By Robin Shepherd

Pet lovers may be charmed by Los Altos artist’s ‘Pebble Pets’

There’s nothing quite like the love we feel for our family pets. Loyal creatures that they are, pets endure our foibles, adapt to our busy schedules, obey our commands, entertain us with pet tricks and comfort us when we’re blue. It’s only natural that we want some lasting keepsake to remind us of their special place in our hearts, right?

Welcome to the world of Pebble Pets, created by Los Altos artist Kim Domino. Each of Domino’s creations is original art, expertly hand-painted on river rocks collected by Domino and her 10-year-old son Nathaniel on their nature walks. According to Domino, “Each rock has its own character - unique shape, texture and color - which lends itself to a particular pet cat or dog I’m painting for a customer, or an animal that captures my interest.” Once a Pebble Pet is painted, Domino applies a protective sealant so it can be displayed outdoors.

Domino will join featured artists at the Los Altos Fall Festival, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, between San Antonio Road and State Street.

One day Carol Bensberg, a personal banker at Bank of America in Los Altos, noticed “pet rock” scribbled on the memo line of a check Domino was depositing. Curious, she asked the artist about her work. Domino pulled a Pebble Pet from her purse to show Bensberg, who was so charmed she ordered a Pebble Pet likeness of her long-haired dachshund on the spot. Other branch employees, sharing Bensberg’s enthusiasm, were soon calling Domino to order their own Pebble Pets.

As for Domino’s source of inspiration, she said, “I love to see people’s faces light up when they talk about their pets. In an often impersonal and all too busy world, it’s a common bond.” People, in turn, are inspired by Domino’s passion for her work.

When she’s not with son Nathaniel, Domino is busy in her home-based studio, where hours fly by as she designs, sketches and paints for her clients. A resident of Los Altos since 1995, Domino has earned a reputation for creativity for her faux painting on furniture and home accessories, and for her fanciful wall murals, which can be found in private residences as well as public community buildings in the Bay Area.

To order a Pebble Pet at the Festival, bring along a photo of your pet.

Otherwise, contact Kim Domino at 903-3434 or send email to kim.domino@att.net. Custom orders are $45 per rock.

Pebble Pets are also available at Pet’s Delight in Los Altos; Nature’s Alley of Palo Alto; and For Other Living Things and Jerdon, both of Sunnyvale.