This coloured pencil sketch of Corey and Bruno is a study of the power of friendship.
Bruno is an ambassador for big dogs
These two boys are very dear to me. I first met Corey thanks to Bruno, who spotted him walking home from school one day. Bruno loves meeting people and was so very excited to see Corey approaching. He was staring at Corey as he came up the road, his tail wagging wildly with anticipation. But little did we know, Corey was terrified of dogs. I explained to Corey and his mum that Bruno had seen him and really, really wanted to be his friend, so we just stood and chatted, keeping a respectful distance.
Over many weeks, Bruno showed time and again that he is a gentle giant, and Corey learned to trust him. He went from standing nearby, to touching Bruno, then stroking him more confidently. I would show Corey that Bruno knew some commands like ‘sit’, ‘paw’, ‘down’ and ‘wait’, and Corey gradually worked up to feeding Bruno treats.
Now they are best buddies who play, walk and do tricks together, and Corey has been able to visit the house of a school friend who has a dog, without fear. Bruno has changed Corey’s life, and they couldn’t be sweeter together.
Art inspired by life
I drew this portrait as a Christmas gift for Corey, to celebrate their friendship. The sketch was inspired by a photograph I took of them both together one evening, Bruno and I were out for a street walk and he led me to Corey’s house, 10 minutes away. So Corey came out to see Bruno before going to bed, making both boy and dog very happy indeed. The drawing of these best buddies now hangs on Corey’s bedroom wall, and we each have new friends for life thanks to the immense love that Bruno approaches every day with.
Bruno – changing lives for the better
You can read more about the wonderful dog that is Bruno, and how he also inspired a canine fundraiser and a whole new way of drawing for me.
