To all my friends and pet lovers,

Well, I’m finally returning to the land of the living! Although it’s taken almost eleven months, we’re moving forward and settling into our new home and new life. This transition was made possible by the support of my family, friends, and the letters and calls I’ve received from my clients. Many, many thanks!

I’m painting again and have been trying new mediums and subject matter. I’m ready to work again and have started to accept commissions. I recently had my first exhibit during the Lafayette Artwalk and hope to establish my work in the Acadiana area.

It’s been very difficult for me to leave New Orleans. I’ll always consider it home but the reality is that it will take a long time for it to rebuild and be “normal” again. I will still maintain my Jackson Square artist license in the hopes of it coming back. My heart goes out to all the people in Katrina’s path who lost their pets or their lives because they refused to abandon their pets. Our outdoor cats, Bitsy and Boy, disappeared three days before the storm hit. They were nowhere to be found when we evacuated and we had to leave without them. When we were finally able to return to our home in Mid-City, which was hard hit and sat in deep water for days after the levees broke, I was hopeful they had survived when we saw many stray cats in our neighborhood had made it. Sadly they had been trapped under the house since the water rose so quickly. They always hid on pipes under the house during a storm. It was the only loss that made me cry.

I’m very grateful that authorities have learned from this unnecessary loss and tragedy and will no longer force people to choose between their life or the life of a beloved pet.

Again, thanks to everyone, and remember, change is growth.

Sincerely,
Janelle

When I was growing up in the small Cajun town of St. Martinville, Louisiana, there were always dogs around. My father, like most of his friends, raised Beagles and Labrador Retrievers for hunting. They were my playmates, too, and I adored them. After studying art at the University of Southwest Louisiana in Lafayette, I moved to New Orleans and started a family. That family has always included a variety of pets, from dogs and cats to fish, birds, and even an iguana. Since becoming a full time pet portraitist, I have produced hundreds of paintings and drawings for proud pet owners all over the country and abroad. Pet portraits make wonderful gifts and unique keepsakes, and the best part of my job is knowing that my work brings joy to people who love their pets as much as I do. Thank you for visiting my Website, and the next time you're in the French Quarter stop by my display and say hello!