August 7 was a special day for several adoptable dogs at Garland’s Animal Shelter as they had an opportunity to create one-of-a-kind works of art.
Noemi Guerra of Garland, a student ambassador and summer intern at the shelter, had a brilliant idea that made it possible for the dogs to ‘paint.’
This community art project, called “Nuestra Vecindad” or “Our Neighborhood,” involved a tasty treat for the animals — peanut butter — which they obviously enjoyed!
Paint was placed on a canvas, and the canvas was placed in a plastic storage bag. Peanut butter was then spread on the outside of the bag. The dogs were let loose to create with their tongues and noses as they ate the peanut butter.
Noemi’s goal was to expose the four-legged artists to the public with the hope of finding them forever homes. She also wanted to raise funds for the shelter by auctioning the dogs’ art.
The shelter plans to make these pet painting sessions a monthly event.
According to Noemi, the aim was to enhance community unity, involvement and well-being.
Reading to the Pets
The Garland Animal Shelter, in cooperation with Friends of Rescue Animals volunteers, recently hosted a “Reading to Pets” event. This initiative allowed children to sign up for sessions where they read to the dogs and cats at the shelter.
The event’s purpose was two-fold — it encouraged kids to develop their reading skills, and it provided a calming and comforting atmosphere for the shelter pets.
The children, as well as the dogs and cats, enjoyed the event.
Garland’s Animal Shelter is located at 1902 State Highway 66 in Garland. For more information, visit: www.GarlandAnimalServices.org.