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| "Hazel in Heaven", approx. 4 x 2.75m |
And now… Time for something completely different! Normally I work with
kids in my mural projects, so going to a nursing home for the last few ones was
already quite a change. But working in close company with dogs was something
else altogether. This mural was painted at the Unidos para los Animales dog and cat shelter high up in the
mountains above Antigua Guatemala.
It’s a beautiful spot where lost, injured or abandoned dogs and cats find a
safe and warm home. For most animals it’s a just a temporary home. A lot of the
dogs are up for adoption, but not all. The “porch dogs” are there to stay but
don’t seem to mind at all.
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| Work in progress at the Unidos para los Animales shelter |
The place is spacious, green and clean. I’ve been wanting to paint a mural here
for a while now, because I really appreciate this organization. I’ve been
fostering puppies for them for over a year now, so I know from up close what
wonderful work Linda Green and Terry Kovick Biskovich do. And no, the mural isn’t
necessarily for the dogs but for the staff, the visitors and many volunteers
(including kids) who pass through. Although, I must say, the canine feedback
was great. Lots of licks and cuddles. There was criticism too, if peeing on a
mural counts as disapproval. I understand. The mural was painted in Chico and Molly’s run and
the art work doesn’t depict either of them. My apologies, guys!
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| Tiny little Chico and yours truly |
The depicted dog is in fact Hazel. I wanted to paint her the first time
I met her, with her bumpy head, endless hunger, huge expressive eyes and fun
loving character. When Linda posted a picture of Hazel “with eyes begging
for treats from heaven”, I was definitely sold. Hazel was going to go up a wall!
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| Hazel, begging for treats from heaven. Photo by Linda Green |
Unfortunately, Hazel passed away a few weeks ago. She wasn't quite well when she was rescued off the street about six months ago. However,
she did find a family that wanted to adopt her despite all of her medical
problems. In the meantime Hazel was to stay at the shelter until she would be
recovered enough to go on her life changing journey. Unfortunately that trip never
happened. A few weeks ago, Hazel got really sick. She spent a few days at the
vet who concluded there was nothing more that could be done. She was obviously
in pain, so the difficult decision was made to put Hazel to rest. A very sad
moment, but it made me even more determined to put Hazel up a wall.
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| Got some help un-plastering the wall! |
And so I did.The work was fun and easy going. Okay, the stucco wasn't quite as sturdy as it looked at first glance, so it had to come off. But one advantage of working at an animal rescue is that you get to take your (foster) dog to work.
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| Foster pup Little Bee a little blue on the butt (collateral damage of mural painting) |
The work is done! Now the title is no longer “Hazel Begging for Treats from Heaven”
but “Hazel in Heaven”. I hope she’s enjoying tons of treats up there.
This mural was made possible thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Jim
Bader. Thanks so much!!!
Hopefully there will soon be more dog (or cat)-faced art up at the shelter!
