Meet Michelle

First I must make a confession. I love eBay. I could sit up all night scrolling thru eBay and bidding on fun, unusual things. I've found some neat things and I've had some winning bids. We'll talk about the losers some other time.

A few years ago, before the pups were born, I found this adorable item on eBay. I had to bid on it because Porties are well known as accomplished counter surfers and this portrayed actual Portie behavior. I fell in love with it immediately.

Several people felt as I did and we got into a bidding war, but happily, I won.

When the piece arrived, I had my first introduction to the wonderful talent of Michelle Toland. It started me thinking about other common behaviors and ideas popped into my head. Fudge liked to stand at the side of the tub when I took a bath and 'talk' to me. I pictures Samba and Fudge playing with a boat in a bathtub. I contacted Michelle and described my idea to her. Many emails flew back and forth along with some photos and.....

here it is.

These mean so much more to me because they represent my actual dogs. They are one of a kind, special pieces. Our collaboration didn't stop there.

Back on eBay, I found this Christmas piece. Who better to help Santa deliver toys than a couple of Porties

I missed out on winning a set of Porties sailboat ornaments, so an email to Michelle brought another set to me and look, it's Samba, Fudge and Noah on the boats.

Who could resist a Portie playing with her teddy? Not me.

I thought it would be fun to have a Portie surrounded by tools of the trade. This bench turned out even better than I had imagined. That's Samba amidst the fishing equipment. This is a picture frame and I have a photo I took of old fishing boats pulled up on shore. I plan to print it and stick it in the back of the bench.

This is a cute piece with a Portie and a couple of gulls on a rope covered piling. The dog is holding a fish.

This is a large piece of a couple Porties in a basket trimmed with lighthouses and anchors. I love the pieces that showcase the breed's true function.

This is another picture frame. I have some good shots I took of the dogs on the boat. I'll crop one and stick it in here.

This year I had an idea for a special Christmas gift for J. She loves to play golf and Splash and Gracie love to ride in her golf cart. Michelle and I sent lots of emails back and forth. I asked if she could do Splash driving a golf cart. I sent her a picture I'd taken of the two dogs sitting in J's cart.

When it was finshed and Michelle sent photos for approval, I was delighted.

She had Splash driving the cart and Grace is sitting on the other side, holding a club. Last week we celebrated a late Christmas with J and the dogs. She was as pleased with this special piece as I was.

Michelle does a variety of dog breeds including many types of Terriers. If you would like to contact her drop me an email and I can put you in touch. You can often find her dog sculptures on eBay.