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Animal Empathy Imprints  |
The idea of creating a line of cards depicting the hearts and souls of animals came in a dream I had on New Year’s Day, 2008.
As a professional Animal Communicator, I had been searching for beautiful cards with heartfelt but not overly sentimental messages that could express the sympathy I wanted to convey to clients whose beloved animal companions had recently passed into spirit. I understand too well the pain of being physically separated from a cherished friend, and, though words can’t salve it, a written expression of empathy can help to take out the sting.
This was my inspiration, but it didn’t blossom until I turned to my friend and colleague, Gail Bloom, to give it a visual voice. With great love and sensitivity, Gail began to create original oil portraits that captured the dignity, thoughtfulness, caprice, and character of animals we’d met, in a way that I believed would resonate with others. As Gail’s intimate images began to materialize, I realized that they would be perfect for almost any occasion for which a person wanted to send a personal note. And so, Animal Empathy Imprints was born.
Our debut collection features several members of my immediate family, including the gentle Golden Retriever, Ashley, and her sidekick, Casey the miracle cat. It also spotlights Randy, a deaf Springer Spaniel with an indomitable spirit, and Rex, a stray Springer whom I met as part of my volunteer work on behalf of New England English Springer Spaniel Rescue.
Gail has also depicted the beguiling face of an irresistible kitten who seems ready to pounce out of the picture, and the elusiveness of a cagey grey cat who appears to be smiling about a secret that she’ll never tell.
We hope you enjoy them, and look forward to your feedback. We have many other animal cameos in the works, and hope to continue to unveil them over the months and years to come.
With great joy,
Maureen Harmonay
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