Karen BrownGloversville, New York |
| When we decided to use Christie
Williams' wonderful artwork of the "Home at Last Dog" for the center
medallion, I wanted to create four botanical panels that would
represent the seasons, and contribute to the sense of comfort and
serenity created by Christie's Airedale blissfully sleeping on a
favorite quilt. The panels were inspired by an applique pattern book
titled "Little Brown Bird" by Margaret Docherty.
I began the first panel on Valentine's day 2002. Two days later my beloved 6 year old female, Hyla Grace, was diagnosed with Autoimmune hemolytic anemia. She lost her battle on February 27. Barbara Curtiss, who at the time was chairperson for the rescue branch of the Airedale Terrier Club of America, sent me a beautiful card with a note that she wished every Airedale could be loved as much as Hyla was. I am a gardener, and Hyla delighted in plunking herself in the middle of what ever part of my garden was the most gloriously in bloom so that I had brilliantly colored "crop circles". She was often in my thoughts as I fashioned leaves and flowers. In April I adopted a rescue boy from ATRA who I named Gaelan. I was in love with him 5 minutes after I met him. He and my 2 year old, Shamus, are best friends. Gaelan has begun to lose the worried look in his eyes. I promise him every day that he is my forever dog.
Everyone of us who worked on this quilt wishes that every Airedale could have the opportunity to experience the joy of being cherished by someone. We have visions of a snug bed by the woodstove, a yummy snack shared, a dip in the pond on a hot day, and frolicking with a favorite "Hooman" in all seasons. |
