I was so pleased to be asked to give my story to Sittingbourne East Kent Gazette in April 2007, and my parent's dog Spanner has been enjoying his newfound fame ever since!

The article read as follows:

' Posing pooches such as the winners of the gazette and times dog contest could be captured forever in a portrait by local pet artist Amanda Brown. Amanda 24, from Stockbury, has been a full-time pet artist for 18 months and uses photographs of the animals to create pictures in oil and pencil. She said " I have been asked to paint everything from lizards to horses but by far the most popular is the faithful dog. I have three dogs myself so I have had plenty of practice and Spanner, my 11 year old terrier is my favourite model."

After studying at kent Institute of Art and Design in Canterbury, Amanda worked full-time in an office before giving it all up two years ago. The ex-Hartlip Junior School pupil said " I left my job to do this because it's something I've just always liked doing. I have painted buildings, trees and people as well but I have always liked animals and find them easier to draw. I think dogs tend to have so much character. Mine all have different personalities. I try to capture some of the subject's spirit which can always be found in the eyes".