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Black Col-Erase pencil on Canson paper, about 6″ x 4.5″. Reference photo by Whitney Cooper.
Bentley Jimbob Cooper (a.k.a. Bud and Bigboy) is now almost 10 years old. We “adopted” him from the pet store at the Mall when he was 2 1/2 months old. We went into the pet store to buy $1.99 flake fish food for our tropical fish and many many hundreds of dollars later came out with him, so I guess you could say he was the unplanned one of our two children. His name, Bentley, is after his dad, Clay Bentley Cooper and his great grandfather Earl Bentley Cooper. Bentley used to trip over his ears when he was little, now that he’s bigger and older he just drags them through everything dirty and stinky he can find. He also has the skill of being able to bury bones in the backyard, and months later locate them, dig them up and bring them to us in our bed at 2:00a covered in dirt chunks and pine needles. I guess that’s his gift to us. He loves to go for walkies, boat rides, swimming, rides in the car and chase kitty cats on the pier and his favorite snacks are cheese and ice cream. His sister Matilda runs the show most of the time but when something is really important to him, he will let her know. He and Matilda own the house and they just let us live there. – Whitney Cooper
Meet Bentley, shown here at 2.5 months of age. I work with his “mom”, Whitney who provided the photo which I HAVE to include so you can see this is not a caricature! I think maybe Webster’s Dictionary should put this picture next to the entry “hangdog”… What a great shot! It doesn’t matter what he did to look that guilty, I’d forgive him. Who could punish a face like that? Here’s the photo I used for reference:
Thanks to all of you who have sent in photos and compliments, it’s nice to know you are enjoying my work. Feel free to leave comments or send me email. I may not always reply, since I spend most of my free time drawing, but I really am appreciative.
If anyone is looking for a special Valentine’s gift, or just want to treat yourself – try my wife’s site at I’m Bead Crazy. She makes and sells some beautiful yet affordable jewelery.
Jill Bryant
/ February 8, 2006Bentley’s biggest fans would have to be my son Henry and I. That is the cutest and well captured drawing of the Bentley as a baby ever. He is a part of our hearts as well as everyone who has ever MET him. I love you Bentley! I have to give credit to his Mom and Dad too. Whitney and Clay, you’ve done an outstanding job raising your son and I’m glad you pay your rent on time and he lets you stay!
Cindy Marie
/ February 8, 2006I had forgotten how adorable Bentley was when he was a baby boy! All that sweet smellin’ puppy belly underneath him in the drawing now seems to hit the steps when he ascends them. He is all grown up and you’ve made him a star of the Internet. Bentley is such a good boy. Love, Aunt Cindy
I look forward to every day’s picture. I love your project!
Whitney Cooper
/ February 8, 2006Thanks Larry, awesome drawing of my boy. I go to your site every day to see what pup is going to boost my spirits for the day.
If dogs don’t go to heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they go. unknown author
Linda Maguire
/ February 8, 2006Well, Bentley Boy, you are cute as ever, I’m sure. I haven’t seen you or Tillie in a while but I haven’t forgotten either of you. Did you get my Christmas present this year? One little correction…you are named after your daddy and great-granddaddy but his name was Earl Bentley Parker and not Earl Bentley Cooper. I know that was just a “little” mistake but I wanted to be sure that my daddy got some credit too. I hope you’ll come to Florida one day and meet my doggie. His name is Barclay. Tell your Mommie and Daddy that I said “hello”. Love, Aunt Linda
deb56201
/ February 8, 2006Larry, he is soooo adorable! What a cutie you are Bentey! You have such a great gift Larry for catching the true spirit of each doggy you draw. Bentley sounds like Roo. Her ears are always in her food dish or icecream bowl. Great job! Keep up the good work. You are a great representitive for all DOG LOVERS! Thank you so much for you dedication!
Your pals,
Roo & Deb
Amy Chandler
/ February 8, 2006Bentley is a sweetie. He always makes me laugh and enjoy giving him kisses. Clay and Whitney are great parents and truly love their pets. Bentley couldn’t have found a more special home.
Pets are great and fun to have around!
Love ya Bentley and Matilda too!
Aunt Amy
Camille Oden
/ February 8, 2006Bentley is one of my favorite dogs! He is such a sweetheart. The drawing certainly did capture his best guilty look.
I am so glad Clay and Whitney went in that pet store for fish food. Bentley is a special boy.
Aunt Camille
Martin Givens
/ February 8, 2006Larry, your mother told me about this tonight (2/8) and I hope that if you get around to doing a Maltese and/or a Yorkie that you will give us a chance to get our two (yes TWO) in your list of paintings. As you well know I have always admired your “Merrill” skill. Your paintings are just great.
Megan
/ February 8, 2006Your drawings are always so much appreciated! I’ve told my friends and family and they check them out everyday,too!
Grandma and Grandaddy Harris
/ February 15, 2006Bently is our special angel.One time we kissed his face till his head caved in.