A couple of years ago, someone from a pet brand told me this; “We’re trying to help pet parents cherish relationships with their pets while they’re alive, rather than just memorializing them once they’ve passed away.” This simple statement really got me thinking. Why is it that we go through so much trouble to remember our pets when they die instead of focusing on making amazing memories with them while they’re still with us? I began changing my approach when I got a portrait of Wynston painted through Paint Your Life. I realized that I want paintings, photos and tattoos that I can enjoy while Wynston is still gallivanting through life with me, instead of trying to relive it when he’s dead. This way when I look at that painting or my new tattoo, I have fond memories of us together. This brings me to my latest and greatest development; my tattoo of Wynston’s paw prints on my arm.
I was inspired to get this tattoo when Wynston created paw print art at the Strut Your Mutt event. I was so in love with the adorable little painted paw prints that he made, and it immediately gave me the idea to get them tattooed on my arm. Since the prints he did were kind of incomplete, I decided to redo them again so I’d have a more finished outline. His paw prints still turned out with an abstract look (after all, they are done in paint and he’s a dog) but I got a better version in the end. So I did what anyone would do and I headed to Pinterest for tattoo ideas.
I picked a few favorite tattoos and ultimately decided on the photo below for the overall idea:
My best friend Andria and I had been wanting to get new tattoos together for a while. It was her 30th birthday on December 1, so we decided to celebrate by finally getting our tattoos! We both got paw prints of our heart dogs at Salt & Light Tattoo. Andria got her Rottie Daisy’s paw print with some daisies on her right forearm, while I got Wynston’s prints on my left. It was a super fun experience and a meaningful way to spend Andria’s milestone birthday!
I gave our artist Wynston’s paw prints and my font choice to show him exactly what I wanted. He then drew it up, discussed color choices and went to work! Here’s the inspiration and final product:
So did it hurt?!
Of course it did! I won’t even beat around the bush. However, it was nothing unbearable. Sure, I flinched a few times and it was consistent pain, but to me it really wasn’t that bad. Keep in mind that I also have my feet tattooed, which they say is the most painful place to get tattoos. I think the pain really differs from person to person.
But why just Wynston’s paw prints?
Wynston is my heart dog. My world revolves around him and he’s truly changed my life. I will forever have the memories of getting this tattoo, and him sniffing it when I got home <3
I have another paw print tattooed on my foot. The print is wrapped in a bandage with the word “rescued” on it. I hope to get more animal related tattoos as life goes on! Next I want one for my heart cat, Edison.
Let’s talk tattoos – do you have any pet related tattoos? If not, would you get one?
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