at that stage of their life. I'm glad she has you.

Your drawing is fantastically well done. Love how you captured his eyes and the tiny hairs in his ears especially well. Wow.

Q said...

Prayers and blessings....
she must feel very lonely.
Your painting is amazing....
Sherry

Quiet Paths said...

She will love this portrait. What a very thoughtful thing to do. Such a hard thing to cope with.

verobirdie said...

Too bad your MIL lost her furry friend, she must miss him terribly.

Margaret Ann said...

What a sweet and tender portrait...so heartwarming and full of love...Gorgeous work Lisa!

yoon see said...

So sorry to read about MIL's sad encounter.
I hope she will feel better and find her ways to recover.

Your dedication not just warmed MIL's heart but also many hearts.
Indeed, he is so beautiful, soft and tender. Love, love your heart felt painting.

My prayer for MIL that God is always there for her. God will lead her out of this very time soon:)
Amen.