Studio Friday: Studio Sidekick

This week's topic for Friday July 21st suggested by Debbie: STUDIO SIDEKICK(S)!

"I got inspired by those lovely ladies who left comments for me on "A View from Above." My post included my puppy and I received all kinds of cool comments of artists describing their four legged companions. I'd LOVE to see pictures of all of their companions! So how about "Art Studio Sidekicks?" Originally I had "four-legged" in the title. However, I know there are not only 3-legged-once-4-legged sidekicks out there, but also all sorts of companions. I'm certain that there are artists with birds as their companions and I certainly want to see and "hear" all about them!" -Debbie

This is the story of Bandit-the-Wonderdog:

A black and white dog, mixed breed, was rescued from death row by a young woman and her significant other four years ago. They named him Bandit, and helped him settle into life with them. It was soon very apparent to them that their adorable canine companion must have suffered early trauma: he would cower and run if someone moved quickly or unexpectedly. Men in particular seemed to create a nervous and tense reaction. But Bandit became comfortable in his home, and especially enjoyed having a yard for running and playing.

There came a day that Bandit-the-Wonderdog decided he wanted to learn to fly. While having a vacation at the home of family friends, a severe storm began to brew. One of Bandit's super-powers is that he is able to sense a coming storm long before it becomes apparent to any of his human friends.

Already nervous and worried, and scared because he had been left in the apartment alone, Bandit-the-Wonderdog paced around seeking safety. Thunder rolled and lightening cracked, raising what had been sheer terror to utter insanity. An explosion rocked the world as a bolt of lightening hit an electrical transformer near the building. That was it......he could stand no more, he was going to flee from all the terrifying sounds. Taking a deep breath and using his powerful legs to propel him across the room, he took aim and flew out the window!

The friends returned home, found their home in chaos, and panicked when Bandit-the-Wonderdog was nowhere to be found. Some strange sense led them to the window.......as lightening flashed they saw what appeared to be something on the ground three floors below!

A shattered pelvis and femur. Specialists were called in from far and wide and debate ensued: "Amputate," said some. "No, we can put him back together," claimed others. His family said, "Please, do everything you can." The surgery began, and plates and rods and screws were put into place to hold the broken parts together.

A lengthy recovery followed, and Bandit-the-Wonderdog made a full recovery. Once again he enjoyed running and playing and jumping. He was happy. Then changes began to occur........nothing was the same in the house anymore: the man moved away, boxes were being packed up, and a "For Sale" sign appeared in the yard. The young woman was concerned about Bandit-the-Wonderdog..........now that the man was gone, Bandit was alone for longer and longer periods of time. He became lonely and felt lost. The young woman worried about what would happen to him when she moved........she didn't think she'd be able to take him where she was going, and even if she could he would be alone far too many hours a day. The young woman talked to her mother, and it was agreed that Bandit-the-Wonderdog would move to the mother's home.

Bandit-the-Wonderdog came into my life and home in January 2005. I was recovering from major surgery and was grateful for the companionship. My recovery process was helped along by Bandit's presence; having to take him outside several times a day pushed me to be more active. He has become far more of a companion than I had ever imagined. Although my family had dogs when I was growing up, and there were even a couple as my children were growing up, I had never experienced the real companionship of a dog.

If Bandit is not in the same room with me, he is snuggled on my bed. He has been lounging on the floor in my studio as I've been writing this. He will occasionally come and nuzzle at me, or lay his head on my leg.

I feel sad that I don't have a yard for Bandit to enjoy, but there is a school up the block with a large fenced-in field. Bandit runs the perimeter of the field, herding imaginary sheep and cows. It is so obvious at those times that he is part Border Collie. He makes me laugh when he charges full-speed at me, as if I am a stray sheep that needs to be sent back with the rest of the flock!

When Bandit runs through the field, he sometimes appears to be in flight. It's easy to imagine him sprouting wings and taking off! At those moments, he is joy in motion.

Thanks, Debbie, for prompting me to tell the story of Bandit-the-Wonderdog, my flying studio sidekick!

{SF}