Adopting a dog is a memorable experience, especially when its look-a-like portrait comes with the package.

High school art members have put together a fundraiser to support Cassie’s Place by recreating photos of dogs at the animal rescue. The art program will host a contest for the dog portraits to be voted on via dollar bill and showcase the winner at the Coop Gallery on February 20. 

“Our hope is that one picture will show someone they have a connection with our dog and will want to adopt,” Cassie’s Place adoptive coordinator Autumn Byerly said. “These students put their heart into these portraits, and, on top of that, volunteered their time. It is another way for our dogs to be showcased to others who may have not seen them yet.” 

Funds raised from the contest will contribute to the same pup-faces captured in the portraits.

“All the proceeds go toward helping the animals when you donate money to Cassie’s Place,” high school art teacher Megan Timmermann said. “They take in pets that a lot of other shelters won’t take in for both rehab and adoption.”

The student aspect of the contest allowed art members to participate in the project for a unique reason.

“I think it will bring attraction to the dog shelter and give people a reason to come and look at the animals,” junior Everson Armstrong said. “You start to feel a connection to the dog after looking at them for so long and trying to portray their character in the drawing.”

Beyond reflecting the personalities of the dogs in each art piece, the contest also encourages an understanding of the animal shelter’s purpose. 

“A lot of kids have been surprised at how many purebred and different types of dogs there are at a shelter,” Timmerman said. “I think it’s really good for people to know that you can get a really cool dog at a shelter rather than buying one.”

Donations can be made to Cassie’s Place via PayPal, Venmo, cash, check or card. Items like cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, dog beds, crates, blankets, etc. are used daily in the facility and much appreciated. For more information, visit https://cassiesplace.org/.