How the Bond Between Artist Amy Izat and her Labrador Teasel Helped her Through a Life Threatening Illness.

Five years ago, Northumberland based Fine Artist Amy Izat suffered a subarachnoid brain haemorrhage. It was so life-threatening, doctors predicted a 50/50 chance of survival. To this day, the sudden attack has led to perpetual hospital visits, multiple operations, unfortunate complications and further unwelcome haemorrhages - but the one unwavering constant? Teasel. Amy’s rock, companion and loyal Labrador.

When Amy told me about what she and Teasel had been through, I knew this shoot wasn’t just about capturing woman’s best friend, but was a way of documenting a relationship so strong, so in sync, it saved Amy’s life. Tucked away in the Berwickshire countryside, I visited Amy’s studio, which at the time, she wasn’t just sharing with Teasel, but also five of her pups. Read on to hear about shoot day and Amy and Teasel’s incredible bond.

It’s shoot day and Amy greets me at the door of her studio, along with five mini Labs fumbling around her feet. Their mum Teasel follows closely behind, welcoming me with a gentle nuzzle and an apologetic look in her eye, “Sorry about them”. I reassure her with a pat on the head, and return the look with a consoling wave of excitement. Not only will today be about capturing Amy and Teasel, but also the bond between this new mother and her pups before they leave for their forever homes. Coincidently, today will be the last time they will all be together as one of the pups is due to leave the following day. As you can imagine with five rogue puppies, chaos is instant and even with five adults in the room (Amy’s friends and family paid a passing visit) we don’t have enough eyes between us to keep track and control. I love it.

The pups run up and down the length of the studio. They play with random objects they come across, like (unlit) candles or Amy’s headband. They wee. They poo. They chew at pressed flowers that adorn Amy’s studio walls. They wee. They poo. They sit and play by the roaring fire. They steal toilet rolls. They chew a rattan chair. They wee. They poo. It’s exhausting, but it’s fascinating. There’s no predicting what they will do next, and only Teasel can keep them in check - the odd disapproving growl here and playful nudge there. I’m just so glad I’m there at the sidelines to capture it all.

Amy tells me about what felt like her hundreth time in hospital. She was at quite a low point when the doctor asked her parents if she had a pet, and if so, it was worth bringing them in as pets significantly raise a patient’s spirits.

“When I was in high dependency for a few months, I began to shut down and became very depressed so the doctors told my mum to bring Teasel in. She’s normally very excited to see me but knew exactly how to behave in this moment and I’ll always remember the way she put her head down and walked over to the bed I was lying in. She lay next to me for the whole day without moving an inch. That was the first time I smiled in weeks and it brought so much hope and determination to fight on through.”

The pups are slowing down and it feels quieter. One by one they disappear to their hiding spots for a snooze. One is tucked away behind an arm chair, two curled up under a table, one in front of the fire and another hogs the dog bed - which is made by Amy’s talented friend who owns Lazy Pawzzz; she specialises in transforming old curtains into brand new dog beds.

Amy tells me what it’s been like living and taking care of five puppies.

“The constant mess has been the most tiring part, and giving Teasel enough attention too. When they were allowed outside for a little run, that was also quite challenging getting them all back in, and then keeping them indoors when I tried to leave. Once it took an hour, no exaggeration, to get out the door without them all escaping.”

While the pups are conked out, it gives Teasel some one-on-one time with Amy. So far I’ve seen Teasel in ‘mum mode’ but almost instantly as she sinks into Amy’s arms for a cuddle, she’s right back to being a puppy herself. Amy tells me about the origin of Teasel’s name.

“Mum chose the name Teasel after the hedge row plant (she’s got major green fingers so loves names like that). We had a Spaniel at the time called Willow and it just seemed to fit Teasel’s personality. Everyone always comments on what a lovely and unusual name it is.”

I’m not sure if it’s the fact we’re surrounded by dozing puppies or that we’re all being kept cosy and warm by the mammoth log burner, but the shoot is incredibly relaxed. Amy shows me a pet portrait she’s currently working on and I’m in awe of her resilience, positivity and passion for her work. Her sight has diminished so much that it now takes approximately 8 months for her to finish a commission, but she doesn’t give up. Just like Teasel’s companionship, her art keeps her going and allows her to escape and become lost in her talent.

“I do worry about future operations and the possibility of losing anymore precious eyesight and what this will mean with my art. I have never drawn with such sensitivity towards the character of my subject that I try to express through their eyes and overall pose. I love that I now have this sensitivity that I can express through my drawing and I hope that this will take me somewhere in the art world.”

We’re all a bit sleepy so we decide to head out for some fresh air and for a walk around Amy’s family’s farmland. She takes me to her favourite place, ‘Amy’s pond’, which has the most beautiful story behind it.

“When I was born, dad built the pond, so its called ‘Amy’s pond’ and then more recently, dad and my brother Fergus built the hut using the stones picked by hand from the fields when dad was rolling them. I keep an easel down here ready for any sketches. My family and I have so many happy memories, eating and drinking with the fire on and watching all the hustle and bustle of the wildlife outside. ”

I’m stunned at how peaceful and special this place is. We could easily be in the Scandinavian wilderness. Amy and Teasel play with a ball on the jetty, until Teasel comes inside for a cuddle. We sit at the table, watching the ducks come in to land on the pond. The fire isn’t lit but I still feel comforted and cosy sat right by it. It’s the perfect place to end our shoot and get some final captures of Amy and Teasel together, in a haven they enjoy so regularly together.

You can see more of Amy’s work and find out about private commissions by visiting her website and Instagram. You can follow Teasel on Instagram too!

Do you and your pet have a special bond and a story you want to share? Get in touch for information on shoot availability. emily@petstories.co.uk