Wrong Dog, Right People: Finding Joy in a PAWTRAIT Mix-Up

This is Reggie

It was not the best day to make PAWTRAITS for people, believe me.

If you still remember Storm Bert in 2024, it was a very windy day. Swindie Makers Market decided to have faith in the Swindon people, who would brave the storm to support local makers or even some non-local ones like me. They were right, and this is where Reggie's story began. 

Around noon time, a mother came to me with her little child soaking wet. She showed me a picture of their family English bulldog, REGGIE. She said it is a surprise for her husband for Christmas, who really really loves this boy. That’s fantastic!

I had a long list of portraits to do, so instead of having her wait on the spot, I took her details and promised Reggie’s portrait would be ready before the market closed. I kept drawing non-stop for the rest of the day and they came back for Reggie’s portrait reveal at the end. 

She had the greatest excitement shown on her face right there. BUT, after a few seconds, this mother found that it wasn’t Reggie. I DREW THE WRONG DOG AND PUT THE WRONG NAME!!! There was no time to make things right. I felt terribly sorry and I hated letting people down, especially when your customer had to visit 2 times in the storm with a young child, and the worst of all, without a portrait to bring home. 

Of course at last, I painted Reggie at home with extra heart and posted this piece to this family for Christmas in time. This family is not only forgiving, they are super kind and sweet, they literally become one of the most supportive followers of my dog art instagram page. I am soooo thankful for them. 

Thank you Ben, Amy, Eadie and Reggie boy. Love you all so much! 

All images copyright belongs to @bencavs