December Gentle Paws Portrait Giveaway: A Christmas Full of Stories 🐾🎄

Every month, the Gentle Paws Portrait Giveaway reminds me why this project exists.
But December always feels different.

This month, instead of drawing one portrait, I created two Christmas-themed portraits — because Christmas is about abundance, generosity, and making space for a little extra joy. I wanted this giveaway to feel like a gift in itself, something that could sit quietly in someone’s home and be part of their festive season.

What I didn’t expect — but am endlessly grateful for — was the stories.

Reading through your entries is always a privilege, but December’s stories were especially tender. Stories of dogs who are still curled up by your side. Stories of dogs who are deeply missed. Stories of resilience, companionship, routine, chaos, healing, and unconditional love. Each one stopped me in my tracks in its own way.

When I sit down to draw a Gentle Paws portrait, I’m not just drawing a dog.
I’m holding space for a relationship — one that often spans years, milestones, grief, and joy. And being trusted with those stories is something I never take lightly.

The two Christmas portraits I drew this month were created with that feeling in mind: warmth, comfort, and a sense of home. Christmas trees, soft colours, familiar poses — moments that feel calm and safe. The kind of scenes we all hope to freeze time in, just for a little while.

As the year comes to a close, I want to say thank you — not just for entering the giveaway, but for sharing parts of your lives with me. Gentle Paws has always been about more than illustrations. It’s about connection, remembrance, and kindness — to our animals, and to ourselves.

I hope these portraits bring a little extra light this Christmas.
And I hope, wherever you are, you’re feeling the love your paws have brought into your life — past and present.

From my heart to yours,
Merry Christmas 🤍🐾

— Suki