Small Town News

Dogs, cats, kids and their art

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The public is invited to an open house at the Hill Country Humane Society (HCHS) at 9150 Ranch to Market Road 1431 West in Buchanan Dam on Saturday, May 21, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The HCHS and Painted Potatoes art students have teamed up to advocate for animals in need.

Visitors of all ages are welcome to visit dogs, cats, puppies and kittens available for adoption. Towing the newly maintained and updated facility will be hosted by shelter staff and board members and light refreshment will be served. Guests will be asked help select which student artwork will be the featured art on HCHS events announcements, including the First Annual HCHS Wags and Whiskers Gala in September.

"We want to thank our community for the wonderful support you have shown throughout the past year," said HCHS vice president Lynn Bishop. "The shelter has needed repairs and upgrades in order to continue to help animals in need. You have been generous in your contributions to our capital improvement project and we would like to show everyone the benefits of their donations."

With more improvements on the horizon, Bishop said HCHS was proud of the Texas Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Division recent inspection.

"We passed with a wonderful endorsement by their representative who said we can be a model for how well an established shelter can continue to perform," Bishop said. "We would like you all to come celebrate and meet the wonderful animals who reside at HCHS."

In March, the Painted Potatoes art group visited the HCHS shelter, where they toured the facility, met and handled some of the animals, then brainstormed on the project at hand. "We know how important it is to introduce our youngsters to animal welfare issues," said Lyn Odom, HCHS secretary-treasurer. "I'm so proud of these kids taking on this project and willing tc let go of their artwork and the money it makes in order to advocate for animals in need. This means that every one of these young artists is personally responsible for saving dogs' and cats' lives.

"During our brainstorming session in March, the Hill Country Humane Society made each student an honorary member," Odom added. "We presented them with membership certificates and hope it is the beginning of a lifetime of animal advocacy, wherever their dreams may lead them."

Painted Potatoes artwork will be mixed media of each student's choosing, but when asked for a preview and peek inside the projects, the kids opted to keep it a surprise.

A ballot box will accompany the Painted Potatoes artworks. Votes will be tallied following the open house and an announcement will be made through the media and social networking.

Painted Potatoes students range in age from 7-12. Their artwork, 12 pieces in all, will be included in the silent auction at the September gala; mid featured at the shelter for viewing until then. All proceeds garnered at the silent auction in September will be divided between the two non-profits hosting the open house.

For more information about HCHS and the animals ready for adoption, log on to www.hillcountryhumanesociety.org. For more information about Painted Potatoes home school art group, email Mara Johnson at tgiftgarden@yahoo.com, or check them out at www.instagram.com/paintedpotatoes.

"Come see our animals available for adoption and looking to find their forever homes," Bishop said. "Meet our board members who will be available from noon-1:30 p.m. and especially meet our wonderful staff who care for our animals day in and day out. They are dedicated to performing our mission statement: 'No animal turned away. All animals are cared for in their best interest; individually, kindly, and humanely.'"



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