Tony McMillan says her career has gone to the dogs.

McMillan, a freelance Boise artist, makes a living drawing and painting pictures of pets, sometimes with their owners. She also draws historical scenes and landscapes. She has illustrated a book and designed logos for local governments and other organizations. She draws calendars and can draw a contemporary image — like your car — into a historical streetscape.

A native of Texas, McMillan has drawn since she was a child and professionally for 15 years. She graduated in 1989 with a degree in graphic design and illustration from Boise State University.

Sometimes she draws herself in a scene and adds an imaginary lover or dog — or both. In one drawing, McMillan rising in a hot-air balloon above Kathryn Albertson Park while her "future husband" waves to her. She has no dog and no husband — not even a future one.

“I’ve been painting everybody else’s dogs and husbands, and I don’t get any love, so I’m painting it,” she said, laughing. Any romantic prospects? She shakes her head: “I kick ‘em to the curb pretty fast.”

She won’t kick away customers, though. McMillan stopped by the Statesman the other day to introduce herself and show me her work in hopes of drumming up new business. She sells illustrated mugs, T-shirts, greeting cards and other gifts, most for less than $25. You can see samples yourself at her Web site, Tonidraws.com, or call her at 429-9820.