That's right, we have a new addition to our household. And his name is Pablo... Let me back up and tell you how we met Mr. Pablo and his introduction to our home!
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!
It was a cold, gray day here in Richmond yesterday. What better way to spend it (indoors!) than at the Henrico Humane Pet Expo! We took Banjo and Millie the year before last, and had a great time, so I thought it was time to get back out there and have some good doggy social time. The pups got lots and lots of free treats and tons of compliments on their stylish sweaters, and I scored a fun "All Fun and Games" t-shirt. Though we've been absent of late from local events, we felt right at home returning after almost a year away. We're so grateful for such an awesome community of pet lovers here in RVA!
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.
And did I mention that today is my birthday? Yes, this is a guilt trip. Consider it my birthday present. 
Banjo and Millie are so stoked to be part of the Richmond Pet Lovers Strut Your Mutt pack! 
If you live in the area, we encourage you to participate, and if you don’t, you can still help by donating to the RAL via our event page.
When my husband and I were first dating, we went to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for their GardenFest of lights, where they essentially decorate the entire garden in millions of beautiful Christmas lights. It's become something that I really look forward to at Christmas now every year. So this year when I learned of their "GardenFest of Fidos," I was super excited to get Banjo and Millie dressed up and ready to strut their stuff at the Garden.
