Topline
Pasadena Humane’s “poorly drawn pets fundraiser” wrapped up Thursday, yielding a wealth of both hilarious and heartwarming pet portraits.
How it Works
Pet owners from across the country submitted photos of their beloved animals—ranging from cats and dogs to turtles, hamsters, and even horses. In exchange for a small donation, these pet snapshots were transformed into quirky pieces of art by a creative team of shelter staff and volunteers. The charm of the fundraiser lay not just in the artwork itself but in the unfiltered spirit of fun and camaraderie it fostered among animal lovers.
The Results
Alyssa Staniland, Pasadena Humane’s philanthropy communications manager, reported that the fundraiser surpassed expectations, raising approximately $11,000 from over 450 submissions. “Every donation that comes in is really providing life-saving care to these animals that are coming from our community,” Staniland shared with LAist. “And you’re making a difference in a really, really fun way.”
The Art Behind the Fundraiser
"Pasadena Humane assured patrons that they’re better at caring for animals than they are at drawing them," noted Alyssa, adding that while some pieces were crafted by exceptionally talented artists, others reflected the raw enthusiasm and creativity of the volunteers. The fundraising effort resonated with pet owners, producing art that was amusingly imperfect, yet full of character.
LAist Favorites from the Fundraiser
One notable submission came from owner Andy Guz, who presented Finn—a rescue dog from Florida. Guz expressed enthusiasm not only for the opportunity to support Pasadena Humane but also for the quirky artwork he received in return. “We were happy to have the opportunity to do it again—and get this masterpiece,” he remarked.
Similarly, Anna Su commissioned portraits of her two pups, Scout and Izzy, which were met with delight and fondness. Sticking with the theme of adorable pets, owner Emily Bailey shared her own dog, Hank, who, according to the accompanying art, had a particular craving for steak that day.
The Process
Once pet photos were submitted to the fundraiser, they were printed out and matched with a volunteer in Pasadena Humane’s makeshift art room. This space was equipped with colored pencils, markers, and paper, facilitating the spontaneous burst of creativity from the volunteers.
Owner Alison Rubke highlighted how remarkable it was for a shelter to host such a unique fundraiser. She expressed her hopes that other shelters might follow suit, wishing to see the joy it could spread among communities.
The Variety of Participants
The variety of animals submitted was astounding, showcasing everything from the traditional cats and dogs to a surprising number of turtles and tortoises, adding a delightful twist to the event. “Most of the submissions were dogs and cats,” Alyssa noted, “but it was also heartwarming to see the representation of other types of pets.”
Artistic Diversity
The artwork produced within the fundraiser highlighted a broad spectrum of artistic abilities. Volunteers created everything from stick-figure-like representations to impressively detailed renditions of personalities captured in each pet’s portrait. "There are some people just drawing stick figures and some people making these masterpieces," Staniland observed, emphasizing the beauty of diversity in art.
Exaggerated Features and True Essence
Many portraits captured exaggerated features that provided a humorous spin, such as a chihuahua with disproportionately large eyes and a head. Others, however, significantly encapsulated the true essence of the pets being depicted. Each piece told a story not just of the animal but of the bond it shared with its owner.
Behind the Scenes
Pasadena Humane’s volunteer artists diligently worked on completing every pet picture submitted before the noon deadline, ensuring that none were left behind. The enthusiasm and dedication of the shelter’s staff brought warmth to the entire project, as it transformed the simple act of drawing into a celebration of companionship.
Engage Your Creativity
In a playful twist, Pasadena Humane even invited LAist reporters to step into the drawing room before the fundraiser closed. This engagement further showcased the lighthearted spirit surrounding the event and the sense of community it cultivated.
If you missed out on participating in this delightful fundraiser, don’t fret! Pasadena Humane is looking to make this event an annual tradition, giving everyone a chance to celebrate their furry friends uniquely and adorably.
