By Brynna Henika, photojournalist.
Studio 23 teamed up with Movers For Mutts and the Humane Society of Bay County for its first-annual PawCasso event, Sept.18, at the Willew Lounge in Bay City. There were many fun activities for not only the family, but also their furry friends. PawCasso gave the opportunity for humans and animals to express themselves in crafts such as mini-canvas painting, clay plate making, homemade dog or catnip toys, and bandannas. Event participants also got the chance to receive a photo with their pets and meet a few of the adoptable dogs through the Humane Society.
Movers For Mutts is 1 of 4 campaigns exclusive to Two Men and A Truck, a professional moving company for homes and businesses in the Bay City area. With the assistance of local vet clinics, Movers For Mutts received close to 1,000 pounds worth of food and toy donations in just the last year. Though this campaign runs for a few months each calendar year, they are always accepting donations at the Two Men and A Truck’s Bay City location. Movers For Mutts gladly accepted: dog and cat food, cat litter and dog treat donations during the duration of the day’s event.
The Humane Society, on the other hand, is a volunteer-based group that focuses on the adoption, health and welfare of animals. This organization had pet beds, cookware, and pet toys available for purchase. Also, three of the society’s adoptable dogs attended the PawCasso event to meet the public and find their potential, fur-ever families. During functions like Pawcasso, on-the-spot adoptions are not allowed due to the application and approval process. The Humane Society enjoys giving animals an opportunity to interact and make potential owners aware of the adoption and fostering programs that are available.
Tara Welch, Executive Director of Studio 23 Art Center, says, “The main goal was for both of the organizations and adoption programs. 50 percent of profits will go to the Humane Society’s foster projects, while the other 50 percent will go to Studio 23’s classroom programs.”
With the success of this year’s event, she aims to hold similar events to Pawcasso in spring’ 2017.
