Pawtraits® is a pet portrait business that was established in 1981. Its national registered trademark was awarded in 1983. Originally based in New Hampshire, it moved south to Virginia.

Verne Foster has been drawing and sketching since she can remember. During college she turned every liberal arts course she could into an art project. After college she continued learning from talented artists and professors. She studied at The Illustrator Workshop in Paris under the top American illustrators (including Bob Peak, Bernie Fuchs, Mark English and Robert Heindel). She was a freelance illustrator until Pawtraits®was established. Being able to combine her love of animals, which was her hobby, and her talent as an artist has been a dream come true.

A dog owner and trainer since the late 70’s, Verne recognized and has a great appreciation for the funny side of the canine. Their humorous side has been the inspiration for the Whimsy Pawtraits®. These cartoon portrayals of canines are a unique addition to the formal portrait end of the business. “I love being able to show the side of our dogs that makes us laugh."

Verne has owned Portuguese Water Dogs since 1985. In the early years of Portuguese Water Dog ownership she recognized a desire by owners for information about the breed and all of its quirks. Working with breeders, she began collecting information and, armed with a book full of her own valuable insights, decided to write and illustrate a small book that would help new owners deal with this unique breed. It has since become a PWD classic “best seller,” having had 3 reprints since 1999 (check out PWD Puppy Book in our PWD Boutique).

A desire for retail PWD-specific items has inspired the PWD Boutique, which currently includes jewelry, car magnets and custom whimsy portraits, which can be purchased through this site (with more items being added periodically).

Verne can best be contacted by email.