Written by Jack Taylo 

Are you looking for a fun way to support the community? Look no further than Whatcom Humane Society’s Paw-Casso fundraiser. Until April 16, if you submit a photo of your animal, volunteer artists will send you a unique portrait of your pet. The starting price is only $20. 

Laura Clark, the executive director of Whatcom Humane Society, says they got the idea from a humane society in the Midwest.  

“We saw [the idea], loved it, and decided to give it a try,” Clark says.   

Proceeds from the unique fundraiser support daily operations at the domestic animal shelter, wildlife rehabilitation center, and farm facility. Since the fundraiser began, people have submitted more than 200 pet photos, raising more than $4,000 and creating hundreds of one-of-a-kind pet masterpieces along the way.  

“Our volunteer and staff ‘artists’ are busy at work drawing, painting, sketching, and creating unique portraits,” Clark says. At the moment, more than 40 artists have volunteered their skills.  

During this time, it’s more important than ever to support services like the humane society, which must continue their operations despite the pandemic.  

“One of our most utilized services during these challenging times is our pet food bank, which provides pet food to the pets of low-income residents in need,” Clark says.” We are honored to continue to provide services to both people and animals in our community and are appreciative of all the community support we have and continue to receive.” 

For more information or to order your own Paw-casso portrait, visit the Whatcom Humane Society’s website