Rat (Ratty boy) Hartmann July 1995- July 5, 2008.
34 Comments on My little Rat boy 1995-2008, last added: 8/5/2008
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By: Valerie Walsh,
on 7/6/2008
Blog: ValGal Art (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Topanga, Ratty Boy, Rat the dog, Rat dog, dogs, Add a tag
Our little sweetheart brought us joy, laughter, companionship, love, hope, contentment, strength, worry and he gave my small world a deeper meaning. He landed in my life by way of a little barn where my mom rode her horses in Washington. I brought him to Topanga and we have had the most wonderful times. Every where we went, people say " Hi Rat!" because of his memorable name and his happy and loving spirit.On December 1, 2008 he went into heart failure and his life was saved by Dr. Steve Weinberg, Viagra and the amazing Docs at City of Angels Animal Hospital. It gave him 6 more months and I will forever be grateful. My only regret is we had to part but I know we will meet at the Rainbow Bridge . I love you forever Ratty Boy. I always felt lucky because of you.
By: Valerie Walsh,
on 5/9/2008
Blog: ValGal Art (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Valerie Walsh, greeting card, Topanga, electricity, illustration, Illustration Friday, Add a tag
By: Lisa,
on 7/14/2007
Blog: Picture Bookies Showcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Children's Illustration, Sweets, T-shirt Design, Candy Store, Chocolate Shop, Children's Picture Book Art, Add a tag
Lisa J. Michaels
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By: Valerie Walsh,
on 7/6/2008
Blog: ValGal Art (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Topanga, Ratty Boy, Rat the dog, Rat dog, dogs, Add a tag
By: Valerie Walsh,
on 5/9/2008
Blog: ValGal Art (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Valerie Walsh, greeting card, Topanga, electricity, illustration, Illustration Friday, Add a tag
My submission for Illustration Friday's "electricity" is from a greeting card that I made for Marisol. It has a gift certificate to "Come over to my house for holiday cheer" it was rejected for being to dark. Candlelight versus electricity is an easy choice for me because I am usually painting pretty detailed work so I need good light. I have 365 halogen lights in my studio and they are the best purchase I ever made. It is like daytime in my studio late at night. Here in Topanga several times a year somebody driving up Hwy. 27 hits a power pole and suddenly no electricity. I am super prepared for this situation, I have lots of candles, alternate light sources, batteries, a portable dvd player, a radio with cd player that runs on batteries, etc. We have a big-time disaster preparedness program for all residents having been faced with fires, floods and earthquakes, you can see them here and here.
37 Comments on Illustration Friday: electricity, last added: 5/20/2008
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By: Phyllis,
on 9/30/2007
Blog: The Art of Phyllis Hornung Peacock (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: tapia, california, hiking, malibu, los angeles, trail, hike, topanga, piuma, malibu creek, hiking, los angeles, trail, hike, topanga, malibu, piuma, malibu creek, Add a tag
Blog: The Art of Phyllis Hornung Peacock (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: tapia, california, hiking, malibu, los angeles, trail, hike, topanga, piuma, malibu creek, hiking, los angeles, trail, hike, topanga, malibu, piuma, malibu creek, Add a tag
I know some time ago I mentioned that I could probably do a blog just about hiking and I guess I really wasn't kidding. So, because a good half of my blog focuses on hiking, I thought I'd add the word "hiking" to the subtitle. Anyway, my husband had the last week off work and I got absolutely no work done, but, naturally, we did do quite a bit of hiking . On Monday, we went to Topanga State Park and hiked the Santa Ynez Canyon Trail. The trail starts out high up in the hills and gradually winds down into a heavily wooded canyon. Taking a left at a fork in the trail, the path leads to a waterfall. We strayed off the beaten path a bit and followed the stream, boulder-hopping to reach the waterfall. At one point in the creek, the boulders are just high enough that we needed to use some knotted ropes that had been left there to help pull ourselves up to higher ground. The waterfall was no more than a trickle just like every waterfall we've encountered this summer, but unlike the many creek-beds we've seen, this one did run with water.
Taking the same trail, we made our way back to the car. As we came over the crest of the last hill, the land opened out into dry, grassy meadows. We spotted a lone deer grazing not too far away. I tried to get as close to it as I could without alarming it, shooting pictures along the way. When that deer disappeared from view, we continued on our way, but stopped again shortly when we heard something sizeable crashing through the brush. Another deer came into view! And another and another - a herd of eight deer in all wandered out from the cover of forest into the open
meadow. We shot many photos, but the deer were so well camouflaged that they are difficult to see in the photos. When they finally slipped out of view, we made our way through a live oak grove back to the car. We'd been so tired from the long hike, but after we paused and watched the deer for a while we felt energized all over again. It's so exhilarating to see wildlife in their natural habitat.
Malibu Creek
On Friday we went hiking again, this time we started out at the parking lot for Piuma Ridge. There seemed to be endless little side-trails that led to who-knows-where. We made our way north, entered into a smallish live oak grove, and got a glimpse of a water reclamation facility. After nosing arou
nd for 
a bit, we decided to try to find our way through Tapia Park and into Malibu Creek State Park, intending our final destination to be the Mott Adobe Ruins. We took a trail that seemed logical, but turned into a dead-end at a locked gate. So we had to double back, find a trail not marked on the map and carefully pick our way across a narrow strip of the creek. We had 
made it into Tapia and ended up hiking right next to a long road/parking lot which then ended abruptly at a camp. According to the map we had, the camp appeared to have been plunked down right in the middle of the road we wanted to take and of course it was gated, so the desirable road was completely off-limits. We were so lost we even asked for help. Unfortunately the person we asked wasn't all that familiar with the trails, so we took a guess at which trail to take. And we guessed right! We took a segment of the Backbone Trail that traversed up the side and over a mountain right into Malibu Cre
ek State Park. Not too far into the park, we spotted six deer grazing on a patch of green grass. We were as close as we'd ever been to the creatures and shot a lot of photos. The buck seemed to become a bit unnerved by us and bounded gracefully away across the road. It was as if he was telling his herd that he wasn't terrified, but thought it best to move on. The rest of them seemed unperturbed, but gradually followed him. We did finally come across the Mott Ruins. There wasn't much left of them, save the chimney. It seemed a bit of a disappointment after spending much of the day being lost in trying to find it. On the way back we crossed a broad meadow were a whopping fifteen deer were grazing. This sight alone made the trek well worth while!
Temescal Canyon
So then yesterday we went back to Topanga State Park and hiked Temescal Canyon Trail which is on the southern side of
the park in Malibu. It was a really beautiful location, but it was just full of people - probably the most we've ever encountered during a hike. With all the people there was no chance of encountering wildlife. The trail leads out to a meager California waterfall and then loops back to the parking lot switch-backing along a mountainside. At the top of the mountain, there's a path that traverses the ridge and ends at Skull Rock. Usually look-out points in these various parks offer sweeping views of the ocean or more mountains, but this trail featured views of the city. Very pretty, but a bit too busy.
On a more artistic note, last night we watched the anime movie Tekkonkinkrete. Even if you're not really into anime it's definitely worth a watch for the backgrounds alone. They are just stunning. I would never in a million years have the patience to paint such amazingly detailed backgrounds. Wish we'd caught it on the big screen...
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By: Lisa,
on 7/14/2007
Blog: Picture Bookies Showcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Children's Illustration, Sweets, T-shirt Design, Candy Store, Chocolate Shop, Children's Picture Book Art, Add a tag
Lisa J. Michaels"The Chocolate Shop"
T-Shirt Design for Business Owner/Client
Pen & Ink/Photoshop
0 Comments on Sweets as of 7/14/2007 9:17:00 PM
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Oh! I'm sorry for this! Rat boy was lucky to live in such a loving and caring family for his whole life!
Oh Val, I'm so sorry to hear you've lost your beloved friend.
Hugs from TX
I am really sorry to learn about your loss. It sounds like you have a lot of lovely memories of him and that he lived a very happy life.
RIP Rat. So sorry to learn of your loss. He had a good life with you so please take comfort in that. Hugs. x
I'm so sorry.
He'll lives forever in your heart.
Cata
So sorry Valerie... that is never easy. Dogs really have a special place in our hearts. Rat was very lucky to live such a great life and be loved by you.
Valgal,
Mom & I are start crying every time we think about little Ratty. We have so many fond memories. Remember when he was a puppy and would chase leaves on our front lawn? Or the time we were on the boardwalk in Santa Monica and he barked at the big dogs but protected himself through the legs of the dog's owner? Or peeing at the Loews? Ratty left his mark....
Thinking of you and missing little Ratty.
xoxox
-dd
I am shedding tears for the Ratty Boy and for you. My daughter gave us a copy of the Rainbow Bridge years ago when we desperately needed it. How wonderful that you have so many treasured photos of your sweet pet.
Losing a pet like Rat is like losing a part of your family and I truly understand the sadness, but hope that you will feel the true sentiments of those who visit here.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Oh Val, I'm so sorry! I know you will miss him so much. I'm glad you got to have that extra few months with him!
Hi, Valerie, hope you feel better now.
I'm passing an award to you. Please come over my blog to pick it up!
Oh, Valerie, I'm so sorry. Though I didn't know your pup, the beautiful, loving pictures and your sentiment are bringing tears to my eyes. He was - and continues to be - so very loved.
Ciao Valerie, I'm so sorry and sad for your loss, but I think that now your Rat is running in beautiful green lawns along with many new four feet friends.
Ti abbraccio forte forte
Vitti
Dear Val,
Sending you big hugs and sympathy for the loss of your dear friend and companion. I'm sure your life is richer for having had him in it. I hope you find comfort in your memories, and eventually, peace in your heart. This is a wonderful tribute.
XX
Laurel
Valerie Dear
What a beautiful tribute for Ratty boy.I am sorry for your loss. I am sure you'll meet him again in the Rainbow bridge.
Hugs
omg what a wonderful post about your beloved ratboy.... he will stay in your heart forever. hugs.
Oh, Val, I am really sorry about Rat. He really was part of your life.
I loved the slide show. A great tribute to a wonderful companion. And the choice of music is so fitting.
I really sorry my friend.. =( I know it is a sad story, but the way you describe the relationship you had with him made me feel he enjoyed your time together as much as you did.. A big hug from Ecuador..
Dear Val - oh... I am so sorry to read about your loss :( I know how wrenching it is to lose such a good friend like your Rat. Your tribute to him is lovely... and now I'm crying. Hugs to you, dear. - Carla
Val, Sorry for your loss. Tony
NOOOOO! NOOO! I am so sorry for being a bad friend and not knowing sooner. I always envision you with Rat because that is the first picture I saw of you with him, the one where he is kissing you. I will always think of you with Rat. I am so sorry. Pets are wonderful members of our family. They bring so much joy, never complain, just want to be loved but they end ep loving us more. Oh Val. Gentle thoughts of you dearest Val.
I feel for you, Val. This is a lovely tribute to a dear friend and you can tell from the photos what a sweet dog he was. I loved the slide show. Having been through the same thing this year I know exactly how you're feeling right now. Take care.
Valerie: I am so sorry for your loss! :( I understand as I had to have my dog of almost 12 years put to sleep in May. I am so deeply sorry. It is so obvious from the photos that he was loved a great deal! What a sweetie! My favorite picture was the one where he was in bed with the blanket up to his neck! How cute! You are in my thoughts. He is in a peaceful place, and who knows, maybe he's playing with my dog, Meg! :) As much as we love them and they love us back unconditionally, I have to hope there is a wonderful & peaceful place for them after living in this world.
I am so sorry to hear about Ratty Boy. I know you will miss him but he will live on forever in your heart.
I am so so sorry about your little Rat. Tears are squirting from my eyes. HIs little photo on Flickr brought big smiles to both Tom and I on quite a few occasions. Your slideshow was very sweet. Thank you for sharing it with us. Big bear hugs to you!
Sorry to hear about Ratty. He was a door bell.
"I always felt lucky because of you".
there is so much love in that sentence my eyes are hardly dry. you will meet again. i know you know that.
love..
Hey Val... sorry to hear about your doggy friend. :( I can relate! I had a little toy poodle who was my best friend ever since I was about 12 or so. She was awesome. It was sooo hard when she died, I still think about her to this day! But now I think about all the fun times I had with her and how funny she was :)
Just thinking of you and looking at Rat's photos again. Hope you are doing better. Love you. Aunt Hattie
Oh honey, my heart is breaking for you. I know when I lost my Murray I just felt surreal. You will meet again, and he'll have a bottomless doggie dish up there!! People who have animals in their lives know that we're all so much better for knowing them...Take care doll...
a : )
Valpal, so sorry!!
Your slideshow reflects such deep, abiding affection.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know what it's like to loose such a trusted and valued friend, words have no use here. You will see him again so enjoy his memory til' then. Thank you for sharing your photos.
Oh Valerie!
I am so sorry about your loss. You have a wonderful attitude about life and "Ratty Boy" had a great life next to you.
Bless you again! Hugs :) :) :)
Oh Val! I just now came to visit your blog and my heart just seized up into a tiny fist of pain. My heart and hugs are reaching out to you during this difficult time of grief. .
I am so sorry......