Advice on artist for b&g animal portrait

spb

Hi Folks,
Ok so planning my first tattoo. I want a realistic b&g portrait of my dog who recently passed away. For me this will be the equivalent of getting a tattoo of my child (if I had one!) so really want it to be perfect.
I've been doing some research based on recommendations here & elsewhere, checking out artist portfolios etc, though I've not yet been in touch with anyone in particular.
Ive had a look at lots of the threads on here but many are quite out of date.
I'm based near Dublin but willing to travel anywhere in the country & don't mind going on a waiting list.
Also bear in mind that this will be my first, I'm going to be nervous & not sure how I will handle the tattooing process so going to someone who will be patient & can put my mind at ease would be a bonus!
I've come up with a few possibilities so far-
Denise in Snakebite - seen her recommended for animal portraits & she's a few in her portfolio which are pretty good, but mainly in colour.
Stefan in Skin City - seems to do good b&g & has done some really great, detailed animal portraits.
Claire Griffin in Athlone - amazing realistic human portraits but seems to mainly work in colour.
Tommy Gunn in Belfast - some impressive b&g portraits in his portfolio.
Robert Litcan in Kilkenny - stunning b&g work with amazing detail, his portraits look fab & seems to get a lot of good feedback - leaning towards him at this stage.
Any other feedback / anyone else I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance!

Sam Hain

Some very talented artists on your list but I'd add Remis to that, his animal portraits are unreal. Robert Litcan is superb as is Claire but her forte would be human portraits. I would not be overly impressed by Denise in snakebite and know nothing about the others. Also plenty of good artists in England capable of a doing a great job on this subject matter.

spb

Great thanks Sam! Yes Remis stuff looks outstanding, think he would be top of the list along with Robert.

Dancor

Alan Hindes in Belfast does some lovely B&G animal portraits. You can find him on Facebook.