Another Bubble, More Trouble

Last week I posted my favorite saying from my Facebook friends for what Newman in "Newman's Big Adventure" would be saying. Now, I want to post my favorite Facebook friend's saying for what the lab in "Life's Ruff" is dreaming of. I have to admit, I thought it was pretty clever for Kerry H. from right here in Phoenix, Arizona to plug the release of my new book Rufus Rhymes. So, I declare him the "wiener"! Kerry and I have a lot in common, as his interests are "Dogs, movies, dogs... friends, dogs, more friends, art..."

Again, if you can't read the type it says, "Dreaming of the release of Rufus Rhymes." Thanks again for the plug Kerry!

My Paintings Really SPEAK to People!

Last week, I put up one of my all time favorite images, "Newman's Big Adventure," in a Facebook album and asked my friends to tell me what they thought Newman was saying. There were a lot of really funny and great replies, but I thought I'd pick my favorite and feature it right here on my blog! So, without further ado... my favorite entry came from Andrea, a representative of Jersey Shore, NJ! She's a mother, and I hope her kids (2-legged and/or 4-legged) find her as funny as I do!

Below, you'll find Newman saying Andrea's statement. If you're having trouble reading it, it says, "Before you look in the truck all I can say is, I'm Sorry."

Happy Birthday to You!

I'm about to head out to celebrate with my wife Buff, because today is her birthday! So I just wanted to quickly write a little something about it here in my blog.

At the risk of sounding corny, sappy, etc., I am simply going to say that I am grateful for each day I have with her. We have been together since we were 15 years old, and have always been a great team. She encouraged me to become an artist full-time, and is an important part of my both my personal and professional life. Plus, she's a great mom to our two dogs, Emma and Logan.

So, Happy Birthday Buff and here's to many more birthdays spent together!

What Ron Burns Dog Are You?

About a week ago, I posted a quiz to my Facebook page called "What Ron Burns Dog Are You?" The quiz asks seven simple questions, and then matches you with a variety of different dogs, from a lovably lazy Basset Hound to a high energy Retriever. If you'd like to join the almost 200 people who have taken the quiz, to find out what you are, check it out here http://apps.facebook.com/whatronburnsdog/. You'll have to either already have a Facebook account, or sign up for one to take the quiz, but I think it's totally worth it!

My New Book!

I'm so excited that I get to FINALLY share a sneak peak of my book with everyone this morning! It has taken a couple of years to execute the concept, but I think you'll agree, it was well worth the wait!

The book is called Rufus Rhymes - Modern Lullabies for Dog Lovers. Basically, it has nursery rhymes with new, dog focused lyrics. So, instead of Rock-a-bye Baby on the tree top, it's Rock-a-bye Rufus on top of my head. Of course the book is named after my best furry friend, Rufus, who first inspired me to paint animals.

To see a small sample of the book, visit http://ronburns.com/samplepages/FreeVersion/Default1.html

Vick - Just Quick

I have so many things I want to talk about, but so little time! Who says being an artist is easy?!?!

The first thing on my mind is something that's been all over the news today - Michael Vick. I asked my Facebook friends what they thought, and got a lot of different responses, like...

• I don't believe for a minute that he is sorry for what he has done, I think he is sorry he got caught.
• I will protest the NFL if that man ever plays football again. My son is a huge football fan and thinks they are all heroes and he is NO HERO!!
• Frankly, he did the cause against dogfighting an awful lot of good. Counties across the country who used to look the other way actively began going after dogfighters, and dogfighting busts were way up in the year that followed his arrest.
• My thoughts about Michael Vick being released are not printable, or suitable for minors.
• I am wasting absolutely no effort on this scumbag, he deserves no thought or time from anyone.

I knew asking my friends (who are some of the biggest, best animal welfare advocates in the country) about Vick would probably not solicit the most optimistic opinions, but I tend to agree with my friend Diane who said, "keeping him in prison doesn't fix the problem of dog fighting... "

Personally, when I first heard about Vick's arrest and the charges, I was horrified. Directly after I heard, I called my friends at The Humane Society of the United States and we developed a program to help, called Prize, Not Fighter.



I agreed to use my artwork on a t-shirt to support actions to stop dog-fighting. To see our efforts and/or show your support, visit http://www.ronburns.com/philanthropy/prizenotfighter/index.html. What those dogs went through is absolutely revolting, and it's our job as animal-lovers to stop it.

For me, I take the latest Vick news as an excuse to refocus, regenerate, and look towards the future. I have never been so steadfast in my goal that every dog and cat finds what they deserve - a loving furever home.

I promise my next entry will be MUCH more upbeat... it'll be about my new book, Rufus Rhymes and even a sneak peak!

Dogs of Valor Awards - Win a Limited Edition

I was so happy when The Humane Society of the United States asked me to be a judge for their 2nd Annual Dogs of Valor Awards. I don't think I'm allowed to say who received my votes, because all are winners in my book. All the dogs up for the award are absolutely amazing and deserve awesome amounts of recognition.

If you'd like to have a say, visit http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/dog_of_valor/second_annual/peoples_hero_award.html and cast your vote. Plus, one lucky voter will receive my limited edition of Sirius, the dog of valor who lost his life on 9/11.