Last month, we all watched in shock and horror as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma City and its surrounding areas, leveling homes and buildings and claiming at least 24 lives while injuring hundreds of people. Many people and charitable organizations have been donating time and money to help those in need, and that includes the Central Oklahoma Humane Society, which has been housing and caring for countless displaced animals while trying to reunite them with their owners.
In one of the more unique acts of generosity, the owners of a dog named Arbor are donating the net proceeds of a piece of artwork that they are auctioning off for tornado relief, and the artist is none other than Arbor herself.
The bidding is currently up to $1,000 with 79 people in on the action and three days remaining in the auction. As for the artist, Arbor also has a heartwarming story:
April 2011, Arbor was stray on the streets of Las Vegas without a family and no place to call home. She was discovered at the Lied Animal Shelter by her parents who instantly connected with her and could not leave her behind. She took to learning tricks so quickly her parents thought it would be fun to try something a little different…painting. With some positive reinforcement she took to it right away and has been painting with a tail wag ever since. She has been featured on Good Morning America, Yahoo.com, ABCnews.com, UK’s The Sun newspaper as well as many local news stations. Arbor paints all of the works of art herself with no help, with the exception of her parents rotating the canvas. Being a rescue, it seemed natural that she would use her amazing talent to give back and help other animals in need. Hence, heARTwork for Aid was born. She has donated her artwork to rescue organizations both locally and across the country for their fundraising efforts. Arbor is truly a remarkable example that shelter animals make wonderful companions.
I would really prefer to not have to write a follow-up about how the winning bidder won’t pay up, so fingers crossed that this one sells for a lot and has a very happy ending.