Gary B. Martin is an illustrator and animator who has lived on the Upper West Side for more than three decades. “This Father’s Day, I am keenly feeling the recent loss of my beloved dog, Rosie (pictured in white),” he emailed West Side Rag, along with the above illustration. “And I am reminded that not all fathers have given birth to their cherished ‘children’ — whatever species they may be. I’m also reflecting on my own dad, now long gone. Hope this one makes people smile.”
Watch for more of Gary’s illustrations and all WSR cartoons here.
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Gary Martin’s cartoon last week was cranky and hilarious. This one is loving and tender and makes me verklempt (or should it be “fur-klempt”?) — missing my own dog. love it.
thank you.
That is SO sweet and SO perfect for so many of us!!!
Love Gary Martin’s work!
Happy Father’s Day, Gary. You were a great father to Rosie.
As a literalist with no imagination, I appreciate the fact that only the parrot is actually speaking.
hilarious!
Ahhh ~ Indeed I completely relate 🤩! Our animals are our children! Keep ‘em coming, Gary Martin!
Love Gary’s style and message!
Beautiful, just beautiful!
thank you.
Touching. I haved learned to appreciate the intense love people have for their pets and the feelings of lose that match my own. Father’s Day honors these relationships as well.
Human children are overrated ! Great sentiment Gary !
Sweet. Thank you.
Very touching, especially if you knew Rosie..
Great to see more of Gary’s work in the WSR. (and we all miss Rosie)
it’s great seeing gary’s cartoon here! happy fathers day all!
Amazing cartoon and saying about fathers
Thank you, Gary, for the tender acknowledgement of the love between pets and their human fathers.
We are so lucky to live in Martoonerville with Gary and all the animals past and present who walk its pathways with us. You are a good dad, Gary!
Love the recognition of the pet parents among us!
Clever! Love the recognition of the pet parents among us!
Just love this!!!
So cute!
Love!
That’s my cuz.. Thought provoking and beautiful illustrated.
Thanks Carl!
That is very sweet. Condolences to Gary on his loss. I’m sure he gave Rosie a wonderful life.
The cartoon makes me miss my furry friends in the best kind of way. So touching. Love it!
What a beautiful sentiment! It made me smile and then cry like a baby! Happy Fathers’ Day!
Another great cartoon – very touching.
Loving these cartoons! Can’t wait to see the next one!
I love Gary Martin’s work. This is so sweet. I’d love to see more of his work.
This is lovely. I like this guy.
Thanks, Gary, for a charming cartoon that rings so true!
💕This is cute and speaks to all the “pet parents” who by their love and devotion to our furry friends make the world a kinder gentler place! Gawd knows we need more kind & gentle! 👍👍
Huge fan! Love his work. So glad you found him
Rosie was an amazing dog. Gary also good.
As a “father” to my pets, this cartoon especially hit home! Love it!
Threw me for a loop Mr Martin. Your sweet/cranky branding allows room for totally sweet. Here’s to the new/always-been-right-here, voice of the UWS!
thats so nice. thank you cork.
So sweet, perfectly captured
Just discovered Gary’s work! Very talented artist and love this one!
A nice reminder than we should “parent” all living things.
What a keeper this heartwarming cartoon is for every pet dad! (Hey, Martoonerville, don’t forget moms next years!) We love the neo-vintage style and the unique humanity of this artist. More from him, please!
So sweet!
Gary’s cartoons are always a hit! Great illustrator and writer. Get’s to the heart of the topic in very touching way.
Gary your cartoon is so great, as usual!
Keep them coming WSR!
You succeeded, Gary. Not just a smile but a heart felt awwww. (And we miss Rosie, too!)
I love the cartoon! Nice mix of whimsy and timely messaging. Where did you find this artist? I would like to see more in the future.
Love this picture!! Can’t wait to see more of Gary Martin’s stuff! So sad about his dog, Rosie. We’ve all been there.
I love Gary’s characters. They are so relatable.
I like cranky. Please make them all cranky.
Another wonderful illustration by Gary Martin. I can’t wait to see what comes next!