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‘Paw’casso pooches paint to spotlight, aid animal rescue

By: Mike O'Neal
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DAYTON, Tenn. — An abstract painting soon will join the display of Grand Ole Opry star photographs gracing walls inside the Eagle’s Nest Barber Shop here.

But only after that acrylic on canvas by Dottie the Dalmatian has been part of a monthlong exhibit at ArtCrafters Gallery.

“She wanted to paint the ‘Mona Lisa,’ but I doubt she’ll do it,” said Bobby Beard, while watching his wife Cheryl help the 41/2-year-old canine apply paint with paws, tail and nose to blank white canvas. “Animals bring a lot of joy to your life, and this is a good way to help the shelter.”

The Beards were among about a dozen dog lovers whose pets Saturday were painting their versions of “Bona Lisa” to benefit the Almost Home Pet Foundation.

“We’re a rescue group,” said Jamie Smith, treasurer of the group. “In about a year we’ve placed 80 dogs.”

Ms. Smith collaborated with two puppies, Little Princess Lulu and Big Mac, on a single canvas Saturday — a keepsake for her after the pups leave next week for new homes in Connecticut.

The artistic animals and guardians participating in the “Paw”casso-Painting Gone to the Dogs event Saturday were both raising money and awareness of the all-volunteer organization dedicated to animal rescue and spay/neuter programs for pets.

“I got more paint on myself than on her,” said Seth Human as he and Misty, his terrier, entered the gallery to see where the paintings would hang.

Angie Moyers, one of those attending Saturday’s premier event, said she brought Chance, her Boston terrier/beagle mix, from Chattanooga for the sake of a good cause and for art.

“He was a rescue dog,” she said. “Now he is helping other dogs have a good life and a good home.”