Artist: Tamryn Kelly Hanekom
Country: South Africa
WASA Member: Yes
Title: Reflecting With My Best Boy
Medium: Watercolor
Size: 21cm x 29.7cm
Details:
This painting depicts a moment during an early morning walk with best boy, Alfie, in the Drakensberg mountains.
These mountains are truly a special place for me and connect me to my childhood. I spent many school holidays there and now they offer me a space where I can be calm and reflect on life in my own quiet way. It’s a privilege to be able to visit these mountains with my dog and make new memories there with him.
This little dog has rescued me as much as I have rescued him when he came home with me as a puppy from a shelter. We work together as a volunteer therapy dog team and handler with many vulnerable people. We particularly enjoy going to old age homes and schools who support kids with disabilities.
Alfie, to me, shows the power of connection and of hope. The light in the eyes of the people we help is amazing to see. Their struggles are briefly lightened by the joy they feel in connecting with him. A dog who doesn’t see age or disability – he just sees someone who needs a bit of love. Alfie is a little dog who was found in a gutter and now is able to make a big difference.