Watson is a dog I knew personally. Like all the Great Danes I've known, he was a sweet clumsy ox. His owner is a good friend of mine and I painted the picture for her as a gift. Before she got it though, he had to be put down. Watson had been fighting a cancer for quite a while. He was 12 when he died, a ripe old age for a Great Dane. He had a large tumor on his jaw that could not be removed and still allow him to use his jaw to eat. It got quite large and oftentimes would get pinched and bleed a little. I laugh remembering the times I'd go over by their house ... Watson liked to find deer legs in the woods (Hunters would often pitch deer carcasses after they were butchered into the woods) and drag them home. So there at the front door would be various splinters and pieces of bone with blood spattered all over. I wonder what the UPS guy thought! His favorite place was being at the stable with his owner. She had many humorous tales about how confused the horses were when the first met Watson ... he was as big as a horse but didn't act like one! Watson had a peaceful end. His owner had made arrangements with the vet to meet them at the stable. Watson played his favorite games and took a nap. While he was naturally sleeping, the vet administered the injection and Watson drifted off without ever waking up. In any case, I still have the painting here. I showed it to my friend and she broke down so badly ... One day she'll be able to look on the picture without crying and then it will be hers to keep.
