My work was initially inspired by Rhett

Watercolor artist Colleen with Rhett, June 2014

Golden Retrievers Rhett and Scarlett were found running the streets of Miami, abandoned. We were considering adding a dog to our family, but had never had a male dog. 

My dear friend, Tina Valant, knew about the dogs through Tropical Dawg, a golden retriever rescue. Everyone encouraged us to foster first, to see if we were a good fit. From the moment this golden gentleman set foot on our driveway, I knew in my heart, we were meant for each other. Rhett never had an accident in the house, always made us smile, was an escape artist and lived to fetch.

I am forever grateful for Tina and her amazing gift for placing the right dog with the right family. She was with me when Rhett entered our lives, and there when he departed, peacefully.  

Below is a beautiful tribute to Rhett from "his girlfriend", Tina; which ran in the winter issue of The New Barker magazine.

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In Tribute ~ Rhett Thompson

Brighid, Daley, Colleen & KC Thompson with their boy. This was the last image, taken by his "girlfriend", Tina Valant.

Rescued Golden Retriever, 16+ years old gently crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge, at his home, on Thursday afternoon, October 2. Relaxing music played, candles were lit and many, many tears were shed, as his life was celebrated with those who loved him, most. 

A tennis ball connoisseur, Rhett loved long walks (especially with his mom), swimming at the lake, sleeping in the closet and "leaving his signature" on his beloved neighbor's lawn.
"Rhett inspired me to start painting dogs, and often stayed with me in the studio while I painted", stated Colleen Thompson, TNB's spring cover artist. "We would like to thank Lap of Love for their kindness, care and loving assistance in releasing our boy from pain". 

Run free, Rhett. Roll in stinky stuff, bark wildly (not that you did when the house was burglarized---you slept), chase tennis balls, swim after ducks, lay on the furniture and sleep on the human beds (he always kept our secret) ~ until we meet again. <3

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