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This ‘poorly drawn pets’ fundraiser exceeded expectations — and these drawings show why
Some of the artwork from Pasadena Humane's poorly drawn pets fundraiser.
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Makenna Sievertson
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LAist
)
Pasadena Humane’s “poorly drawn pets fundraiser” wrapped up Thursday after yielding some hilarious and heartwarming portraits.
Owners across the country submitted photos of their cats, dogs, birds, turtles, hamsters and horses on Facebook with a small donation to be turned into works of art by a team of shelter staff and volunteers.
Pasadena Humane assured people they’re a lot better at caring for animals than they are at drawing them. Some of the animals were done by extremely talented artists. The others … tried their best.
Alyssa Staniland, Pasadena Humane’s philanthropy communications manager, told LAist the fundraiser exceeded expectations with around $11,000 raised across more than 450 submissions.
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“ Every donation that comes in is really providing life-saving care to these animals that are coming from our community, “ Staniland said. “And you're making a difference in a really, really fun way.”
LAist favorites from the fundraiser
The real Finn, a rescue dog from Florida.
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Courtesy Andy Guz
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Facebook
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The portrait Finn, drawn by Pasadena Humane volunteers.
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Courtesy Pasadena Humane and Andy Guz
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Owner Andy Guz told LAist that Finn was rescued from the streets of Miami.
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Guz said they donated to Pasadena Humane during January’s devastating fires and were happy to have the opportunity to do it again — “and get this masterpiece” in the meantime.
The real Scout and Izzy.
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Courtesy Anna Su
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Facebook
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The portrait version of Scout and Izzy from Pasadena Humane volunteers.
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Courtesy Pasadena Humane and Anna Su
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Facebook
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Anna Su told LAist she ended up commissioning a dozen photos from the fundraiser, including Scout and Izzy.
The real Hank.
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Courtesy Emily Bailey
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Facebook
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The portrait Hank, who apparently was hungry for steak.
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Makenna Sievertson
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Courtesy Pasadena Humane and Emily Bailey
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After a pet photo was submitted on the Facebook fundraiser, they were printed out and paired with a volunteer in Pasadena Humane’s makeshift art room, which was stocked with colored pencils, markers and paper.
The real Zoe.
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Courtesy Alison Rubke
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Facebook
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The portrait Zoe, drawn by Pasadena Humane volunteers.
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Courtesy Pasadena Humane and Alison Rubke
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Facebook
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Owner Alison Rubke told LAist she thought the fundraiser was such a cool idea and hopes more shelters follow suit.
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The real Kevin and Pepper.
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Courtesy Nichole Littlewood
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Facebook
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The portrait Kevin and Pepper, drawn by Pasadena Humane volunteers.
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Courtesy Pasadena Humane and Nichole Littlewood
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Facebook
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The real Pepsi.
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Courtesy Barb Levin
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Facebook
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The portrait Pepsi, drawn by Pasadena Humane volunteers.
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Courtesy Pasadena Humane and Barb Levin
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Facebook
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Pasadena Humane did the poorly drawn pets fundraiser once before in 2021 on a much smaller scale during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A few turtles and tortoises were submitted to the fundraiser.
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Makenna Sievertson
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LAist
)
While most of the submissions were dogs and cats, there were some portraits of other cute critters.
Pasadena Humane has held onto all of the original artwork and pet pictures.
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Makenna Sievertson
/
LAist
)
The fundraiser included a wide range of artistic abilities.
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Pasadena Humane's volunteer artists drew every single pet picture that was submitted before the noon Thursday deadline.
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Makenna Sievertson
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LAist
)
“There are some people just drawing stick figures and some people making these masterpieces,” Staniland said, “which they're all beautiful, don't get me wrong.”
Some of the pet portraits included exaggerated features.
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Makenna Sievertson
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LAist
)
Some of the portraits truly captured the essence of the pet.
Pasadena Humane invited LAist to get in on the art action and draw a pet.
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Makenna Sievertson
/
LAist
)
Pasadena Humane invited this LAist reporter into the drawing room shortly before the fundraiser closed Thursday.
To the owners of this dog, I’m not sure if I should say sorry or you’re welcome for fitting the theme.
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If you missed out on the fundraiser, don’t worry, you’ll have another shot soon. Pasadena Humane is hoping to make it an annual tradition, Staniland said.
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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