I was an only child for the first six years of my life. When I was about 5, I had a black cocker spaniel named Blackie. I loved that dog more than I can possibly describe. It was killed chasing cars on the highway in front of my grandparents' house. I prayed and begged for another dog throughout my childhood but my prayers were never answered. I wanted this painting to have a dreamy quality and to remain somewhat abstracted, leaving some mystery for the viewer to resolve.