Here are the individuals in this painting, and a short summary of each of their own rescue stories:

 

Luna

 

Luna was initially found with open wounds and needed a lot of physical care and treatment in early 2019. This included wearing a T-shirt to keep her comfortable and from scratching her wounds. Luna was initially a long term foster that eventually became a permanent part of the family - she now enjoys life with her human mom and adopted cat siblings. Although she’s still semi-feral she does allow pets when she’s in a good mood and enjoys the company of her feline friends. Luna’s donation went to Paul the Cat Guy, an organization that promotes cat rescue and TNR in New York.

 

Lil’ Boy

 

Lil’ Boy was found as a stray with his sister Daisy by his adoptive mom in February 2020. Lil’ Boy had heartworms but was lucky enough to receive the treatment he needed, so he’s healthy now and learned how to be a house pet in a loving home. He is now living his best life with his best friend and adopted brother Blue. Lil’ Boy’s donation went to Faithful Friends Pet Rescue in Gainesville.

 

Blue

 

Blue was rescued from Faithful Friends Pet Rescue just a month before Lil’ Boy joined his family as a newfound best friend and adopted brother! Blue is now as happy as can be in his new life. Blue’s donation went to Faithful Friends Pet Rescue in Gainesville.

 

Sassy 

 

Sassy was adopted from the Boulder County Humane Society in October 2019. She was surrendered to Denver’s shelter as a big ball of matted hair but was transferred to Boulder because of their success in rehoming little dogs. She had to be anesthetized just in order to be able to be groomed because of how bad the mats were. She also came with some aggressive issues that her adoptive dad is constantly working on. She's been a sweet girl and great companion and is now living the loving life she deserves. Sissy’s donation went to the ASPCA.

 

Daisy

 

Daisy was found as a stray with her brother Lil’ Boy in early 2020. Daisy had an amazing few days of life in a new home before being diagnosed with Parvo. Daisy needed extensive care for about a week and unfortunately she did not survive. Although her life was cut short, she was lucky to have experienced love and kindness from her human mom who rescued her and Lil’ Boy that day. Daisy’s donation went to Faithful Friends in Gainesville.

 

Supernova

 

Supernova had lived with at least 3 different families before being surrendered to Alachua County Animal Services. Supernova, then named Nova, was very disconnected with people and spent her days in the kennel staring at the wall. The shelter staff tried working with her but she seemed to have given up at life and her behavior was declining in the shelter environment so she was scheduled to be euthanized. Samm was volunteering one day at the shelter and saw her in her kennel 2 days before the euthanasia and immediately knew that Nova needed her. When Samm opened the kennel door and leashed her up to go for a walk, Nova headed for the parking lot and pulled Samm straight towards the car.. she wanted to go home! Nova was Samm’s shining star and was renamed “Supernova”. Supernova became part of Plenty of Pit Bulls rescue and the rescue helped provide care, resources and training to work on SN’s behavior issues while Samm and her husband Josh fostered her in hopes to make her adoptable. Supernova was thriving at home with her foster family, but her behavior was getting more aggressive around strangers and other animals. After 2 years of constant training, medication, and lots of love, Supernova’s anxiety and fear aggression became difficult to manage, and Samm made the heartbreaking decision with the rescue’s support to humanely have Supernova euthanized. Samm had a connection with Supernova like no other animal she’d ever known before, and although Supernova’s life ending broke Samm’s heart, she is glad SN got to truly live, love and be loved, up until her very last breath, instead of dying unloved inside a shelter. She’s now a massive Supernova in the sky and forever in Samm and Josh’s hearts.

 

Ellie

 

Ellie was born into rescue after her very pregnant mom was taken in. She was the last of the litter of 10 to be adopted, and was later returned to the same rescue with severe anxiety and fear issues. Her new family adopted her, and worked with her for months on her fear and anxiety. She is now the sweetest dog in the whole world, and they can’t imagine their lives without her! Ellie’s donation was made to Haile’s Angel Pet Rescue in Gainesville.

 

Remus

 

Remus is a hospice foster through Haile’s Angels. He came into ACAS as a stray with almost no hair, and he was diagnosed with IVDD that made his back legs immobile. The pain (coupled with worsening vision) made him lash out, so he needed an experienced handler. That’s how he moved into the hospice program with his new forever mom! His family moved from a third story apartment into a home with a backyard to accommodate his special needs, and they’ve had to train him primarily with high pitched sounds due to some hearing issues. Now he gets daily physical therapy, infinite walks, and endless love and affection! He even gets to travel a lot.. he goes everywhere his mom does! He’s very protective and loving with his tortoise and quail siblings, and he lives to sniff new smells. Remus’s donation was made to Haile’s Angel Pet Rescue in Gainesville.

 

Watson

 

Watson was abused by his previous owner and left out on a chain at night. He was saved and taken to Newago County Animal Control in Michigan. When rescued by his new family, he was only 10 months and extremely afraid of the dark. He’s learned how to be loved and is now attached to his yellow lab adoptive brother at the hip! Watson’s donation was made to Newago County Animal Control.

 

Tiggerella

 

Tiggerella's mom was found hog tied in a park in Amarillo Texas and was heavily pregnant. When she was found by rescuers she licked them the entire time they were untying her. She was put on a transport to Colorado and started giving birth in the van on the way up! 3 en route and 8 more once they arrived. Tigerella’s adoptive mom fostered mama and the litter for 2 months until they were all adopted, and picked out Tiggerella to stay with her. Tiggerella is now one year old. Tiggerella’ s donation was made to Bounce Animal Rescue in Fort Collins, Colorado

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Franklin

 

Franklin was found in rough shape on the side of a road at 6 months old. He had demodex mange and was in pretty bad shape, but he’s all better now and living his best life with his family! Franklin’s donation was made to Haile’s Angel’s Pet Rescue in Gainesville.

 

Semper Fi

 

Semper Fi was surrendered at just under two years old to Levy County Animal Services to be euthanized. His previous owner surrendered him in horrible condition, likely because he couldn’t be bred anymore. He had a severe case of demodex mange, a broken femur, double eye and ear infections, intestinal parasites, yeast infections between his toes, and several skin infections. Despite this, he only wanted love. It took multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation, but this sweet boy has now been with his forever family for six and a half years living his best life and knowing nothing now except love. Semper’s donation was made to Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue in Gainesville.

 

Cupcake

 

Cupcake was rescued as a puppy and when her human sister was just 7 years old.. but she still remembers every little detail like it was yesterday. Cupcake was the runt of the litter. She loved giving kisses and playing with all the kids in the neighborhood.. the boys would knock on the door to get kisses from Cupcake. She used her high energy to pull her human sister around on a scooter by day, and slept with her head on the pillow beside her by night. Cupcake was full of love and energy for such a small 14 lb. pup and loved oversized toys that were way too big for her. After a dog attack, she was submissive to other dogs until one day she got fed up and asserted her dominance in every interaction with larger dogs. She enjoyed dressing up in clothes and being the star of fashion shows, loved boogie boarding in the pool and thrived on 3 mile long walks. She passed away from cancer 2 years ago and her human sister still grieves her death.

 

Apollo

 

Apollo came home shortly after adopted sister Sabine, from the same rescue. At first Sabine hissed and wanted nothing to do with him, but Apollo isn't easily perturbed, and now they act like a bonded pair, playing together, grooming each other, and sleeping in fascinating intertwined positions. Sabine learned how to be a cat by watching and imitating her adopted brother. Apollo is the most loving, tolerant cat. He loves all people, including toddlers, and is incredibly gentle even when he plays rough. He's almost dog-like in his behavior, he gives kisses and loves belly rubs and always tries to sneak out the front door to explore. Even his vet has remarked that he's the friendliest cat she's ever treated. He's very attentive and won’t leave his adoptive parent’s sides… sticking close to each of them even after they recovered from surgery. He's extraordinarily photogenic, and never takes a bad picture. He has an affinity for plastic, especially straws and will steal the straw right out of a cup. He’s living his best life and his parents are so thankful that he's part of their family.

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Pebbles & Peaches

 

Pebbles’ adoptive mom went into the Humane Society for only one kitten but came out with two in January 2021. They had a BOGO kitten offer going on, and knowing good and well these were living breathing creatures as opposed to Bogo shoes, her mom still decided to adopt both. They are covid kittens and their mom could not part with either one. Peaches is one month older than Pebbles and is a Manx kitten. She is high energy, a jumper and often has the zoomies throughout the house. Peaches always wants to know what you’re eating and follows her mom everywhere. They both are like shadows. Pebbles is just a lover and so sweet. She is the more calm kitten, but very playful as kittens are. Pebbles often grooms and headbutts all the cats (she has 4 adoptive siblings). Pebbles and Peaches are morning and evening snugglers. They have become the purrfect fit in their new furfam! Their donations were made to the Humane Society of North Central Florida

 

Sabine

 

Sabine was adopted from Krazy Kat Rescue. Her adoptive parents learned she had been diagnosed with a hairball problem but actually had asthma, which has now subsided after treatment. For the first month she did nothing but hide and they were concerned that their home wasn't a good fit for her… but they didn't give up on her. She is fearful of sudden movements and loud noises and likely had a rough past. It took a while for her to acclimate, but she's made huge strides over the past 10 months and she is the sweetest, most precious kitty. She's gone from sprinting away so fast that her feet don't gain traction if her parents even looked in her direction, to politely informing them that it's time for bed in the evenings and then leading them to the bedroom for cuddles. She has the softest meows and the loudest purr. She loves to play with toy mice and she loves to steal socks and store them in her dragon's cave under the bed, and even has a special song that she sings when she finds a new sock. She rarely hides anymore unless there are strangers in the house. Sabine’s donation went to The Humane Society of Wichita County.

 

Hutch

 

Hutch met his best human friend Stephanie when she was stationed at Sheppard AFB in Texas for training. There was an animal shelter in town that would allow volunteers to simply sign in, and play with cats and walk dogs to their heart's content. Stephanie would stop in to see Hutch regularly, especially to unwind on her exam days. Hutch was her dog - they shared the same spirit. Hutch loved biting but was very gentle. He was adventurous, wanting to explore every corner of the property. And after he had taken in all of the sights and smells, they would just sit together in the shade. Hutch found his forever home on the same day that Stephanie graduated from training. She’s thankful that he found his own loving family, but to her, he will always be her dog. Hutch’s donation was made to The Humane Society of Wichita County.

 

Bubba

 

Bubba spent a year overlooked at the Humane Society because he was FIV positive. He also had eye infections off and on during that year, and his left eye in particular is prone to infections and tear stains due to an abnormality in his eyelid. Despite all this, he was affectionate the moment his adoptive mom met him in early 2020. Thinking of him spending a year at a shelter saddens her, but she knows how thankful she is to have him because he has really enriched her life and made it better from the moment she brought him home! Bubba’s donation was made to the Humane Society of North Central Florida.

 

Money

 

Money was left behind after his owners moved. The day his adoptive mom found him, he was crying under her stairs, and she was crying too because she just arrived to the US and somebody stole her purse with all her money!  She lost her money, but found her Money at the same time that day (and that’s how he got his name). Money’s donation was made to Operation Catnip in Gainesville.

 

Percy

 

Percy was at risk in an animal shelter and taken in by Plenty of Pit Bulls Rescue. He is now living his best life in Gainesville, FL in his forever home. Percy has a silly, playful, and loving personality that draws in everyone he meets. He even has his own instagram at @percie.the.pittie. His donation was made to Plenty of Pit Bulls Rescue in Gainesville.

 

Buddy Boy

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Buddy boy was adopted in Miami after following the family he chose down the street. He showed them his tricks by jumping in the air and catching treats in his mouth. When they took him to the humane society they found out he was a part of a cat adoption agency and had actually snuck out! The rest is history. He was always a mischievous and playful boy. He loved taking walks and playing with strings for treats. They’d catch him sneaking into the fridge, playing with their more shy cat and always getting into adventures. Buddy Boy has recently passed away. He brought so much laughter to his family and they are devastated by his loss.

 

Shanti

 

Shanti was adopted in 2017 as a two-year-old from a rescue group in North Hollywood, CA. She had just given birth to two adorable kittens but her adoptive mom knew she had to have momma. Not much is known about her prior life, but she is very skittish around elderly people. After adjusting to her new home and family, she is still skittish but is very loving with her adoptive parents and very select few people. Shanti’s donation was made to Animal Services of Ventura Co. in California.

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*This ORIGINAL large ultra thick canvas painting is currently on display at Camp Run A Mutt in Gainesville! It is for sale. I also have 16x24” canvas prints available for $95.

Contact me to order.*