Cumberland County Animal Shelter’s "Poorly Drawn Pets" Fundraiser: A Resounding Success
The unbridled joy that dogs bring to their human companions is a well-established fact. But the Cumberland County Animal Services in North Carolina has discovered a novel way to amplify that happiness, all while supporting a critical cause. Their ingenious idea? Offering hilariously bad, yet undeniably charming, drawings of people’s beloved pets.
The shelter’s annual "Poorly Drawn Pets Fundraiser" has become a roaring success, generating over $2,000 to support their medical fund. This initiative, held each year before the onset of "kitten season" in the spring, leverages the universal love for animals and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor to raise crucial funds.
Anna Hill, the rescue’s foster coordinator, explained the simple premise to USA TODAY: "People can pay $10, and volunteers and employees from the shelter will send them a sketch of their pets." However, she cautioned that the artistic quality is intentionally variable. Participants are essentially taking a gamble, hoping for either a surprisingly decent representation of their furry friend or an endearingly awful scribble that will be treasured for its sheer absurdity.
The shelter’s Facebook post perfectly captured the lighthearted spirit of the fundraiser: "Volunteers and staff are a hidden Picasso (an actual artist), orrrrrr you might get something that looks like the work of a chicken (but we’ll give it our best shot)!" This transparent honesty and playful self-awareness are undoubtedly part of what makes the fundraiser so appealing. People aren’t paying for a polished portrait; they’re paying for a laugh, a unique keepsake, and the satisfaction of contributing to a worthy cause.
The funds raised through this creative endeavor are vital to the shelter’s ability to provide essential medical care to animals in need. As Hill explained, the medical fund addresses a wide range of needs, from treating injuries like broken legs and injuries resulting from car accidents to covering life-saving procedures and critical care.
The importance of this fund cannot be overstated. Often, animals arrive at the shelter with serious injuries that require immediate and expensive treatment. The medical fund ensures that these vulnerable creatures receive the care they desperately need to recover and find loving homes.
Beyond treating obvious injuries, the medical fund also supports less visible but equally important aspects of animal welfare. This includes the cost of microchip scans, which can be instrumental in reuniting lost pets with their owners. Hill emphasized the escalating costs of veterinary care, highlighting the crucial role the fundraiser plays in bridging the financial gap. "Especially recently, it has skyrocketed," she said.
Hill cited the example of Geneva, a dog currently in foster care, to illustrate the fund’s impact. Geneva was hit by a car, resulting in a dislocated hip. Thanks to the shelter’s medical fund, she received the necessary surgery to repair her leg and is now on the path to recovery and eventual adoption. This heartwarming story underscores the tangible difference the "Poorly Drawn Pets" fundraiser makes in the lives of animals.
The shelter staff also cherish the personal connections fostered through the fundraiser. Hill shared a particularly touching anecdote about a woman who requested a portrait of her 16-year-old pug, who had recently passed away. Recognizing the emotional significance of the request, the shelter assigned the portrait to a staff member with considerable artistic talent. This act of kindness demonstrates the shelter’s commitment to providing compassionate support to pet owners during difficult times.
Humor, of course, also plays a central role. Hill recounted another favorite drawing: "It kind of looks like a gremlin." The laughter generated by these amusing creations is a testament to the power of shared joy and the ability of animals to bring people together, even in the most unexpected ways.
The "Poorly Drawn Pets" fundraiser is not limited to cats and dogs. The shelter welcomes portraits of all types of animals. Hill, who runs a small hobby farm with a diverse array of creatures, even commissioned a portrait of her alpaca during a previous fundraiser. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone can participate and celebrate their beloved animal companions, regardless of species.
While the current fundraiser has concluded for the year, there is reason to hope. The shelter plans to revive the initiative at the beginning of each year, providing another opportunity for pet owners to receive their own unique (and potentially hilarious) portrait. The promise of capturing the essence of their best friends, however imperfectly, continues to draw in participants year after year.
The Cumberland County Animal Services’ "Poorly Drawn Pets" fundraiser is a shining example of how creativity, humor, and community spirit can combine to make a real difference in the lives of animals in need. It is a testament to the powerful bond between humans and animals, and a reminder that even the simplest gestures of support can have a profound impact.
The success of this fundraiser also highlights the importance of supporting local animal shelters and rescue organizations. These organizations play a vital role in providing care, shelter, and medical treatment to vulnerable animals. By donating time, money, or resources, individuals can contribute to creating a more humane and compassionate world for animals.
So, while the opportunity to receive a poorly drawn portrait of your pet may be temporarily on hold, the message of compassion and support for animal welfare remains strong. Keep an eye out for the return of the "Poorly Drawn Pets" fundraiser in the future, and consider supporting the Cumberland County Animal Services or your local animal shelter in any way you can. Every contribution, no matter how small, can help make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
Julia Gomez, a trending reporter for USA TODAY, can be contacted on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or via email at [email protected].
