GARLAND, Texas — Behind every painting, there is a story.
Four-legged artists of all sizes and ages at Garland's Animal Shelter had the chance to express their creativity.
But there were no paintbrushes needed for these pet piscassos. They used their tongues and noses to create colorful, abstract paintings.
So how do you get dogs to paint on a canvas without making a huge mess?
Noemi Guerra, a volunteer at the shelter, drizzled the paint colors onto the canvas. The paint was put on the canvas and then placed inside a ziplock plastic bag. Then peanut butter and dog treats were placed onto the ziplock bag for the dogs to lick, thus creating the masterpiece.
"It's a unique way people can get excited about them in hopes of finding them forever homes," Guerra said.
Guerra launched this community art project called Nuestra Vecindad or Our Neighborhood.
She also hopes to raise funds for the shelter by auctioning the paintings. Donations start at $100. Bidding will close at Noon on Monday, Aug. 12.
"We always want to find new ways to bring attention to our adoptable pets and drive people to our shelter and help with the space issues," Shelter Volunteer and Community Outreach Christie Fuentes said.
Currently, Garland's Animal Shelter has more than 200 dogs looking for a forever home. The shelter plans to make these pet painting events a monthly event.
If you’re interested in owning these works of art or adopting a pet visit the shelter's website at www.GarlandAnimalServices.org.