The Paint Puppy

With garage sales and fall cleaning under way, please consider donating items that could be beneficial to those without homes! Cooler weather is moving in, so we're looking for new or gently used ADULT

🧥 Coats and sweaters
🧤 Gloves
🧦 Socks
👕 T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
👟 Comfortable shoes

As always, backpacks, boxers, feminine hygiene products, and toiletries are more than welcome! Please help make a positive difference in these individuals' lives and bring them some hope, some reminders that they are loved.

To donate, please comment below or DM me. Thank you, and have a very blessed evening 🤍🙏🏼

Happy Sunday!

As you pack up to head home from vacation, we would appreciate it so much if you would bring back unused toiletries that are provided for guests: travel-sized shampoos, conditioners, soaps, lotions, and deodorants. Our goal is to gather enough to be able to help many more of our neighbors who lack shelter and sanitation. These toiletries are such simple things that we don't even consider, but there certainly is a need for them. Please don't hesitate to reach out to drop them off!

If we can collect these little by little, we can make a great difference. Thank you for your help, and may God bless you and your loved ones! 🤍🙏🏼

"It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."

Over the past few weeks, my mom and I took three trips out to Dallas. Each time, our eyes were opened to new stories, to the harsh realities that so many people face. Everyone has their own tale - their own past, their own current condition, their own future ahead - but one thing that they all share is their need for food, shelter, and love.

With the help of you, our neighbors, we were able to help these neighbors - at least 100 of them, be them children, young individuals, or senior citizens. They were so incredibly thankful for the shoes, socks, shirts, hygiene products, and care packages that you graciously donated; I think that they could really feel the love. And that's what it's all about, right?

There are so many who deserve a shout-out for their part in this, and hopefully, I don't leave anyone out. Thank you so, so much to the Beyer, Eubanks, Fournier, Glasson, Hulm, Johanson, Salgado, Sparks, Storrs, Turner, White, and Williams families; y'all are amazing. And a special shout-out to the Torres family; Olivia, the cutest, sweetest, and most determined 8-year-old, even set up a lemonade stand to raise money and, to top it off, made an Amazon Wish List to get more donations. Olivia, you absolutely rock 💖

We'll continue visiting these beautiful and misunderstood people and giving them what we can, so please continue helping make these efforts possible! ➡️ We would love more summer clothing, hats, lotion, deodorant, soap, travel-sized shampoo, snacks, water, reuseable water bottles, and toilet paper ⬅️ These men and women go without so much, so a breathable top or a pair of comfortable walking shoes can make all the difference for them.

I urge you to take a moment to see what you have to share with others, whether it's a physical item or a loving gesture. Go out and do something good. By small and loving steps, we can make the world a better place and bring about God's Kingdom 🫶🏼🤍🕊🙏🏼

Happy Fourth of July! ❤️🤍💙

I truly am blessed to call America my home. Even though this country has its fair share of troubles that headline the news, it is rich in opportunity, beauty, and people who truly do want what's best for one another and the nation as a whole.

Growing up, I was blessed to take family road trips through all 48 contiguous states, and the sights that I've seen are breathtaking; the stories that I've learned are meaningful; and the memories that I've made are priceless. Running my own business - especially being that I'm young and a girl - is something that so many foreigners would never imagine. And being able to practice and live out my faith without fear of serious persecution, that is invaluable. I find that I take these things for granted, and I pray that I - that we all - can recognize these blessings that may seem like so little to us but, in all actuality, truly are gold.

So thank you to all of the soldiers and leaders who have given themselves and their time so that we, the people of the United States, can live with freedom and in peace. May God bless America! 🇺🇸🙏🏼

Meet Luke and Poppy! 🐮🐮

I've known Luke and Poppy's handler since I was five; she and I went to Bible study together for years and received our First Communion alongside each other. (Check out the last picture for a flashback 🥲🤍) On New Year's Day, her older sister reached out to me and asked me to do a surprise portrait of Luke as a birthday present, as the family had recently sold him. Then a few months later, she asked about Poppy, the favorite cow, who had been pregnant and passed away 💔

We got Luke's portrait to them just in time for my friend's birthday, then Poppy's the week after. Her reaction both times made my heart so happy! (The videos are so touching, but Facebook wouldn't let me post them 🥲) I hope that this art can bring my friend and her family some comfort during this difficult time.

I'm so grateful that I could do these two portraits of such beautiful Brahman cows for such wonderful people! 🤍

Dallas Farmers Market
Downtown Forney Market
Forney Arts Council

It really is true: Time flies when you're having fun.

This year has gone by so quickly. Here's a short (well, at least I tried to make it short) recap of the past few months of my life:

February ☃️
• Entered a piece of art into VASE, where it scored a four out of four and won a gold medal, as well as into the Midwestern State University High School Art Competition and my district's art show, where it placed second in mixed media in both contests
• Had a little health scare, but I'm well on the road to recovery
• Competed in UIL

March ☘️
• Continued to compete in UIL
• Finished out my junior-year soccer season
• Went to my first retreat for church
• Turned 17! For my birthday, I wanted to take sack lunches to those without homes in Dallas, but my dad surprised me by cooking up a storm. Together, he, my mom, and I took meals and treats into the city and were able to give food to so many individuals. We also passed out lots more clothes, too. It was such a beautiful day 🤍
• My best friend surprised me with the most hilarious but touching birthday present, and a week-or-so later, my friends and I went to brunch to celebrate
• Was blessed to read the readings at my church's Easter Sunday Mass

April 🌧
• Competed at the UIL District Meet, and the entire team from Forney did absolutely amazing!
• Went to prom 💃🏼
• Was elected NHS President
• Competed at the UIL Regional Meet, and two of my teammates and I advanced to State

May 🌷
• Took four AP tests
• Was honored alongside my friends at a district meeting and at the junior awards ceremony for achievements in STEM and UIL
• Received my Confirmation at church
• Competed at the UIL State Meet and am humbled to be this year's 5A State Headline Writing Champion
• Finished junior year!
• Met with a local shop owner and now have my art featured in her store

It's truly been a blessed first half of 2024, and I'm so grateful to God for that. With all that I've had going on, I haven't had much time for portraits, but this summer, you'll find me working on them, preparing for college applications, and spending some much-awaited time with family and friends. Y'all have a beautiful and blessed day! 😌🙏🏼

Some of you may already know that with the help of my mom over the past year, I've collected everyday necessities for adults without homes in Dallas, then have driven through the city streets and given to those in most despair. We started doing this in March of 2023 after speaking with a very kind man who told us what he and his peers were lacking most. It's astonishing and heartbreaking to know that they have to live without such simple things -- things that we take for granted.

That being said, as you find time on your hands this summer or go through your closets to pack for vacation, please consider donating adult items! What our neighbors need most are
🧦 Socks
👕 Comfortable tops and bottoms for summer
👟 Comfortable, new or gently used sandals and shoes
🩲 Underwear and boxers
🚺 Feminine hygiene products

When we did this last summer, we were blessed enough to receive a ton of donations and help over 50 individuals. We did similarly in the fall and then several times this past spring. It was heartbreaking to see the people's desperation, but being able to give back was so incredibly rewarding. They are good individuals who have simply gotten off track, but by doing this, we can show them love and aid them in finding their way again.

This drive will end ✨️ Monday, June 3 ✨️ To donate items or money, DM or email me. Please consider helping so that we can better their lives!

Thank you so much in advance, and I hope that you have a very blessed Sunday! 🤍🙏🏼

A night to remember ✨️

Life has been so busy lately, but yesterday, I took a pause from my usual routine, got dressed up, and headed out for an evening with friends. Prom 2024, you were wonderful 🩷

When I get a moment here soon, I'll post some more updates about life these past couple of months. Thank you, Jane, for persuading us all to go to prom. Thank you, Maggie Horn-Spiller, for giving your time to be our amazingly wonderful photographer for the evening. And thank you, Dear Lord Jesus Christ, because it's been a beautiful ride! 🕊🙏🏼

Happy Valentine's Day! ❤

Thank you so much to everyone who helped bring smiles to the kids at Dallas Children's Hospital by donating Lego sets or taking part in our raffle. Elyse's Warrior Foundation, the Spurgeon family, and my own are so grateful! We didn't top last year's amount raised, but even so, because of you all, we were able to contribute nearly $300 to go toward these sets. In total, the Spurgeons bought 241 Lego sets! 😍 (Swipe to see Mr. Spurgeon delivering them to the hospital.) This will totally brighten some amazing kids' lives, which is making Elyse smile up in Heaven, I know.

Now, after drawing names, the winner of a free custom 8x10 portrait of one pet by The Paint Puppy is...

Monica Arends! Congratulations! 🎉 We'll be in touch with you shortly and cannot say it enough: Thank you. Thank you for joining us to make a difference for these awesome children ❤️

Children's Medical Center Dallas
Elyse’s Warrior Foundation
Kathryn Fade Spurgeon

📣 It's that time of year! Once again, The Paint Puppy is partnering with Elyse's Warrior Foundation for its annual Valentine's Day Lego Toy Drive, which will gift Lego sets to patients at the Dallas Children's Hospital! 📣

🧡⬇️🧡⬇️🧡⬇️🧡

When I was in the eighth grade, my best friend, Elyse, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia - AML. Those three letters changed my life. Elyse fought so hard and became such an inspiration to everyone around her, but nine months into her battle, she passed away peacefully.

Now, her family has made it their mission to help others affected by pediatric cancer, and their not-for-profit organization, Elyse's Warrior Foundation, is hosting its third Valentine's Day Lego Toy Drive. All I want is to keep my best friend's memory alive and help in any way that I can, so 📣 The Paint Puppy is raffling off one custom 8x10 portrait of one pet 📣 to raise money! (That's valued at over $160!) Last year, we raised $800, and her family was able to buy 40 Lego sets. Let's top that!

Just go to 📣 https://forms.gle/JwHggeoSHPYkbC7T9 📣 and select how many raffle tickets you would like to purchase, then send the money through Venmo to . Tickets are $10, and each is one entry into the raffle. Submissions end on February 10, and winners will be announced February 14 at 6 p.m. CT!

Please help bring a smile to a child fighting cancer! 🧡🙏🏼

Children's Medical Center Dallas
Elyse’s Warrior Foundation
Dallas Farmers Market
Downtown Forney Market
Forney Arts Council
Forney Family
Forney High School Student Council
Forney ISD
Forney ISD Fine Arts
Forney Legacy Project
Kathryn Fade Spurgeon

"For it is in giving that we receive."

Nearly every year since I was in kindergarten, my family and I have done an annual toy drive for the Dallas Children's Hospital - a place so near and dear to my heart - but today, we did something a little different: I decided to take over 50 pieces of my art and give them to the patients. Because of the abundance of germs this time of year, I couldn't actually hand them out, but I can't wait to hear what the kids think. I only wish I could have seen their smiles ❤️‍🩹

Right afterward, my mom and I headed over to our usual area in downtown Dallas to pass out clothing and some Christmas-y cake. These people are overlooked but so kind and grateful, and bringing them joy is the best. I love doing this - and I mean it ❤️‍🔥

Go and spread some cheer this season, and what will come out of your charity will be more than enough of a reward. Wishing you and yours a very merry and blessed Christmas! 🤍🙏🏼

Children's Medical Center Dallas

Last chance before Christmas! I will be taking final orders tonight for our 8x8 Santa Canvases for any pet that I've done before, which you can find under our website's Gallery. They are only $15 per canvas - well, $20 if shipping! Please comment below that you'd like one or Venmo us . Thank you so much for your support! 🐶

It's Small Business Saturday! 🥳

Our Christmas Collection is ready and waiting to help make your home even more merry this holiday season. Swipe to check it out! 🎄 These adorable and fun designs are sure to bring a little extra cheer wherever they go, and they're affordable, too. (Our new 8x8 canvases are only $15! 👀)

Have a pet-lover in your life? This is the perfect place to shop! With our wide range of breeds, designs, and products, you are sure to find something for everyone on your Christmas list 🎅🏻

Already have all of your presents lined up? No worries! These designs make great gifts for birthdays, graduations, and many other special occasions. And if you're looking for yourself, our affordable, decorative art is perfect for displaying on walls or bookshelves, and it is sure to light up your bedroom, playroom, or nursery, too, no matter the time of year.

Take a moment to shop local or at a small business today. The Paint Puppy would sure be glad to have your support! 🤍 DM us, email us at [email protected], or visit www.thepaintpuppy.com to get your order started.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🙏🏼

I am beyond grateful for so many reasons, including not only running my own brand but for everyone and everything that makes that possible. Thank you to my family for always rooting me on, especially during the tough times. Thank you to my clients, who are just the kindest people and bring me tons of joy. And thank YOU for being a part of my journey!

Have a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving, y'all 🧡

Dallas Farmers Market
Downtown Forney Market
Forney Arts Council

Come check out The Paint Puppy next Saturday at the Downtown Forney Market! We'll be there from 10 AM to 3 PM, and we'll have an ENTIRELY new line of designs that are sure to brighten your day ✨️

Downtown Forney Market
Forney Arts Council

Meet Gracie and Lulu! 🐶🐶

Gracie, a pit bull, is pure marshmallow. She was taken in when she - only about six months old at the time - was found digging through a residential trash can, and her people picked her up, took her home, and found their perfect match. Now, six years later, her favorite things are belly rubs and treats. (I mean, who doesn't love treats?) When she gets too excited, though, she might accidentally whip bystanders with her long, thick tail, but nevertheless, she is just about the gentlest dog around.

Lulu is a pug mix who's in between 18 months and two years old, and she found her forever home last spring when she was adopted from a local animal shelter. She'd been returned twice - once for repeatedly escaping a yard and another for potty-training issues - but it was the third time's charm because she is the perfect fit for her new family. Lulu is silly and full of energy, and she loves fetching toys and when Gracie plays tug-of-war with her. There are times when Lulu's s***k is too much for Gracie, but really, the two are inseparable 🤞🏻

I did these two portraits and two coffee mugs for my amazing Algebra II teacher from last year, and he and his family love the artwork and immediately hung them in their living room. As he said, "They bring us so much joy." And that's all I can ask for 🤍

Dallas Farmers Market
Forney Arts Council
Downtown Forney Market
Society6

This is Ginger! 🐱

Ginger is the beloved cat of some family friends, and this fall, her girl went off to college for the first time. I've known this family practically my whole life, and I was lucky enough to play a bit of high school soccer with Ginger's owner and her twin and now their younger sister.

As a surprise for her birthday (which just happens to be today 😉), her mom had me create a portrait of Ginger so that she can always have her fur-baby near. They all loved the art, especially her girl. I'm so glad that I could do this for my sweet neighbors!

Happy #19, Jada and Makenna! 💖

Dallas Farmers Market
Forney Arts Council
Downtown Forney Market
Society6

It's that time of year... 🍂

Cooler weather is on its way, and while we might be looking forward to snuggling up on the couch with a good book and a blanket, not everyone has that option. That's why your neighbors need YOU!

There are more individuals without homes in our area than we could realize, and many of them also lack footwear and insulated clothing. Seeing and imagining them walking around in the bitter cold and rain, asking for help and getting passed by, is so painful for me, and I want to help them. Just one kind gesture could change their lives.

I know that lots of groups are going to be asking for coats, socks, and more this time of the year, but please consider donating to our cause! We drive around Dallas, looking for the most desperate areas, and give directly to the people. They get to take exactly what they need! When we did this over the summer, we were blessed enough to receive a ton of donations and help over 50 individuals. It was heartbreaking to see their desperation, but being able to give back was so incredibly rewarding.

This drive will end October 12, and to donate money, DM or email me. Please consider helping so that we can better their lives! 🤍🙏🏼

"Happiness is a choice, a repetitive one."

Last month, my district celebrated a group of students and I as recipients of the College Board's National Recognition Award for our GPAs and test scores, and a week ago, we were honored again at a school board meeting. I'm so grateful for the support shown by my teachers and administrators!

Homecoming was this past weekend. Attending the football game, riding on the soccer float in the town's annual parade, going out with my best friends, and taking TONS of pictures was all just so fun. This break from the rush of daily life was well worth it, and I loved making beautiful memories with some of my favorite people 💕

Junior year has been very busy for me thus far, so because of that and working to grow my brand, I won't be at any trade shows this fall. (I'm still accepting orders, though, and if you're wanting a portrait for Christmas, order soon! 😁) With all that I have going on, it's so easy to miss the moments that matter, so it's always a blessing to stop and smell the roses. Go and enjoy life! Until next time 🤍

Forney Family
Forney ISD

Meet Mandy and Mortie! 🐶🐶

Rescued from a kill shelter nine years ago, brother and sister Mandy and Mortie are enjoying life to the fullest with their wonderful and loving 93-year-old owner. Because of the hardships that they faced in their previous home, they shy away from the camera, but it's still clear that Mandy and Mortie have big personalities - and even bigger hairdos, which you can't help but adore.

The two siblings were recently diagnosed with cancer, but thankfully, they're able to receive chemotherapy treatments. These pups mean the world to their mom, so please say a prayer for them all!

Earlier this month, a past client - and now friend - of mine had me create portraits of Mandy and Mortie as a surprise for their owner. Hearing their story really touched me, as we've all been affected by cancer in some way, and getting to do this and share the love was just the best 🩷

Dallas Farmers Market
Downtown Forney Market
Forney Arts Council
GE Johnson
Society6




society6.com/thepaintpuppy444

Happy National Dog Day! 🐕

I am so grateful for these three hooligans, S'mores, V***n, and Dancer. They were the inspiration for The Paint Puppy, and they're always there to comfort me or bring a smile to my face. They make my life three thousand times better with their silly shenanigans, constant devotion, and endless love.

Our dogs deserve so much. And it's always time to show them 💕

Dallas Farmers Market
Downtown Forney Market
Forney Arts Council

"Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them."

Earlier this week, I had the chance to talk with Ms. Julie Turkel of Julie Turkel NYC and discuss licensing and growth options for The Paint Puppy. She gave me so much direction, and I've already begun taking the next steps that she laid out!

I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity. Sometimes, I feel like my age might hold me back by turning away big possibilities, but Ms. Turkel helped show me that it's an attribute, not a burden! I'm forever grateful for that 💕

I'm really excited to see where this leads my brand, and I'll be turning my focus toward it for the time being. Still, though, if you're looking for quality art of your pet or the perfect present, don't hesitate to reach out! I'd love to hear from you.

I start my junior year of high school next week, so I know that my life is about to get a whole lot busier. This summer was pretty amazing, and I hope it has treated y'all just as well! Have a wonderful and blessed weekend, everyone! 🌻🤍

Dallas Farmers Market
Downtown Forney Market
Forney Arts Council

Meet Dallas! 🐕

Dallas, a Black Mouth Cur, was found on a corner, wandering around as a stray. Soon after, she was taken to a huge adoption event where she met her future owners, who had gone to only look around but ended up bringing her home. Dallas was terrified at first, but she quickly loved her girl and her parents.

Now, three years later, Dallas is as sweet as ever and has made lots of friends, human and animal alike. (She's pretty popular at her doggy daycare 😉) She still requires a lot of attention from her family, though, like needing medicine for her allergies and for calming during thunderstorms; she also won't use the bathroom outside of her own yard, so it can be tough to go on trips with her!

But everything is worth it for beautiful Dallas. She's very caring and uses her eyes and eyebrows to express her thoughts, which always makes her family laugh. She loves catching treats and chasing tennis balls, running along winding trails surrounded by trees, and taking car rides with her girl, her mom, and her dad - just as long as they stay by her side 💖

Last summer, I did Dallas' portrait and made a tumbler as a surprise for her owner's birthday. It really was so fun to do this for such a great family! If you're looking for custom art of your four-legged friend or the perfect gift for a loved one, make sure to check out The Paint Puppy at www.thepaintpuppy.com, and follow my business on social, too, for product releases, events, and more! I look forward to creating something special for you ✨️

Dallas Farmers Market
Downtown Forney Market
Forney Arts Council
Margaret Helton

Meet BB, Lulu, Lovey, and Birdie! 🐶🐶🐶🐶

Full of speed and s***k, BB is a Jack Russell Terrier who, her owner says, could be Wishbone's twin. She keeps her yard clear of any pests -- bugs, frogs, rodents, and everything in between -- and is a force to be reckoned with. However, if a fly comes into her house, she's out; BB will hide from it for days!

Next is Lulu, a 90-pound Doodleman Pinscher, but she believes that she's as small as her sisters. Lulu enjoys learning new things and being with her owner, and her favorite activity is playing with her ball. If you try to take it from her, though, it'll be covered it slobber, but that's just another way that Lulu shows her love 😋

Lovey is a Yorkshire Terrier who is often called the "baby with no rules," and she practically runs the house. Her three sisters let her do whatever she wants, including taking their food and tennis balls. She likes to tease everybody with a toy, then dash away until she's caught, but Lovey's favorite thing is being near her family; she loves when she's held and called "Baby Love," and she affectionately shadows her owner's every step.

Birdie is a 16-pound poodle mix, but don't let her size fool you - she has attitude! She's ruthless when it comes to meals, wanting to eat hers and all of her sisters' food, and she cannot stand the camera. "She is also the laziest dog I've ever known," her owner said, "with a play time limit of three minutes or less per day." Rather than running with her siblings, Birdie chooses to watch and be dandled on the knee like a baby.

Each with their own personality, these four sisters are perfect for one another, and when I delivered their portraits, I got to see just how sweet they are! Their owner - whom I met at a local market - was so kind, and I loved making these pieces. I can't wait to see what's next! 🖌

Dallas Farmers Market
Downtown Forney Market
Forney Arts Council
GE Johnson





Society6
society6.com/thepaintpuppy444

This is Rocker 🐶

Last year at the Forney Wine & Arts Festival, I met a Notre Dame alumnus and loved hearing his stories from the school. This past spring, he had me do a portrait of his girlfriend's chihuahua as a birthday surprise for her, and when the awaited day had arrived, she opened her gift and absolutely loved it! After, I was sent this beautiful picture of her and her pup.

This piece is all the more special to me - and definitely to Rocker's family - now, as earlier this month, Rocker passed away at the age of nineteen. Hearing the news shocked me, but it made me so grateful to have been able to make this for his mom. Throughout the portrait process, I could tell how much she loved her sweet dog, and I hope this art helps her cherish their beautiful memories together forever 🤍

Dallas Farmers Market
Downtown Forney Market
Forney Arts Council
Larry McCrief






society6.com/thepaintpuppy444