Art That Gives Back: How Every Portrait Creates Impact
The artwork featured in this post is a digital rendering and not an original, hand-created piece. To view my original artwork, please visit my gallery
🐾 Inspired by Animal Advocacy
I have always been deeply moved by animal rescue stories, animal-assisted therapy, and the people who dedicate their lives to the wellbeing of animals. When I began donating a portion of my sales to charity, I knew I wanted the gift to be personal. I try to connect each donation to the specific animal or family I’m painting for.
If a client’s pet came from a particular rescue organization, that is where the donation goes. If someone finds me through a nonprofit or charity, I direct the funds there. I prefer this tailored approach over choosing just one group to support, because there are so many organizations doing incredible work.
🤝 Matching the Mission to the Story
One example that stands out is a portrait I painted of a dog whose owner was a veteran living with PTSD. In that case, I donated to K9s for Warriors, an organization that trains and places service dogs with veterans. It felt right to contribute to a cause that helps both people and animals.
Another time, I painted a human portrait and gave to a group that provides therapy animals to hospitals. The subject of the painting volunteered there with her Schnauzer. Even though the portrait wasn’t of a pet, the connection still mattered.
When there is no direct link between the subject and a specific organization, I choose groups I trust — ones that are actively making a difference.
♥️ Honoring Meg’s Legacy
One of my clients has several Brittany bird dogs. After losing one of them, Meg, to cancer, he became devoted to raising funds for canine cancer research at Cornell University. Their veterinary program helped Meg through multiple rounds of treatment. She was a champion hunter who kept competing until just two weeks before she passed.
His passion, and Meg’s resilience, left a lasting impression on me. Their story reminded me why this charitable mission is so important in my work. Giving back is not an add-on. It is part of what makes the art meaningful.
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📚 Resources
Organizations Mentioned in This Post
If you’d like to learn more about the groups referenced in this story or support their work directly, here are a few trusted organizations making a real difference for both animals and people:
🐾 K9s For Warriors
Website: k9sforwarriors.org
Facebook: facebook.com/K9sforWarriors
Instagram: instagram.com/k9sforwarriorsFacebook
This nonprofit provides highly trained service dogs to veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. Their mission is to help restore dignity and independence to veterans — and to end veteran suicide through the healing bond between warrior and dog.
🧬 Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
vet.cornell.edu/research/cancer-research
Cornell is at the forefront of veterinary medicine, including advanced cancer research and treatment for dogs. Their oncology department and the Riney Canine Health Center offer compassionate care while driving forward innovative research to help more animals live longer, healthier lives.
