Hi. My name is Tara and I am an artist based out of a small town in NJ. As a child I was always doing something creative and although I am all grown up now, there is still a childlike side to me that comes out in my art. I guess part of me doesn't want to grow up. I have a strong love for animals and anything cute, tiny, or vintage. I try to incorporate these things along with vibrant colors in the work I do in hopes that it will bring a smile to people's faces as it does to mine. I create new stuff all the time but I am also available for commission and licensing work. If there is something special that you want done, contact me and I'd be more than happy to help you.

 

 

Oh, and if you're wondering how I came up with the name Pigdog…

 

It all started in 1992 when I rescued my Pit Bull Terrier, Novia, from a house in downtown Passaic, NJ. I responded to an ad in the newspaper...Puppy Pitbull, 6 months old, $100. I arrived at the house to find her chained to a radiator, sitting in her own feces, ribs bulging from her sides, and cigarette burns going from the top of her head to the tip of her nose, which the owner openly admitted to having done himself. Despite having always been one to adopt or take in strays, nothing prepared me for what I was staring at. With no questions asked I gave the man the $100 he had requested for the dog, and we were on our way. Though I knew she would need lots and lots of love, as well as plenty of food and training (and lots of Neosporin for her injured head), I could not leave her there.

 

For all the pain and suffering that Novia endured in the first six months of her life, you would think that she would have had some anger towards people. However, it was quite the opposite…she loved everyone and everyone loved her. For 16 years she brought unconditional love and happiness to me and my family until she sadly passed away of old age in 2008.

 

Looking back, I could not imagine my life without her. This is why I made a promise to her and to myself that she would live forever in one way or another. Using my skills as a graphic designer and artist, combined with my love for animals, I have found a way to keep her name alive through this website. You see, Pigdog is what I called Novia affectionately. She received this nickname because of her pink belly, the noises she would make, and the things she would do. It would all remind me of a pig. Hence the name Pigdog.

 

In Novia’s honor, a portion of sales throughout the year go to various Pit Bull advocacy groups and animal organizations to help shelter, feed and give medical care to the many animals in shelters right now.

 

If you are looking to get a pet for yourself or someone else, PLEASE look no further than your local animal shelter or rescue group. Since Novia's passing I have rescued 3 cats, Trinity, Makeda and Logan, and a Pit mix, Stella, all from different shelters. There are so many animals out there in need of a loving home and a second chance...they need our help. Take it from Novia and I, it’s guaranteed to be a very rewarding experience.