In contrast to that ridiculous saying about old dogs, Dina Capitani has learned more than one new trick in her young life.

She’s the one that puts the Dina in Doggie Doodles® by Dina. Since October of last year, she has displayed her creativity at the Factory at Franklin in a colorful kiosk next to Happy Tales Humane.

But her career path has been as crooked as any dog’s hind leg. The Connecticut native was an Olympic gymnastic hopeful. Her career took her all the way to a spot on the National Team, but ended abruptly with a knee injury.

She moved to Nashville to pursue singing and songwriting and attend Belmont University, earning a B.A. in psychology with a minor in music and English. After working at jobs she found “less than inspiring,” she started Doggie Doodles® in 2005.

She began selling her hand-painted art at flea markets, craft fairs and pet-related events. Today, her work is in 17 store locations aside from her kiosk at The Factory.

“I sell custom caricatures of people’s pets on canvas and watercolor,” she explains. Striving to capture the personality and emotional expression of each animal, Dina uses those custom renderings to inspire the unique illustrations she adds to magnets, prints, t-shirts, greeting cards and tote bags.

Each drawing is paired with a witty caption: a Chihuahua boasts, “I’m bigger than I look,” while a Boston Terrier begs, “Please come to Boston.” Maybe you’d be interested in a t-shirt that says, “I love New Yorkie,” or a tote bag that encourages you to “Have a Great Dane.”

But perhaps her signature illustration is a puppy who barks, “Wuf’s up?”

All in all, more than 50 breeds and a variety of mutts are represented. (She does cats, too. But that’s a story for another website.)

“I regularly donate my art and proceeds from my art to non-profit animal rescues and other worthwhile causes.   The doggie and kitty doodles are born of love and joy and their purpose is to spread love and joy. They do that not only with their artful expressions, but by helping those they represent in any way they can.”

Dina adds a signature heart to her illustrations to represent the love pets bring to our lives.

“It takes a lot of courage and faith to follow your heart, but for me it’s the only way to live.”