"Thomas' Transformation"
Portrait of Thomas Lee Pyotr Ilyich Milagro
Painted for the Hacienda de los Milagros http://www.haciendadelosmilagros.org

Thomas' Quote: "Please become aware of who we are. We are part of you. You are part of us. We are one."
Acrylic
31 x 37
Canvas Gicleel - unframed
SOLD $1500

Giclee's Available in a variety of sizes: please contact me for availability : Sales@liznicholas.com

Thomas' Transformation:
Update: March 13, 2003. I am sad to report, Thomas left his body this afternoon. Thomas was an inspiration to all of us, and of course to me. Tears fall as I type these words, as I regret now I never met this wonderful soul before his departure. As crazy as this sounds, I felt I knew his being from some other time and place. He will permeate my dreams tonight and always, and I will look for him in the clouds, feel him under my feet, and sense his embrace all around me. He is one of my special guides. Thomas is going to be missed by so many, but offered so much to us all. I am grateful you no longer feel pain, and will listen for your wisdom in the wind! Please consider making a donation in Thomas' honor to the "House of Miracles" at the following link under the Network For Good: http://www.haciendadelosmilagros.org/

One of the most moving and heart-wrenching stories I have come across is that of a sweet and wonderful animal named Thomas. Thomas is a rescued burro who came to the Hacienda de los Milagros with intense injuries to his front legs. The sanctuary, which is accredited by the Assoc. of Sanctuaries, is an animal retreat run by Wynne & Barb Zaugg in Chino Valley, Arizona. These animal lovers offer new life and a second chance primarily to homeless burros. They explain; "we consider it an honor to be part of the rescue mission although we continue to struggle with the necessity of it. The trust and unconditional love of these animals is humbling and brings tears to our eyes." The Zaugg's are dedicated to the rescue of all animals, providing sanctuary for them to live out their natural lives. They believe that the path to true humility begins when we understand that animals have something we need to learn. This feeling is carried through as I was drawn into the soul and essence of the photo's I saw of Thomas. This animal has helped them, and me, see life from so many different perspectives. Without meeting Thomas, I would have to say he reminds me of a large dog. Despite his species, like many canines, has endured neglect, abuse and abandonment, but was fortunate enough have the love of some very special humans.

He was also attended to by the medical community at Texas A & M, and has recovered from his intense surgeries to finally live a peaceful and kind life. For the Zaugg's, burros are just another part of the family at the sanctuary. Some might be aware of the work done to help in horse rescue and abuse, when too often they end up in slaughter houses when no one wants them or someone decides that they can’t care for them any longer. The same is true for these beautiful "beast of burden". Many have been badly abused and are in critical need of rescue. Hacienda de los Milagros answers this call!

Thomas has been portrayed here in his "before and after" poses. He looks on to his new self, knowing that some day he will stand tall and without pain. I painted him as I felt the expressions from his pictures. One of the things that happened when I approached the HDLM about this opportunity, was them asking Thomas how he felt about me painting him. This is how they all responded: "what a wonderful surprise to get your e-mail. We would love to hear what would be involved for you to do a Thomas T-shirt. We asked Thomas about the proposition of a shirt, and he was honored. I also asked him if he had anything he'd like to say and this is what he said: "Please become aware of who we are. We are part of you. You are part of us. We are one."

Thomas' shirts will be available conveying his feelings shortly. Please make sure to send us your request for a shirt so we may keep them on file and contact you upon production completion.