Sammy Painting

Many of my pics are taken from social media, Sammy in particular. Her owner Lelane frequently posts pics of “Sammy's World” I find myself drawn to them possibly because of an understanding of their relationship. I spent weeks in Pretoria training with my dog Blu as a dog handler and abalone detection dog respectively. When we came back we were ready and eager for duty. Working in the bush and on the beach in the darkness of night can be quite daunting, I remember one night running with my teammate along Cape Recife beach to intercept poachers coming in our direction. We couldn’t use torches as they would then know we were coming so I literally watched my dog in front of me for guidance, I could tell by her demeanor that she had picked up a scent, within minutes she became diabolical and ready to jump, I had no option but to switch my torch on, the poacher was a metre away from me and dropped to his knees asking her not to bite him. During our working career together she made countless finds in the bush and protected me fiercely, I owe her so much. Today she sleeps at the end of my bed still protecting me. Sammy although Pitbull and not GHD like Blu, represents a powerful misunderstood breed, the dog in this painting is female. She is the epitome of power and beauty and she would protect her person to no end.