Color Me Canine (Toy Group): A Coloring Book for Dog Owners of All Ages

In these uncertain times, it can be very soothing to just sit and draw.

But this must be the strangest coloring book you have ever picked up.

First, I am a real artist, the kind that wins awards. These coloring pages are all drawn by me, personally. They are realistic but with a whimsical edge. Color Me Canine (Toy Group) took a 2020 Maxwell, the award of the Dog Writer's Association of America.

Because you sometimes change your mind or even mess up - and sometimes your kids scribble on your stuff, there will be two copies of each breed's coloring page.

Which brings us to the descriptions. I just told you that I'm a working artist - but I've also written dog breed books, published dog books and bred my own Silky Terriers for the last coming up on 40 years producing over 120 AKC champions. So, I can speak with authority about dog breeds.

I have lots and lots of friends, on social media and off. I've been asking everyone to describe to me their breed in three words. So, you'll not only get my opinion but all my expert friends' opinions as well.

If you like coloring realistic drawings with just a bit of extra, I promise you will have fun with this book. For example, every coloring page has the breed name handwritten in the picture somewhere. I challenge you to find each one!

If you are looking for your next canine buddy, or you just like oohing and ahhing over all the cool dogs, this book is for you.

The plan is to have eight coloring books: one each for each American Kennel Club Group - namely the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Non-Sporting, Toy, Herding and Miscellaneous Groups.

Whew! I better get busy.

Sandy Bergstrom Mesmer

My mother took me to my first dog show when I was eight. This fascinated me, and I immediately wanted to show our Standard Poodle. Mom explained the many reasons why this wasn't possible, and I understood but there was a little voice in my head that said, "Someday you're going to do that." Of course, being eight, the next week I was telling everyone that I wanted to be a jockey. I have always loved to draw and filled sketchbooks with an attempt at professionalism. My older sister Lucy was much better than me, so one day in frustration I asked her, "How do you get to be so good?" "Draw what you see," she replied. It's the best art advice I've ever received. Following that tip, I have always created works that just seemed right to me - realistic, accurate but with a twinkle within that no photograph could capture. While living in Germany I was accepted as an art student by the Munich Academy. I attended one day of classes where I was told bluntly that I was doing everything wrong, that I needed to fix all my techniques and procedures. Hmm, I thought. Maybe I'll do just fine on my own. Never went back. As a young mom, I started breeding and showing Silky Terriers. I loved it - it was the fulfillment of a dream. Fast forward almost 40 years and Tessier Silky Terriers has just completed its 121st AKC champion and we have had many top winners, including two World Champions. For more information about our dogs, you can visit www.tessier-silky-terriers.com. Several years ago, it occurred to me that it would be fun to take up drawing again, this time specializing in canine art. As well as custom work, I have an ever-expanding line of greeting and special occasion cards, available at https: //sandy-bergstrom-mesmer-designs.myshopify.com. I also have a line of over 148 pen and ink limited edition prints. In 2012 I won a Maxwell for my German Shepherd "Headshot" print. And now a series of coloring books. Best, Sandy Bergstrom Mesmer 2019 Sandy Bergstrom Mesmer Designs https: //www.facebook.com/SandyBergstromMesmer/ https: //sandy-bergstrom-mesmer-designs.myshopify.com https: //tessier-silky-terriers.com