“Empathy” 20×16 oil by Dawn B. Dwyer
“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen
At the time Henri wrote this I am sure that he was only thinking in terms of a relationship with a human being. But in reality this is what a relationship with a dog is all about. They are always quietly there, in the background, watching you, ready to respond when you need them. This is what the painting “Empathy” is all about … the loyalty, compassion and companionship. A friendship that is reflective of the connection and complete understanding between two beings.
Dawn B Dwyer, Artist 