Who was the famous person who said he never met a person he didn’t like? Well, I can’t remember but I know a talented artist who never saw a pet, cat or dog that she didn’t like. She is Janice Swanger — the well-known painter of pet portraits, who was born and raised in Waynesville.

At Tuscola High School, her talents were tops in her class as she was voted “most talented” senior superlative. At Western Carolina University, where she earned a bachelor of fine art degree, she proved her special artistic ability with many awards in the annual student art show, including a top award and the Vice Chancellor’s Purchase Award.

Today Swanger is a professional who has mastered her favored medium, color pencil. When she completes a painting of a beloved pet, owners have more than a portrait — they ...