Scout portrait finished!

Scout's triple portrait is finished.

Below is what Annette wrote about her partnership with this amazingly accomplished Border Collie.

Prismacolor pencil and acrylic wash on “Flannel Grey” Canson Mi-Teintes paper

20 x 26 inches.

Annette wrote:

“Scout has been an incredible addition to my life. I met him as a 5 year old, recently retired from a busy working life as a goose hazer protecting workers from angry geese. I have had 3 previous Border Collies but Scout has expanded my understanding of being a team and communicating in ways beyond anything I have previously experienced. He is never far from my side, won’t go outside without me, and many people, including my trainer, have commented that he is always looking to me for direction. I don’t think I have a single picture of us together where he is looking at the camera instead of up at me.

Scout has an abundance of skill sets. He has done advanced tracking and is very good at scent work. We are trying our hand at agility where he is hampered by my inexperience as a partner but still has progressed to the Intermediate level. However, his 2 passions are Frisbee and a sport called Barn Hunt. One Christmas I put sleigh bells on the front door handle and within 2 weeks he linked that sound with going outside to play Frisbee. So I left them up and now he will ring them when he wants to play – about every hour or so! In Barn Hunt, he excels at finding the target tubes hidden in hay and has never alerted on a decoy. He currently has a Master rating and is going for his Championship rank. 

Scout is a very friendly and mellow soul. His natural ease and friendliness make him a hit in therapy work, especially with children. We visit in many venues from hospitals to libraries to nursing homes.  His behavior has at all times been flawless. In fact, I have never had to correct him for anything in any setting. He seems to sense the temperament of each person – not overwhelming the tentative or frail adult but playfully responding to an enthusiastic child. 

I have not had the extra years together that would have come if our journey had started when he was a puppy. Therefore, I treasure every moment. I feel a connection with him that is unique. He seems to understand so much that is spoken and unspoken. As he studies my face and watches my eyes, I believe he has a special awareness. His eyes are so intense and communicate so much. When he wants something, he will look at me until I start to follow him. As he leads the way, he constantly looks back at me until we arrive at his destination. Yes, he is very smart, learns quickly, enjoys puzzles and challenges which is great fun. But what I treasure most is the emotional bond and connection we have.  

Every day creates a new memory and it is hard to pick “favorites”. I have never done dog sports or worked together with my dog as a team so it has been a great thrill to build this partnership. I have been spoiled by the ease with which he masters activities, new roles and sports. I don’t know how many blue ribbons we have but it is considerable. However, the joy of working as a team is greater than any ribbon.

As the day comes to a close and he is finally willing to put his toys aside, my favorite time begins.  He crawls in his bed, waits for me and we have some precious (and sparse) snuggle time. He then puts his head down, closes his eyes and waits for the morning to eagerly wake me up for another day of adventures! This nightly ritual will linger in my memory always – I believe above all the other joys we share.”

Annette and Scout:

“Scout”

Scout’s Chase RATM RATCh THD

Commissioned by Annette Riehle.

From reference photos by Faith Lyman, Jackie Singer, and Donna Childs.