The Sheltie you chose.
The portrait you’ll cherish.
Bringing home a rescue Sheltie changes your life in quiet, wonderful ways.
I know, because that's exactly how Jeb came into mine. He’s a Sheltie/Aussie mix, a Shussie!
I'd love to create a pastel portrait that celebrates the dog who's become part of your family. As a thank you to Kansas City Sheltie Rescue for helping us adopt Jeb, I'll donate 20% of every portrait purchased through this page back to the Rescue to help more Shelties and Sheltie-mix dogs find loving homes.
Only six portrait openings are available through this special fundraiser.
One day, someone else said goodbye to your dog so you could say hello.
The dog that found you.
When we adopt a rescue dog, we're never quite sure who's rescuing whom.
Somehow they become woven into our everyday routines, our happiest memories, and the quiet moments that make a house feel like home.
A portrait gives you something lasting from a season that never seems long enough.
I understand Shelties.
I've shared my life with Shelties for more than 35 years, and I've painted dozens of them over the years. Their bright expressions, flowing coats and joyful personalities have inspired some of my favorite paintings—including this one that now hangs in the AKC Museum of the Dog in NYC.
Every portrait is painted entirely by hand in soft pastel from your photographs. If you're unsure which photos to send, I'll gladly help you choose the ones that tell your Sheltie's story best.
Every portrait helps another Sheltie.
When you commission your portrait through this page:
✓ Your portrait is painted by hand.
✓ Your pet’s likeness and your happiness is guaranteed.
✓ It's professionally framed and arrives ready to hang.
✓ Insured shipping is included.
✓ 20% of your purchase goes directly to Kansas City Sheltie Rescue.
It feels good knowing your portrait is helping another Sheltie find the family they deserve because 20% of your purchase will be donated to Kansas City Sheltie Rescue.
Choose your portrait size:
How it works:
Reserve
Click the See Sizes & Reserve Your Portrait button, decide on your size and contact me directly via the link.
Share
We’ll have a consultation call so that I can learn all about your Sheltie and help you find just the right reference photos.
Approve
You get to see the finished portrait and suggest any minor revisions before I ship it to you, framed and ready to hang.
Enjoy
You’ll treasure your one-of-a-kind pastel portrait of your Sheltie for years to come.
What happy people say about my work:
“I’m absolutely in love with the paintings that Marla did of both my dogs. The quality of her work is amazing. She’s friendly, responds quickly and makes sure you get what you’ll be happy with! I highly recommend Marla!”
Ilya
“Amazing communication, super helpful and kind. Very fast turnaround and the painting is incredible! It looks just like the picture I gave her! Thank you for a wonderful experience from start to finish!”
Jamie
“Marla was wonderful to work with and offered great suggestions when I was unsure of which photos and colors. The portraits turned out stunning and very life like! They make a very unique gift that can be cherished forever.”
Amanda
Let’s celebrate your Sheltie!
Whether you've shared your life together for a few months or many years, I'll be honored to paint them.
Only six portraits are available through this fundraiser. If all six have been reserved, you’ll be added to the waiting list.
About the artist, Marla Rush Parnell
Vibrant colors make your pet’s portrait come alive through my style I call Colorful Realism. That means your pet’s portrait will look realistic, yet upon closer inspection, you’ll discover surprising notes of color woven throughout.
I’m a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, a prestigious international arts organization located in New York City, as well as the International Association of Pastel Societies.
I’ve been painting portraits of pets of all kinds for over 30 years. Studies with nationally-known pastel artists have resulted in my paintings of pets being accepted into national and international art competitions, winning First Place and Best In Show awards. I am honored to have one of my Sheltie paintings in the permanent collection of the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog in New York City.
I know you'll cherish your pet's portrait forever. In fact, I guarantee you will.
My work can be found in private collections throughout the U.S. and Europe, and I'd love to add a painting to yours!
My studio is located in Bolivar, Missouri, and you’re welcome to visit!