Freya

Eleanortillmans
May 1, 2025May 6, 2025
blog

Freya: End of Watch 4/22/25

On April 22, 2025, we said goodbye to our beloved livestock guardian, Freya.

Freya was more than a protector—she was a calm, steady presence on our land, watching over every creature in her care with quiet devotion. Whether it was a watchful gaze over the herd or her soft, reassuring presence beside us, Freya brought a sense of peace to every corner of the farm.

Freya was a gentle girl. One snowy morning I found her on the hill and she refused to come down when I called. This was unusual for her. I fussed at her as I climbed the slippery slope to see what she was doing. I found her nestling a little lamb. I don’t know how the lamb got out of her birthing place but Freya was so proud of the new life on the farm. She looked at me with the happiest eyes. That was my girl.

She crossed the rainbow bridge with the same grace she lived her life.

I made this portrait as a remembrance of her—a way to hold onto the spirit she carried so effortlessly. We miss her deeply, but we carry her legacy with us at every sunrise.

Run free, sweet girl. Thank you for your friendship and protection.

“Art is how we decorate space; pets are how we decorate life.” – Unknown

The Process:

While color pencil is not a medium I use very often, I felt that it would be best to capture her thick coat and sensitive eyes. It made me slow down and appreciate just how beautiful Freya was.

I’m now accepting pet portrait commissions—
a heartfelt way to honor the animals we love and miss.

If you’ve lost a beloved animal companion and would like to preserve their spirit in a custom portrait, I would be honored to help. These pieces are more than artwork—they’re a way to hold on to the heart of a friend who will always be part of your story.

Contact me if you’d like to discuss a memorial pet portrait.

My experience with this process has been wonderful. Eleanor did a beautiful job and we enjoyed watching the process unfold with her photo updates. She captured Buck’s essence. It was an emotional experience. We are going to frame it along with his collar and favorite toy.