It's a Wrap!

Ms. Rip finished her scenes for the Wayne State film, MY DOG RANIA last night in Detroit. Here she poses with her director, Marija.

We had a bit of a challenge because Jess, the leading lady, is supposed to chase Rip away with a broom when Rip shows up at the door. We did take after take, and finally Rip had a serious aversion to that broom! I tried to suggest better ways to accomplish the shots that wouldn't scare her, but I've been learning that nobody really listens to the dog trainer. ;-)

A dog like Cajun wouldn't have had a problem with this -- he woulda thought it all great fun and tried to eat the broom. But Ms. Rip is a little softer.

There was a scene where Rania noses through her owner's handbag and knocks a vial out. The vial falls on the floor, and Rania consumes the sample. It required a behavior chain of Rip hopping off the couch, grabbing the sample and licking or picking it up.

It sounds pretty simple, but it was very complicated getting the thing to fall in just the right spot, get her off the couch and nosing the thing all in sync and so that it looked good.

I had to work with her for a bit with the clicker, but we finally got the shot Marija wanted. Unfortunately it was the last scene we did, but Marija finally understood that if she could just wait a few minutes for rehearsals, she would get the best result possible.

It made me wonder what the Hollywood animal trainers have to go through in order to get the best results. I was working with actors who just were not dog savvy in the slightest, but still had to interact with her, and she had to look comfortable throughout.

I marvel at Rip's courage and tenacity. She really hung in there and tried to do what I asked. And despite moments where she wasn't sure of herself, she really seemed to have fun.

It was a great experience for both of us!

MY DOG RANIA is to be screened for the public in January -- I should be getting more information on it later.

Nancy

International Equine Art Competition

I was surprised to receive notification today that my pastel drawing of Sophie, a Morgan mare, won eighth place in the Ex Arte Equinus International Competition. The drawing will be published in the Ex Arte Equinus II Book, which will be available this coming January.

Boy, when I see some of the work that was entered, I feel really honored!

Isabella on the Stem Cell Trail

Isabella is a 20 year old donkey belonging to my friend Rita. She had foundered so badly that she couldn't stand. Rita put her on the StemEquine, and had her shoes reset with new pads.

Isabella got back on her feet. I went to visit her about six weeks ago and she was in the stall. She had bed sores from lying down, but when I saw her she was standing. I could tell, though, that she was hurting by the way her feet were planted. She didn't want to move. She was nothing like the feisty donkey I had known for years.

"Gosh," I said to Rita. "She looks bad."

"You should have seen her BEFORE!" Rita said. "She's a lot better!"

When I went to visit a week ago, Isabella was walking around outside eating grass. She was still going a little gingerly, but it was amazing to me that she was moving around. She has to wear a grazing muzzle to keep from overeating.

Rita attributes Isabella's improvement to the StemEquine and said she is going to keep her on it.

Today's Project - German Shepherd

This is Killian, a sable male who unfortunately died this year. His portrait is done on black in oil pencil and conte. This is about 12 x 18".

My Dog Rania

Another dream came true for me today, as one of my dogs got to be a movie star! Ripple is starring in, "My Dog Rania", a short film about some med students who find the cure for a virus, with the help of the dog owned by a victim.

Rippy and I had a great time at the shoot today. We did scenes in the science lab at Wayne State. Rippy was a pro!!! Rippy was a rescue puppy and she has always been a little on the timid side. I thought she would be nervous when I lifted her up on the table so they could give her "injections", but she was completely fine with everything. She had to run around a corner and got led into the lab, and then poked and prodded by everyone. She handled everything just fine and did everything I asked her to do.

We'll be doing some more filming on Wednesday.

Here's a picture of her with the cast. The lady in black in the center is the director, Marija. The leading lady, Jennifer, is holding up Rippy's name tag I had made for her that says, "RANIA".

This has been my most fun with a film yet! I'm so proud of her!!!

Grendel Update

I just got this pic of Grendel, now Achilles, from his new mom, Robin. He has been keeping her on her toes. He's still a major brat, but she has worked hard to get a handle on him. He's taking classes now and as you can see, living like a king! She said he is up to 72 lbs now. He and his new brother, Bogey, just play and play. Achilles wears Bogey out, but Bogey has a new lease on life now.

Today's Project - Andalusian

A high-stepping Andalusian in oil pencil/conte. I like the colors in this piece. It's about 9 x 12", listed on eBay.

Another New Clifford Video

New Clifford Video!