The Healing Power of Pets: Why a Pet Portrait Commission is the Perfect Gift.
- lyndajruggart
- Sep 30
- 7 min read
Table of Contents
The Comfort and Companionship of Pets
Pets bring a unique form of healing to our lives. They offer unconditional love, joy in the everyday, and companionship during both good times and bad. Whether it’s the wag of a dog’s tail or the gentle purr of a cat curled up beside you, pets have a way of making us feel less alone.
For many people, this companionship is life-changing. Studies show that pet ownership can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve heart health. Beyond the physical benefits, the emotional comfort of having a pet nearby is profound — they listen without judgement and provide reassurance simply by being present.
Capturing this bond in an online pet portrait commission ensures it is preserved forever. For those who treasure their Boxer, Staffie, Bulldog, horse or cat, a portrait becomes a lasting memory of the love they share.
Therapy Dogs and the Healing Connection
The rise of therapy dogs has highlighted the profound healing power of animals. Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort in hospitals, care homes, schools, and even airports. Their gentle presence reduces anxiety, boosts mood, and fosters a sense of calm.
For individuals struggling with loneliness, illness, or mental health challenges, therapy dogs offer non-judgmental companionship. According to Pet Partners, animal-assisted therapy can significantly improve well-being. Some dogs are even trained as medical alert dogs, able to sense seizures, detect drops in blood sugar, or recognise other medical emergencies — giving their owners vital warnings and potentially saving lives.
Therapy dogs also bring important cognitive and psychological gains for elderly people, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Interacting with dogs can stimulate memory, encourage communication, and spark recollections of beloved past pets. This stimulation promotes engagement, helps reduce agitation, and brings joy to daily life in care settings.
Coping with the Loss of a Beloved Pet
Losing a pet can be as heartbreaking as losing a family member. Pets hold a special place in our homes and hearts, so when they pass over the rainbow bridge, the grief can feel overwhelming. Many pet owners describe their loss as a deep emptiness that takes time to heal.
One way to ease this grief is through remembrance. Creating rituals such as lighting a candle, keeping a collar, or displaying a framed photo can help. For many of my clients, commissioning a portrait of their beloved dog, horse, or cat provides a powerful source of comfort. It becomes a way to keep their memory alive and to honour their bond.
I understand this personally, as my own Boxer passed away in October 2024. The experience deepened my appreciation for the role portraits play in healing. An online pet portrait commission can bring solace during loss, offering a gentle reminder that our pets are never truly gone.
Why Commission a Pet Portrait?
A pet portrait is more than artwork — it’s a tribute to your pet’s personality and the special place they hold in your life. Whether capturing the playful sparkle in a Boxer’s eyes or the calm dignity of a horse, a portrait reflects the love between owner and pet.
Unlike photos, a hand-drawn portrait brings out unique qualities. I use fine details and careful shading to highlight expression, creating artwork that feels alive. For many customers, seeing their pet brought to life on paper is deeply moving.
Booking an online pet portrait commission ensures you’ll have a timeless keepsake. They make meaningful gifts too — whether for birthdays, Christmas, or as a memorial. The joy on a recipient’s face when they see their portrait for the first time is truly priceless.
Pet Portraits for Dogs, Horses and More
I specialise in portraits of dogs — especially Boxers, Staffies, and Bulldogs — but I also create stunning pieces of horses, cats, and even wildlife. Each commission is personalised to reflect the pet’s unique spirit, whether that’s mischievous energy or calm grace.
For dog lovers, a portrait can immortalise a loyal friend. For horse owners, it’s a way to capture the majesty and strength of these incredible animals. Cats, with their expressive eyes and elegant poses, also make wonderful subjects. Many clients even commission wildlife portraits, inspired by my passion for nature.
Every animal has a story, and my goal is to tell that story through art. By booking an online pet portrait commission, you’ll have a piece that honours your pet’s role in your life forever.
Pet Portrait Commissions for Special Occasions
Pet portraits make perfect gifts for life’s most important occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and Christmas are all times when we search for meaningful presents — and nothing is more personal than a portrait of a beloved pet.
Clients often tell me that a portrait gift brought their loved one to tears of joy. Unlike generic presents, a portrait shows thought, care, and understanding of what truly matters. It’s a gift that becomes a treasured family heirloom, passed down for years.
Booking early is essential, especially around Christmas. By securing your commission in advance, you’ll ensure your gift is ready on time. You can also order a boxed gift voucher, giving the recipient the joy of commissioning their own portrait.
How I Create a Pet Portrait Commission
Every portrait begins with your photos. I work closely with clients to select images that capture the pet’s character best. The details in the eyes, fur, and posture all play a role in shaping the final artwork.
I use professional materials to ensure durability and richness. Each piece is built up layer by layer, with attention to light, texture, and fine details. This process can take many hours, but the result is artwork that truly comes alive.
The finished portrait is carefully packaged and delivered to you, ready to display or gift. By commissioning me, you’re not just receiving a drawing — you’re receiving a heartfelt celebration of your pet. Explore options and fees on my commissions page.
Choosing the Perfect Gift: Pet Portrait Vouchers
Sometimes, the most thoughtful gift is allowing your loved one to choose their own portrait. My beautifully presented gift vouchers make this possible. They arrive boxed and ready to give, making them ideal for birthdays, Christmas, or anniversaries.
The recipient then has the joy of choosing the photo, discussing details with me, and watching their commission come to life. This makes the gift not only meaningful but also interactive, as they become part of the creative process.
It’s also a perfect solution if you’re unsure which photo your loved one would prefer. A voucher guarantees the gift will be treasured, because the person receiving it plays a role in shaping their portrait.
Shop Unique Pet-Themed Gifts
Alongside my online pet portrait commissions, I also run a shop filled with unique pet-inspired gifts. From wall art and printed stretched canvas to greetings cards that can be personalised and sent directly to the recipient, my collections are perfect for pet lovers everywhere. Each piece is based on my own original artwork.
My organic t-shirts, hoodies, and sweaters are ethically made and eco-friendly. These make thoughtful gifts for birthdays and Christmas. For smaller items, my mugs and tote bags are practical yet personal.
Every sale supports my work as an independent pet portrait artist, allowing me to create both commissions and new wildlife artwork. If you’re looking for heartfelt gift ideas, the shop is a treasure trove of animal-themed inspiration.
Customer Stories and Testimonials
Hearing from happy customers is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Many describe being moved to tears when they first see their portrait — whether it’s a Boxer, Staffie, Bulldog, horse, or cat. You can read more on my testimonials page.
One customer commissioned a portrait of their late Cockatiel....."I just received my picture and to say I love it is an understatement. I'm going to put it near the doorway in her room so everytime I walk past I will see her!"
These stories remind me that each commission is more than art — it’s a celebration of love and loyalty. If you’re considering a portrait, hearing from other customers may inspire you to take that step.
FAQs
Q: How do I book an online pet portrait commission?A: Visit my commissions page to view options, then email me at lyndajrugg.art@gmail.com to discuss your requirements.
Q: Can I buy a pet portrait as a gift?A: Yes! You can either order directly or purchase a gift voucher, beautifully boxed for occasions.
Q: Do you only draw dogs?A: While I specialise in Boxers, Staffies, Bulldogs and horses, I also draw cats and wildlife — each piece is unique to the animal.
Q: How long does an online commission take?A: Times vary, but booking early ensures your portrait is ready for birthdays, Christmas, or memorials.
Q: What other products are available besides commissions?A: My shop includes wall art, greetings cards, organic clothing, and gift ideas like mugs.
Suggested Visual: Behind-the-scenes image of drawing process.Caption: “Creating a portrait from client photos.”Alt Text: “Artist sketching a dog portrait with pencils.”
Key Takeaway
Pets bring healing, comfort, and companionship — and an online pet portrait commission is the perfect way to celebrate that bond. Whether for yourself or as a heartfelt gift, a portrait creates a timeless keepsake.
To enquire, visit my commissions page or email me at lyndajrugg.art@gmail.com. You can also explore my shop for unique animal-themed gifts.
✨ Book your portrait today and give a gift that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Thank you for reading! Lynda x
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