Dear Mom and Dad-

Have I told you lately how grateful I am to be a part of this family?  Lucky is not a strong enough word to describe my current fate.  I love you both to the moon and back.

However, that does not mean that there are not some interesting happenings surrounding us that should tantalize our senses.

Just look for yourself!  There’re shiny objects everywhere!  Yes, every sight, sound, smell or passing dog or human does indeed demand my immediate and undivided attention. Of course, the two of you are my favorite things to stare at while we are in the house.  Outside the palace gates?  Different story.  I consider it my duty to gaze upon the environs encircling us to quell my curiosity and increase my empathy for the other half.

I also consider this curiosity trait a substantial contribution to this household as I am able to note the latest trends in–for instance–dog grooming, or the condition of certain fire hydrants.  All pertinent information.  We, as a family, need to keep up on these things.

Given this, don’t you agree that the most rewarding gesture while walking is to hold me up high so I can peruse the landscape before us?  And, while you are at it, make it a tight hold, so I can feel your love.

I came to you amid a world-wide pandemic and am forever grateful that we were able to spend so much time together.  If you can please arrange things so that I can once again provide you with that 24/7 attention, I’d be much obliged.

In the meantime, may our family bond flourish for many years to come.

Love,

Otis

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About the piece:  An image transfer of Otis is placed on layers of acrylic paint.  Some paint sheets were scraped away, some dance on top to create a multi-dimensional effect.  Jeweled colors of emerald, ruby, amethyst, and gems encircle Otis.  The depth of colors represents the waves of stimuli around him.  The perfect image of Otis, with his wide eyes, seems to hypnotically electrify the energy around him.