Dogs become ‘Pawcasso’ at Edmonton animal rescue art fundraiser

The Humane Animal Rescue Team held 'Pawcasso sessions' where dogs could put their paw prints on canvases for owners to bring home.

An Edmonton-based animal rescue organization offered dog lovers an opportunity to watch their pets become artists on Saturday.

The Humane Animal Rescue Team (HART) hosted what it calls Pawcasso Sessions, where dogs can make their own paintings using safe materials.

A volunteer artist – this weekend, it was Stephanie Bourque – creates the backgrounds and volunteers assist the pups with their paw prints on the canvases. Pet owners are then able to bring home the art.

“This time of year specifically, we get a lot of paw prints in our home, maybe some unwanted muddy ones,” said HART volunteer Vimy Spangler. “So it’s really nice to see some beautiful colours.”

She said the unique keepsake can be especially loved by owners of senior dogs who want something to remember their beloved pet by.

Everything purchased at the sessions goes to HART, a volunteer-run and foster-home based organization which aims to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need.

While Saturday’s event also featured a pop-up art and merchandise sale, Spangler said HART has been putting on paw-painting sessions for years at various locations, including the Whyte Avenue Art Walk.

“When we bring a dog in, we vet them medically, behaviourally, make sure they’re spayed or neutered, have all their vaccinations,” Spangler said. “That’s why fundraisers like this are so important. We do whatever we can to get that dog rehabilitated and ready for an adoptive home.”

She says the group is always looking for more foster home volunteers, as well.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Sean McClune