Mango Salsa

Hi! I'm Ralphie… Just Plain Ralphie. I’ve been painting for more than eight years, creating art that makes people smile and helps raise money for nonprofits that support pets and children. I specialize in a curious style called pareidolia… where you discover surprising shapes hidden in the swirls and splashes. My brush has unexpectedly revealed cats, dogs, people, angels, demons, fruit, and who-knows-what else. Every canvas becomes a game of “what do you see?”

I was born deaf, but silence has never stopped me. My world is full of vivid smells and visual signals, free from noisy distractions. I’ve learned to excel at communication, connection, and creativity… and of course, I never say no to earning that handful of tiny treats. I like to think of myself as an ambassador for deaf puppies and dogs everywhere, showing that deafness isn’t a disability, it’s simply a difference.

I’ve also made a little history in the training world. I became the first Old English Sheepdog — and the first deaf dog of any breed — to earn a Grand Champion and also Masters Champion Trick Dog titles. For me, training isn’t about obedience; it’s interactive play and a way to celebrate life with my people.

Somehow, Mom keeps plopping me in the middle of a few shenanigans. I once entered a mustache contest with The Butcher’s Block by Maxbauer’s. Dog + Butcher = Yum!! I was winning until Mom quit campaigning for me so the humans wouldn’t feel bad about losing to a dog. Even though we opted out of a prize when we entered, Mr. Mark STILL gave me one anyway!

I spent years as the mascot of Strings By Mail, and I even snuck my art into a local exhibit “open to artists of all kinds.” They laughed when they discovered the artist was a dog and even said I painted better than one of their middle school art teachers. I also played part-time travel agent for my little sister Kennie (she’s deaf too) by raising $300 toward her international airplane flight. By my logic, that makes her at least partly mine!

Much of my art gives back. Earlier this year, one of my collaborations with an LA artist sold to an international collector. I donated half of my proceeds to my local humane society, and used the other half to keep creating more charity pieces, including "Mango Salsa" and Kennie’s painting "Lilacs on Spin Cycle With a Highlighter". Together, we try to keep paying it forward.

"Mango Salsa" is my newest masterpiece! Ha. It's a spirited dance of bright mango hues with a few dark cilantro twists. It tells a story of joy, resilience, and the belief that deaf puppies and dogs have a beautiful purpose. And the best part? 100% of the winning bid goes to the Tripawds Foundation, helping people empower their companion pets. I hope you'll consider bidding.
Love,
Ralphie… Just Plain Ralphie
Old English Sheepdog • Professional Artist • Trick Dog • Lover of Shenanigans
Different doesn’t mean less.