Hand-Stitched Thread-Painted Pet Portrait From Photo

I am looking for a skilled needleworker to create a one-of-a-kind hand-embroidered portrait of my dog, worked entirely with needle and thread using the thread-painting technique rather than any printed or machine-stitched shortcut. I will supply three to five close-up reference photos taken in soft, even daylight so that the fur pattern, eye color and muzzle markings are clearly visible; if you can guide me on the best angle and lighting to shoot beforehand, that would help the likeness enormously.

The finished piece should read as a realistic study of the animal rather than a flat outline, so I am hoping for layered, directional stitching that follows the natural growth of the fur, with subtle blending between at least six to eight closely related thread shades to build depth around the ears, muzzle and chest. Long-and-short stitch or silk-shading style work for the coat, with finer split-stitch detail reserved for the whiskers, nose texture and the catchlight in the eyes, would suit this project best. Please choose a stable cotton or linen-blend ground fabric that will not pucker under dense stitching, and mount it drum-tight in a hoop or stretcher bar frame during work so the tension stays even across the whole surface.

Final size should be roughly eight by ten inches, worked to sit comfortably inside a round hoop for display or, if you prefer, mounted flat and laced over a board ready for a standalone frame — happy to hear your recommendation on which finish photographs and hangs better. I would appreciate one progress photo partway through so I can confirm the color blending is on track before the fine detail stage, plus a note on how to care for and dust the finished textile. A realistic timeline given the hours needed for this level of shading, and a portfolio of at least two previous pet portraits showing fur texture up close, would help me choose the right person for this commission.