The last portrait giveaway winner in my 2009 Custom Portrait Giveaway was Elizabeth with her photo and story of Kiowa – a gorgeous Samoyed.

I would like to enter our dog, Kiowa. Kiowa is going on 14, old for a Samoyed, and we know we don’t have long left with him.

My husband adopted Kiowa when he was 4 years old. He was the product of a divorce and then was taken back from his first adopted family due to abuse. Kiowa is the best dog ever. He has the perfect personality and is excellent with kids. We recently adopted our first child and Kiowa is his protector. When our son cries Kiowa will stand next to him and lick his head to comfort him. He will also come and get me if I don’t come quick enough!

Like I said, Kiowa is going into his 14th year of life. He was just diagnosed with arthritis in his back and he is having a hard time walking now. There are days he can barely make it outside and some nights he does not come upstairs to sleep.

I would like to have this sketch to give to my husband, who is very attached to Kiowa and I know will be very sad when Kiowa leaves us. This would be a great way for Kiowa to be remembered – not only for us but for our son when he gets older.

Elizabeth – thank you for sharing Kiowa with me. He’s a lovely pup and I know how hard it is to know that your time with him is coming to an end – and, speaking from experience – their passing isn’t any easier. Hugs to you, Kiowa and your hubby. I do hope that Kiowa’s portrait will bring smiles and good memories of the great bond you guys have with him in the years to come.

Only 5 of the past 52 weeks had no entries. That means I’ve given away 47 FREE custom portraits in 2009 – nearly $3,300 worth of drawings (not including postage) – WOW. You can see them ALL together here in my Facebook Album.

For all of my winners – your portrait, at the time it was drawn, had a dollar value of $70. With each new drawing in my portfolio, however, your drawing has increased in value. Over time, the dollar value of your original artwork will far exceed the original value – but what is most important is what the drawing itself means to you. That is why I do what I do – that is why I gave them away all year.

For all of you who have entered AND won – I thank you for taking the time to share your stories and loved ones with me. It has been my privilege!

For those of you who are interested in obtaining a 5×7 drawing – you can always purchase a custom portrait package right here in my shop. I have many sizes to choose from in both graphite and oil – and am scheduling portraits into February at this time. Just get in touch – I would love to draw for you!

I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for 2010 – aren’t you?