IGMA Fellow Kerri Pajutee is known for her exquisite animal sculptures, and with an animal history that includes fish, turtles, hamsters, parrots, cats and horses one can see where she might find her inspiration. Kerri readily admits, "I am currently owned by a spoiled miniature Schnauzer named Raleigh!"

When Kerri is deep in her work, Raleigh can be counted on to remind her that there are other considerations in life.

"My dog reminds me to take a break from sculpting by a gentle nose nudging, as if to say "Hey, let's go for a walk already!"

While Raleigh doesn't have any particular tricks that he can do, but treats are another thing.

"Raleigh loves cantaloupe and chicken breast meat. For a real treat he'll get some scrambled egg mixed into his kibble, but he has to watch his waistline, so this month I'll have to make sure he stays away from the candy corn!"

Although Raleigh won't be dressed in a Halloween costume, Kerri does allow him to show off his stuff in colorful kerchiefs during Rodeo week. Kerri's real life animals may not get dressed up, but I do know that at least one of her sculptures did indeed get "dressed" for Halloween. It is the cutest Pug in a bumblebee costume!