Just Dogs

Pup Portrait Day, Sun 7th Aug at Just Dogs HQ

21 July 2011

Just Dogs are delighted to be hosting a day with Edinburgh Illustrator Sophie Martin on Sunday 7th August at Just Dogs HQ from 11am - 5pm.

We are now taking bookings for customers who would like to get a quirky, original portrait of their favourite four legged friend. These slots will be allocated on a first come first serve basis but if the time you want is full or if you can't make it on the day you can drop off a photo to us at the shop for Sophie to work from and get back to you within a couple of weeks (we will give you a timescale for return of portrait prior to taking payment).

The Portraits will cost £30 for an unmounted watercolour and £35 for a mounted version and £10 from every painting will be donated to the fabulous Many Tears Rescue. 

The shop will also be open to customers on the day and we will make sure we have some great deals available so we hope to see you there!

We have included some handy FAQs below but if you need more information feel free to drop us an e-mail, give us a call on the dog and bone or pop by the shop!

How do I book an appointment slot?
You can e-mail, call or pop by the shop.  If you send us an e-mail we will e-mail you the available slots and let you get back to us.  As the slots will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis if you don't get back to us to confirm your desired slot quickly be aware this could be filled in the interim.

How long will it take?
We have allocated approx. half an hour for Sophie to do her sketch.  We have 15 mins contingency either side of this so please do arrive sharp so that you can be taken in earlier if Sophie is ahead of time.  This contingency time will hopefully allow Sophie a chance to meet you and your dog and get everyone settled in.  Please also bear with us if we are running a bit behind.  When working with dogs things may not always run smoothly!!?? .

What if I am not sure if my dog will be happy to sit for the portrait?
Sophie will not be expecting the dogs to be perfectly still for the entire sitting - what dog would!?!?!  We would however suggest that if your dog is very high energy or nervous that coming along on the day may not necessarily be the best thing for your dog.  If you are in this situation but are keen to get a Portrait done then you may wish to consider giving Sophie a photograph to work from.  If your dog is not great with other dogs it may be best to work from a photograph too.  Although the "studio" will be in the back of our shop behind a babygate there will likely be other dogs in the shop and if they are nervous or grumpy it may be stressful for your dog and other peoples dogs given the close proximity in our shop.

What happens after we have had our sitting?
Sophie will use her half hour with your dog to get a feel for their personality and to do a pen and ink sketch.  Sophie will take your sketch away with her at the end of the day to complete and watercolour at her home.  The sketches will be returned to Just Dogs within 3 weeks and can be collected then.

What about payment?
Because the number of slots are limited and because Sophie is giving up her day and we are trying to support a worhwhile cause at the same time we will be asking for payment at the time of booking.  We will issue you with a receipt and a booking confirmation.  If you are no longer able to attend we would prefer you can give us as much notice as possible.  If you give us a full week we will refund you in full but if cancellation is after this then we will not be able to refund you unless we fill the slot (we hope you understand).  If you have to cancel but still wish to get a portrait you can provide a photo to work from.

What happens if I have more than one dog?
If you have more than one dog but would like them to be included in the same portrait then you would add £10 pound for each extra dog.

Where can I see more of Sophies Work?
Sophie has her own website and Blog.  She is a huge dog lover and has two Collie Pups of her own (Harris and Skye).  Sophie has very kindly agreed to donate £10 from every painting to our favourite dog rescue  Many Tears.   We have also included some examples below

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