Some of you may have read about my involvement with FETCH a Cure, a local organization that raises money for canine (and feline) cancer awareness/research. This past weekend was its biggest fundraiser, the Pets on Parade Gala, which took place Friday night at the Science Museum. Leading up to this event, artists paint and decorate large steel pups that are then auctioned off at the gala to raise money for Companions in Crisis, the wonderful FETCH financial assistance program to help families pay for treatment and care.These steel pups spend their days stationed around Carytown (thanks to these kind "foster home" organizations: All Fired Up, Nacho Mama's, The VEC, Ellwood Cafe, Mezzanine, Mongrel, Pink, Murphies, Helping Hands, Franklin Goose, and World of Mirth) leading up to the big event to help generate excitement about the upcoming fundraiser, and on the night of the gala, they are the stars of the show on the auction block.
Needless to say, I was quite surprised when my husband raised his bid number on the last pup of the night, "Picasso Pup," designed by artist Jessica Norris. Inspired by the recent, highly successful Picasso exhibit at the VMFA, Jessica used the master himself's style to create a pup that honors Picasso's love of his own dachshund, Lump. Going once, going twice, SOLD to the two crazy dog lovers in the back (that's us)!
We couldn't be more excited to not only have one of these unique pieces in our home, but we are so happy to be able to contribute to FETCH a Cure's cause. Not only was the event itself a blast, but we got to hang out with other pet lovers in the area, like our friends over at Richmond Pet Lovers and the Richmond Animal League! All in all, a great night for a great cause.
And without further ado, meet Pablo!
That's so cool; congratulations! (Talk about a conversation piece.)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your title is sneaky. ;)
I looooove it! Pablo is awesome. :)
ReplyDeleteVery cool! Congratulations on having the winning bid! I'd love to do something like this in our city, as I think it could be a hit.
ReplyDeleteBravo to you guys for supporting such a great cause! And Pablo is awesome!
ReplyDelete-Chandra at Daley's Dog Years
Elizabeth - That's too funny! I didn't even think about the title being misleading at all. Perhaps I should have better worded my sneakiness! :)
ReplyDeletePup Fan - thanks so much! Pablo was just delivered yesterday so we have been anxiously awaiting his arrival. Now we just have to figure out where he will reside in our house!
Vicky - I never thought our city would have something like this (it's not exactly a large city here), but I think it has been very successful! People love to have something to rally around and to own, and I think these pups had a lot of ownership from the community. Not to mention, they're so much fun!
Chandra - thanks so much! My husband is such an art collector, and I'm such a dog freak (did you notice?) so it couldn't have been more of a win-win for us. Husband gets art, I get a large steel dog, and Fetch gets a much needed donation!