The newest initiative of Draw for Paws, an effort started by an eight-year-old animal lover, is all around feel-good: senior citizens are painting portraits of elderly shelter dogs to help them find forever homes.

The organization kicked off the project, called the Grandpaws Initiative, with the residents of The Virginian Senior Living Community in Fairfax, VA. The seniors painted pictures of adoptable senior dogs, capturing the likeness of Pippa, an 11-year-old black and white dog who loves to be doted on; Bo, a nine-year-old canine who appreciates a short walk and a long snuggle; and Cali, an eight-year-old relaxed and friendly pooch who loves spending time with kids. Thus far, two of the first three model dogs have been adopted through Homeward Tails.

The Draw for Paws project was started in 2018 by eight-year-old SPCA volunteer Scarlett Chwatko. To raise money for shelter pets, Scarlett decided to combine her passion for animals and art. For a $20 donation to the SPCA, she would draw a portrait of your pet or favourite animal. Scarlett often said she would like to “adopt every animal in the world” and “be dipped in a bucket of puppies,” recounts her mom, Robin Chwatko, who runs the registered non-profit.

When Scarlett lost her battle with cancer in 2019, her supporters, who call themselves the Scarlysquad, took over Draw for Paws. In its first year, over 75 artists created pet portraits to raise money for animal shelters. Together with food drives and merchandise, Draw for Paws has generated tens of thousands of dollars for shelter animals and has expanded to include projects like the Grandpaws Initiative.

The Scarlysquad invites anyone of any age to become a Draw for Paws artist. Go to drawforpaws.org to become an artist, purchase a portrait, or to check out their shop, filled with adoptable t-shirts, dog toys, and more.

 

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!