Having completed a fifty-three year career in Fresno, California, the town where I was born, I began my retirement in an area closer to my children. In my new home of Mill Valley, I went about finding a flat outdoor setting to take daily walks as a treatment for my mild congestive heart failure. I located a beautiful dog park near Richardson Bay, not far from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Voila! In this park, I made new friends both human and animal. So began my new life as an animal artist. With a camera in hand I photographed my canine companions, then learned to paint them.

I believe it is important to NEVER GIVE UP on living your life to the fullest. It is possible to find new meaning for your life.

Dr Schwartz passed away peacefully on February 4, 2010 at the age of 88. Read his tribute in the Fresno Bee or contribute your own story about Dr Schwartz on our community board.