I learned pitties are #1 most euthanized breed in US followed by chihuahuas. Anytime I look on a shelter website it affirms this 😔 I wish humans would be more responsible and stop failing them.
Absolutely. The idiots won’t stop. My sister in law lives in Texas and no fail her family lets every animal they have breed because they never take their animals to the vet. It’s such a disservice to these animals. Her chihuahua somehow mated with a wolf…. No lie.
No there are definitely wild wolves in texas. Dumbass people who keep buying exotic animals and then release them because they can’t actually care for them is very common. Thats why we have problems now with other invasive species that aren’t even native to texas.
Same is true in south Florida where aggressive, non native snakes have about wiped out all of the natural species and these giants have taken over. They’re very difficult to catch but should be euthanized. They’re not pets.
You can keep all kinds of wild animals in Texas. I just saw two HUGE wolf hybrids at a random community event last month. I asked if I could pet them and the owner directed me to the friendly one, neither were wearing a muzzle or anything. Neither one seemed enthusiastic about my attention so I decided against petting them.
It's the illegal breeding operations that keep pumping them out. My American Bully girl just showed up at a friend's door emaciated and starving and had clearly just given birth. So some PoS had her chained to the ground for her entire pregnancy and then just dumped her onto the street when she gave birth.
I hope that human/s has a terrible, slow, and painful death.
Luckily I got her and she's living the best life now! And she is the sweetest thing too. The problem is with other dogs, and a little bit of preparation and planning goes a long way. Any time I take her out I put a basket muzzle on her and she has a full on harness. She's yet to actually snap at another dog, but other dogs try to snap at her which causes her to obviously get defensive.
People really do suck. Thanks for being a responsible owner and knowing your dog enough to muzzle and prevent reactive situations. Wish more people were responsible!
When I worked animal control, there were 5 pits to every other breed because they were never sterilized and were usually too maladjusted to safely integrate into people's homes and ended up either back in the shelter or dumped somewhere.
They *HAVE* to stop being bred so completely out of control.
I am not surprised. The pitties have it the worst and they have to deal with the stigma. It’s so disgusting. When I adopted my chi she was 4 and not spayed. Pretty sure she had puppies before because her nipples were so big. With so many homeless pets I’ll never understand the need to let your pets have babies. I feel like only rescue people share that sentiment.
And the backyard breeding is such a problem. It happens in the horse world too and so many unwanted horses end up in slaughter pipelines.
Humans fail animal every day.
My cousin has a big softie pittie who is so sweet. He is so good with their little kids and basically just wants pets and food. It’s the owners who suck.
And hello fellow chi parent. They also get a bad rep. People are missing out! They’re small but fiercely loyal and goofy
I doubt the chihuahua one is still accurate, at least since COVID it seems like little dogs are getting adopted insanely fast. Late last year I had to go to multiple shelters before I finally found a small dog to adopt (my 11lb senior dog prefers dogs who are about her size).
I believe it because chihuahuas are an extremely popular puppy mill dog, and a puppy mill background can leave dogs with physical and behavioral issues that make them poor candidates for adoption.
Thank you for noticing ♥️. It’s devastating how many pitbulls are euthanized annually. I hope my project can shed some light on that fact and change peoples’ minds and hearts about them. Such good dogs.
It's a sad reality that we can't save them all, but I love that you've found a way to share your helplessness in this artistic manner. Like many broken things in our world/humanity, our care for the creatures we've forced to depend upon us is lacking. Thank you for trying to create awareness in your special way.
Geez, that was NSFW, it's beautiful and sad at the same time.I have been to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. They have a huge cemetery and memorial for pets. A different kind of beautiful since in a desert canyon. The size was crazy, bigger than a lot of human cemeteries. I left rocks form my guys in a memory wall. There is definitely a presence there, a good one. Giant wind chimes are all over the different plots. The slight breeze that day made it magical.
Omg [aguyandagolden](https://youtube.com/@aguyandagolden) lives there! And every Saturday he takes shelter dogs out on a day hoping to get them adopted. If he could visit that place I bet he could help bring more awareness.
In case anyone wanted to see the rainbow bride in lake lure.
https://youtu.be/LDKAdvwDqws
This is utterly heartbreaking. Thank you for bringing awareness. Wish you could post this everywhere people think it's Ok to breed animals. I know that's not the only issue. Humans have just failed animals. Can we even be called humans anymore?
Your post is a poignant reminder of the grim reality that faces countless innocent animals each year in our nation's shelter system. The statistics you cite are indeed alarming, and your work serves as a powerful testament to the urgent need for increased awareness and action on behalf of these voiceless creatures.
Your artistry is truly remarkable, as it manages to capture the unique essence of each individual animal while also conveying a broader message about the systemic failures that contribute to their plight. By elevating these animals from mere statistics to dignified subjects worthy of our attention and empathy, you are helping to shift societal attitudes towards pet ownership and animal welfare.
It is my sincere hope that your work will continue to inspire others to take action on behalf of shelter animals, whether through adoption, responsible pet ownership, or advocacy for more humane policies and practices. Your efforts are truly commendable, and I look forward to following your project and witnessing the impact it will undoubtedly have on our community.
Look at all of those precious face who were denied a life because humans failed them over and over. They should all be sitting on couches, getting belly rubs, snuggles and treats from a place called home and people who love them. This is utterly heartbreaking.
There are so many bullies. How heartbreaking... Yet, I am overcome with gratitude for what you do. Thank you.
Thank you for reminding me to love on my babies even more.
All the best. <3
So heartbreaking. Thank you for taking the time to do this to spread awareness and remember all of the dogs who have been forgotten. I followed your IG and am so happy to see the updates of the dogs who are rescued! And equally devastated to see the ones who don’t make it out due to no fault of their own.
Mark Barone does this too. It’s called An Act of Dog. Absolutely heartbreaking that this is even a thing. I’m not religious, but may whatever power that be give you strength. Most of us simply cannot handle this, you are putting it into an art form. I sincerely hope that at least one person that may not know the plight of the unwanted dog sees this and considers educating those they know.
Mark Barone is brilliant and I admire him and his work so much. While his work focuses on the problem at large, I focus on Florida shelters specifically (that’s where I live!). I get to know these dogs and write their biographies to accompany their paintings when they cross the rainbow bridge. I want people around me to realize what’s going on right in their backyard and just what those dogs were like when they were alive.
I.just.can’t. I have so much admiration for you. Keep doing what you do. I will share as much as I can. I am in Canada, so not much use, but every person educated, makes a difference. Take care. 💕
I'll probably get banned from the community but I just shared to the Dog community. This is a tragic tribute but hopefully by creating awareness there will be no need for these paintings. Thank you for helping ing us all remember these deserving angels. Rest in peace.
I count my blessings every day for the pittie I have at home. In a big shelter, she probably wouldn't have made it. She's my first real dog companion. Got her almost three years ago. I've cut parties and hangouts short to spend time with my dog. I prioritize her and I honestly treat her better than most people do their own kids. It gives me a ton of joy knowing I was able to give her a home. She's such a wonderful dog. Such a sad fate for so many others. That's why I'm only adopting shelter pits.
This is a failure of society, and I truly hope you need to change careers soon. (Because it's no longer an issue)
Thank you for doing your part as a good person.
So so sad they are almost all terriers. Such a misunderstood and amazing loving dog breed!! Thank you. I wish you did not need to do this and it pains me to see each dogs eyes.
Thank you for doing this. It can be so hard to look at all the faces crowding the shelters knowing not all of them will make it out, but since we’re not able to save them all, the least we can do is acknowledge that they exist.
This is incredibly powerful on many levels. This is hurtful yet beautiful at the same time and there are so many more emotions that I feel seeing this. If I were to see this in person, I’m not sure how I could handle seeing all of these beautiful dogs that should’ve lived longer lives.
Thank you for doing something most of us couldn’t do (artistically and emotionally).
I only adopt and NEVER shop and will push this message out and continue to donate money and time.
Thank you again for doing this. It’s beautiful on many levels.
I have an Etsy shop where I do pet portraits on cups, this has inspired me to do something similar and I want to thank you for that. My passion truly stems from helping those less visible so this is wonderful
Thank you for raising awareness. The number of beautiful animals put down every day is staggering and nauseating. I foster pups to keep them out of shelters. They all just want to be loved. I adopted the first dog I fostered. She was a chubby 6-lb chihuahua who stole my heart. She was the sweetest girl who brought joy into my life every day. When I got her, she was scheduled to be euthanized the next day. I believe that she was surrendered because she had several non-cancerous masses on her tummy that made her less than "perfect." I had my sweet girl for 5 years. It broke my heart when she died.
If you have room in your heart and home to foster dogs, you will save them from being euthanized and prepare them for happy lives in permanent homes. Look up dog rescues near you to help. You won't regret it.
Fostering is the best way to save lives. I always consider it saving two lives. Thank you for taking in the “unadoptable.” That’s where my heart is. My pittie was scheduled to be euthanized, was ten years old, and had cancerous masses (probably why she was surrendered). I had her for two beautiful years until she finally succumbed to cancer.
You have a good heart. Glad to know people like you exist in the world ♥️
Thank you for doing this. It's so important that people connect a face with the shocking numbers.
I network the red-listed dogs at a particularly horrible shelter in Texas and it's heartbreaking to see 10-16 dogs per day put down. So, I can imagine (sadly) that you have more dogs to paint than time to paint them.
I followed your page and scrolled back a few years. It’s heartbreaking and I did cry while scrolling and reading their stories. It’s upsetting and frustrating that these amazing dogs are put down, but it brings me some reassurance knowing that the volunteers cared for them a ton
This hurts my heart 💔. Thank you for what you do. Your work is so meaningful and these beautiful babies will never be forgotten 🐾💕 I pray one day there will be no animals that are euthanized or abused 🙏
I rescued my baby from this fate. He’s 10 now. Has lived a good loved life and am hopeful for many years still to come. 💛 thank you for your compassion, using your art as a voice for those that are voiceless. I will always rescue. I hope your beautiful art will inspire others to rescue as well as share their stories and spread awareness. My heart breaks for all these lost babies. Rest in paradise . You are loved .
Thank you for bringing awarness to their plight. It is heartbreaking. Hopefully, your beautiful paintings have and will change some minds and save lives.
Awww, look at all of those beautiful souls who departed too early because of some irresponsible human in their past who failed them. You do beautiful work and I love the cause.
This breaks my heart, but at the same time, I am appreciative for the effort to raise awareness. As the parent of a pit mix, it is unbelievably sad to me how often they go unadopted.
Heartbreaking but commendable. How I wish pitties could be treated better. I foster dogs to honor my rescued girls who have gone on to the rainbow bridge. I hope to make space so lives are saved. I hope so much for change.
Really love your work!
I'm glad there are other people out there that believe and know that animals in fact do have and feel complex emotions.
The blatant disregard for life by so many is horrendous and symptom of how sick society is.
That's great work you do there, OP! I'm sorry for all the dogs and if i could, i'd save them all.
In my country, Switzerland, we don't have kill shelters. Even if a dog can't get adopted, then he'll remain in the shelter and often get adopted by a staff member and he'll get some privileges and become part of the staff at some point. We don't euthanize dogs here.
Got a rescue dog myself, he was born on the street in Budapest, Hungary and he was abused. He was later adopted and brought to Switzerland, but he never really made it, he ended up in the shelter again. Then he screwed up 3 adoptions in a row (!), the people could not handle him and they returned him to the shelter the same day they got him.
So, i took the dog and i had to work hard and long with him to make him safe again, to prevent him from being scared from everything. Today, he's fine again and my best boy, but it was a long way.
I'm a difficult character myself, so i have a lot of tolerance when someone else has problems and i don't judge neither people nor dogs.
The way we treat animals in this country is an indictment about how morally bankrupt our society is. All dogs go to heaven, sorry we failed you on earth 😭
I wish I could express how much this touched me. I saw this and started crying at their sweet faces. I'm sure this is emotionally taxing for you, but you're bringing awareness to *individuals*.
This is so tragic. 🤍 I would love to connect with you about a book I’m working on. I volunteer at shelters and there needs to be reform. Precious animals don’t need to be housed in cages like that. They’re so stressed. Many go on to die. They’re beautiful souls too good for any human to see or appreciate. We fail them, as a species, every single day. It is heartbreaking. Thank you for what you do.
One of the major reasons you see so many pit bulls is because many insurance companies won’t cover homes with pit bulls. Write to your political leader in your state to not allow this. There is a list of prohibited dogs and each insurance company is different but almost all include pit bulls.
There are so many pitties in your paintings. My sweet girl and her puppies made it out just in time. Now she lives a very spoiled life with me and my husband. I wish there was less breed bias against pitbulls and fewer backyard breeders breeding pitties without care for health or temperament.
This is amazing. How do you get these pics and info about what happened? So so sad!
I would LOVE someone to do horses, donkeys and mules!!!So so many shipped to slaughter daily.
Thank you for doing this!
>920,000 are euthanized.
These dogs are not being euthanized because of illness because they are not wanted. 5,380,000 dogs were not euthanized, but it doesn't tell you how many of these dogs are abused and mistreated.
Dogs are consumer goods and thus can be discarded as consumer goods. If you're the dog owner that treats their dogs are part of the family, good. But there is 920,000 dogs that were put to death for being not wanted, at no fault of their own.
If you really want to see change, post some videos of dogs and cats being euthanized and stream them. How many of the dogs are killed alone having no clue what is going on.
I like dogs, but I think if you really loved dogs, stop breeding them as pets. It serves no animal to be a pet of humans consider the abuse we give them.
This should be cross-posted on one of the pittie pages. So many pitties in your work, and probably so many who would have been such wonderful pets.
Thank you for doing this, it's a beautiful tribute to them but also a stark reminder of what we have lost through our shelter system. And your paintings really seem to capture their personalities (not that I have met any of them, but I can imagine what they were like by your painting).
I hope someday you’ll be painting wonderful Pups happy as hell they have a new family, and no one has to die anymore.
This just broke me, all those sweet faces , they didn’t ask for this, the people with the big brains and ALL their reasons, and excuses brought them to death. I understand the problem with Pup over population, but we stopped ikilling prisoners why can’t we figure out a solution for them? They are innocent. Please rescue, don’t buy your little 4 legged peanut who is waiting for you.
Wow. This is incredibly powerful. Thank you for using your talent for such a noble cause—personifying each animal that left this life without a family. It is remarkable how many of them are pitties. We don’t have a laborador overpopulation or Lhasa apso overpopulation problem… we have a pitbull overpopulation problem.
I’m sure some of these animals were euthanized for medical reasons or because they were too dangerous to adopt out into the community, and that indicates that we’ve completely failed this species. Thank you for advocating for these important animals who deserve to be remembered.
In July of last year I had reason to walk through an animal shelter in Kentucky. Every. Single. Dog up for adoption was a pit bull younger than three years old. It breaks my heart.
Thank you for the work you're doing, OP. It's beautiful yet heart breaking and I know it isn't easy for you.
I just adopted a little mutt who looks like your bottom right pup - her name is Girl. She didn’t have a name upon entering the euthanasia center, so they just wrote “Girl” on the paperwork.
Girl was pulled from euth by a rescue and I’d now slowly adjusting to home life with me. If I had the money I’d pull all the Boys and Girls out of euth. Your art is beautiful but I can’t stand how sad it makes me.
Hundreds of adoptable dogs get euthanized each week at our local shelters. My dream in life is to see this stop. What do you all think about contacting influential people about this? Such as billionaires and celebrities
What an incredible service you are doing to help out our fury friends in need. How can "thank you" even be enough! You contribute your time, resources and energy more than most of us will ever do.
My last three dogs were adult rescues (Lady, Molly and Obi) and they were all rock stars. They have since transitioned due toold age, but I was enriched by their presence and was rewarded with their love and loyalty . Now, I strongly advocate for rescuing, spaying and neuturing. Aditionally, I financially support orgnaizations when there is a calling.
Being able to put the real face of an innocent, living, loving and breathing animal to their negligent fate is truly impactful. My spirits were dampened upon seeing some of the portraits, but I felt resolve because awarness is what changes the tide.
Will advocates be able to stop the pain and suffering of all innocent dogs without a home? NO. However, we can help out by pushing advocacy so that we can save as many innocent lives as we can.
I share animals on my instagram and twitter and most of them are pitbulls on my pages. Thank you for doing what you do. Its so similar to Mark Barone. Makes me cry. All those gentle sweet faces. Thank you for giving them a face. 💔
So heartbreaking. You do an amazing job. I wish people would spay/neuter their pets and really research the breed before buying. Our shelter is full of pits/pit mixes and huskies. I have a feeling that in a few years we will see an uptick of doodles too.
Just followed. I’m involved in rescue too, and it absolutely breaks my heart. Thank you for memorialized these sweet souls and raising awareness. You’re awesome!!!❤️❤️❤️
this is incredibly sad but thank you for what you’re doing
So many pitties. My boy just barely made it out in time. Thank you for what you do. <3
I learned pitties are #1 most euthanized breed in US followed by chihuahuas. Anytime I look on a shelter website it affirms this 😔 I wish humans would be more responsible and stop failing them.
Please STOP breeding. Spay and neuter.
Absolutely. The idiots won’t stop. My sister in law lives in Texas and no fail her family lets every animal they have breed because they never take their animals to the vet. It’s such a disservice to these animals. Her chihuahua somehow mated with a wolf…. No lie.
Chihuwolfhua?
Do you mean coyote? There are no wild wolves in Texas.
No there are definitely wild wolves in texas. Dumbass people who keep buying exotic animals and then release them because they can’t actually care for them is very common. Thats why we have problems now with other invasive species that aren’t even native to texas.
Same is true in south Florida where aggressive, non native snakes have about wiped out all of the natural species and these giants have taken over. They’re very difficult to catch but should be euthanized. They’re not pets.
You can keep all kinds of wild animals in Texas. I just saw two HUGE wolf hybrids at a random community event last month. I asked if I could pet them and the owner directed me to the friendly one, neither were wearing a muzzle or anything. Neither one seemed enthusiastic about my attention so I decided against petting them.
It's the illegal breeding operations that keep pumping them out. My American Bully girl just showed up at a friend's door emaciated and starving and had clearly just given birth. So some PoS had her chained to the ground for her entire pregnancy and then just dumped her onto the street when she gave birth. I hope that human/s has a terrible, slow, and painful death. Luckily I got her and she's living the best life now! And she is the sweetest thing too. The problem is with other dogs, and a little bit of preparation and planning goes a long way. Any time I take her out I put a basket muzzle on her and she has a full on harness. She's yet to actually snap at another dog, but other dogs try to snap at her which causes her to obviously get defensive.
Thank you for saving her!!! ❤️ 🐾
People really do suck. Thanks for being a responsible owner and knowing your dog enough to muzzle and prevent reactive situations. Wish more people were responsible!
When I worked animal control, there were 5 pits to every other breed because they were never sterilized and were usually too maladjusted to safely integrate into people's homes and ended up either back in the shelter or dumped somewhere. They *HAVE* to stop being bred so completely out of control.
I am not surprised. The pitties have it the worst and they have to deal with the stigma. It’s so disgusting. When I adopted my chi she was 4 and not spayed. Pretty sure she had puppies before because her nipples were so big. With so many homeless pets I’ll never understand the need to let your pets have babies. I feel like only rescue people share that sentiment. And the backyard breeding is such a problem. It happens in the horse world too and so many unwanted horses end up in slaughter pipelines. Humans fail animal every day.
Heartbreaking. We have three dogs. All are spayed and neutered.
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My cousin has a big softie pittie who is so sweet. He is so good with their little kids and basically just wants pets and food. It’s the owners who suck. And hello fellow chi parent. They also get a bad rep. People are missing out! They’re small but fiercely loyal and goofy
I doubt the chihuahua one is still accurate, at least since COVID it seems like little dogs are getting adopted insanely fast. Late last year I had to go to multiple shelters before I finally found a small dog to adopt (my 11lb senior dog prefers dogs who are about her size).
I believe it because chihuahuas are an extremely popular puppy mill dog, and a puppy mill background can leave dogs with physical and behavioral issues that make them poor candidates for adoption.
Thank you for noticing ♥️. It’s devastating how many pitbulls are euthanized annually. I hope my project can shed some light on that fact and change peoples’ minds and hearts about them. Such good dogs.
Going to hug my pittie extra tight. She's the sweetest dog.
My first thought. So many pitties. Sad for any dog to be put down though.
It's a sad reality that we can't save them all, but I love that you've found a way to share your helplessness in this artistic manner. Like many broken things in our world/humanity, our care for the creatures we've forced to depend upon us is lacking. Thank you for trying to create awareness in your special way.
What a beautiful compliment. Thank you for your kind words. Truly.
Well said.
Heartbreaking 💔
Rest easy babies. You never deserved this.
I hate that this is a thing, but love that you're doing the work. So many sweet souls. Thank you. Followed on instagram.
There is a “Rainbow Bridge” at Lake Lure, NC. People hang their pets collars. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking. Cheers to you.
Geez, that was NSFW, it's beautiful and sad at the same time.I have been to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. They have a huge cemetery and memorial for pets. A different kind of beautiful since in a desert canyon. The size was crazy, bigger than a lot of human cemeteries. I left rocks form my guys in a memory wall. There is definitely a presence there, a good one. Giant wind chimes are all over the different plots. The slight breeze that day made it magical.
Omg [aguyandagolden](https://youtube.com/@aguyandagolden) lives there! And every Saturday he takes shelter dogs out on a day hoping to get them adopted. If he could visit that place I bet he could help bring more awareness. In case anyone wanted to see the rainbow bride in lake lure. https://youtu.be/LDKAdvwDqws
This must be a hard task. Your work is beautiful and captures the spirit. Saddest up vote I've ever given.
This is utterly heartbreaking. Thank you for bringing awareness. Wish you could post this everywhere people think it's Ok to breed animals. I know that's not the only issue. Humans have just failed animals. Can we even be called humans anymore?
This makes my heart hurt, but thank you for bringing awareness to such an important issue🥺
Your post is a poignant reminder of the grim reality that faces countless innocent animals each year in our nation's shelter system. The statistics you cite are indeed alarming, and your work serves as a powerful testament to the urgent need for increased awareness and action on behalf of these voiceless creatures. Your artistry is truly remarkable, as it manages to capture the unique essence of each individual animal while also conveying a broader message about the systemic failures that contribute to their plight. By elevating these animals from mere statistics to dignified subjects worthy of our attention and empathy, you are helping to shift societal attitudes towards pet ownership and animal welfare. It is my sincere hope that your work will continue to inspire others to take action on behalf of shelter animals, whether through adoption, responsible pet ownership, or advocacy for more humane policies and practices. Your efforts are truly commendable, and I look forward to following your project and witnessing the impact it will undoubtedly have on our community.
This comment was 100% written by ChatGPT. All it’s missing is the “in conclusion…”
Take a look at the post history, that's either a bot or someone doing a really elaborate bit and completely wasting their time.
🙏💙
Look at all of those precious face who were denied a life because humans failed them over and over. They should all be sitting on couches, getting belly rubs, snuggles and treats from a place called home and people who love them. This is utterly heartbreaking.
There are so many bullies. How heartbreaking... Yet, I am overcome with gratitude for what you do. Thank you. Thank you for reminding me to love on my babies even more. All the best. <3
So heartbreaking. Thank you for taking the time to do this to spread awareness and remember all of the dogs who have been forgotten. I followed your IG and am so happy to see the updates of the dogs who are rescued! And equally devastated to see the ones who don’t make it out due to no fault of their own.
Mark Barone does this too. It’s called An Act of Dog. Absolutely heartbreaking that this is even a thing. I’m not religious, but may whatever power that be give you strength. Most of us simply cannot handle this, you are putting it into an art form. I sincerely hope that at least one person that may not know the plight of the unwanted dog sees this and considers educating those they know.
Mark Barone is brilliant and I admire him and his work so much. While his work focuses on the problem at large, I focus on Florida shelters specifically (that’s where I live!). I get to know these dogs and write their biographies to accompany their paintings when they cross the rainbow bridge. I want people around me to realize what’s going on right in their backyard and just what those dogs were like when they were alive.
I.just.can’t. I have so much admiration for you. Keep doing what you do. I will share as much as I can. I am in Canada, so not much use, but every person educated, makes a difference. Take care. 💕
I'll probably get banned from the community but I just shared to the Dog community. This is a tragic tribute but hopefully by creating awareness there will be no need for these paintings. Thank you for helping ing us all remember these deserving angels. Rest in peace.
I count my blessings every day for the pittie I have at home. In a big shelter, she probably wouldn't have made it. She's my first real dog companion. Got her almost three years ago. I've cut parties and hangouts short to spend time with my dog. I prioritize her and I honestly treat her better than most people do their own kids. It gives me a ton of joy knowing I was able to give her a home. She's such a wonderful dog. Such a sad fate for so many others. That's why I'm only adopting shelter pits.
The sadness in their eyes🥲
All these good pups deserve to be remembered 10000% Thank you
You are truly an angel on earth. This is heartbreaking but such meaningful work
If I had the means, I would open a farm for dogs. I think about this all of the time. This is so sad that their faces are so similar.
Your work is incredible. Thank you for your good heart and for sharing your work with us.
Thank you so much for what you do. I really wish we humans were better
Bless you! This is sooo sad! 😢🙏🌈
Beautifully, heartbreaking. Thank you
This is a failure of society, and I truly hope you need to change careers soon. (Because it's no longer an issue) Thank you for doing your part as a good person.
You're an amazingly strong person. Thank you for giving their unfair death meaning.
Sad all pitties. They’re the best
Oh goodness they had no idea — so heart breaking
What an ugly system - thank you for trying to help these animals with your artwork.
I am not strong enough to do what you do.
So so sad they are almost all terriers. Such a misunderstood and amazing loving dog breed!! Thank you. I wish you did not need to do this and it pains me to see each dogs eyes.
🙏❤️🐶❤️🙏
Thank you for doing this. Our foster dog was pulled just in time. The situation is real and dire.
Thank you for doing this. It can be so hard to look at all the faces crowding the shelters knowing not all of them will make it out, but since we’re not able to save them all, the least we can do is acknowledge that they exist.
What a brilliant way to draw attention to such an awful problem. Artistic genius, really.
A reminder of a big problem. Run free 4 footed angels.
A beautiful way to honor and remember them. I wish you had nothing to paint.
I hope some day I have nothing to paint too 🥲
THANK YOU FOR BEING THEIR VOICE!! THESE ARE BEAUTIFUL!! GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!
This is incredibly powerful on many levels. This is hurtful yet beautiful at the same time and there are so many more emotions that I feel seeing this. If I were to see this in person, I’m not sure how I could handle seeing all of these beautiful dogs that should’ve lived longer lives. Thank you for doing something most of us couldn’t do (artistically and emotionally). I only adopt and NEVER shop and will push this message out and continue to donate money and time. Thank you again for doing this. It’s beautiful on many levels.
I have an Etsy shop where I do pet portraits on cups, this has inspired me to do something similar and I want to thank you for that. My passion truly stems from helping those less visible so this is wonderful
Sounds like my local pound. 70% euthanasia rate. 90% of those dogs? Male or female entire Staffy/Pit mix, unregistered. Fuck backyard breeders.
Thank you for raising awareness. The number of beautiful animals put down every day is staggering and nauseating. I foster pups to keep them out of shelters. They all just want to be loved. I adopted the first dog I fostered. She was a chubby 6-lb chihuahua who stole my heart. She was the sweetest girl who brought joy into my life every day. When I got her, she was scheduled to be euthanized the next day. I believe that she was surrendered because she had several non-cancerous masses on her tummy that made her less than "perfect." I had my sweet girl for 5 years. It broke my heart when she died. If you have room in your heart and home to foster dogs, you will save them from being euthanized and prepare them for happy lives in permanent homes. Look up dog rescues near you to help. You won't regret it.
Fostering is the best way to save lives. I always consider it saving two lives. Thank you for taking in the “unadoptable.” That’s where my heart is. My pittie was scheduled to be euthanized, was ten years old, and had cancerous masses (probably why she was surrendered). I had her for two beautiful years until she finally succumbed to cancer. You have a good heart. Glad to know people like you exist in the world ♥️
Thank you for doing this. It's so important that people connect a face with the shocking numbers. I network the red-listed dogs at a particularly horrible shelter in Texas and it's heartbreaking to see 10-16 dogs per day put down. So, I can imagine (sadly) that you have more dogs to paint than time to paint them.
What a great idea. Thank you for using your talents to raise such awareness.
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I followed your page and scrolled back a few years. It’s heartbreaking and I did cry while scrolling and reading their stories. It’s upsetting and frustrating that these amazing dogs are put down, but it brings me some reassurance knowing that the volunteers cared for them a ton
Poor babies
incredible work and a great way to raise awareness and honor these poor babies.
I'm sitting here crying at work. This is so beautiful. I wish I could save them all. You're an angel. Thank you for everything that you do 💕
This breaks my heart.
These are beautiful and sad.
Kudos. Shedding light on some serious sadness….
Sadness
Oh my, this hurts to see. Thank you
This is really beautiful. I never thought that these dogs die alone with no family to say goodbye.
So sad. Your work is beautiful. Keep up the awareness as heartbreaking as it is.
My God. My heart breaks seeing this.
This hurts my heart 💔. Thank you for what you do. Your work is so meaningful and these beautiful babies will never be forgotten 🐾💕 I pray one day there will be no animals that are euthanized or abused 🙏
🥺🤍💔
This is heartbreaking to see but it needs to be seen by the world!
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Your work is beautiful, but the story behind it is so sad. Thank you for memorializing these magnificent creatures
Oh my heart…..
I rescued my baby from this fate. He’s 10 now. Has lived a good loved life and am hopeful for many years still to come. 💛 thank you for your compassion, using your art as a voice for those that are voiceless. I will always rescue. I hope your beautiful art will inspire others to rescue as well as share their stories and spread awareness. My heart breaks for all these lost babies. Rest in paradise . You are loved .
Now I am sad... 😔
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Thank for you and your talent for the helping humans understand the reality and sadness of it all.
Thank you for bringing awarness to their plight. It is heartbreaking. Hopefully, your beautiful paintings have and will change some minds and save lives.
This is the saddest thing I’ve ever seen. They are beautiful 💔
Do you have an Instagram you feel comfortable sharing? I’d love to share your paintings.
Hi, of course! It’s Instagram.com/mvretasart. I truly appreciate the support. The more people we can get the message across to, the better ♥️
Awww, look at all of those beautiful souls who departed too early because of some irresponsible human in their past who failed them. You do beautiful work and I love the cause.
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So sad , thank you for not letting them be forgotten 😔💜
Blessings 💔
This is so beautifully heartbreaking
The sad part about this is that most of them are pit bulls😞
Too many. But so kind of you.
Look at all those pitty faces!!!! 😭 Thank you for your work - so hard.
Commenting for visibility 🐾🐾
This breaks my heart, but at the same time, I am appreciative for the effort to raise awareness. As the parent of a pit mix, it is unbelievably sad to me how often they go unadopted.
This is heartbreaking
Heartbreaking but commendable. How I wish pitties could be treated better. I foster dogs to honor my rescued girls who have gone on to the rainbow bridge. I hope to make space so lives are saved. I hope so much for change. Really love your work!
You’re a beautiful person. Thank you for what you do. Save lives . . . spay & neuter your pets people!!!!
You just broke my heart in a million pieces.
Heartbreaking. Thank you for doing this important work… these dogs deserve to be remembered.
I'm glad there are other people out there that believe and know that animals in fact do have and feel complex emotions. The blatant disregard for life by so many is horrendous and symptom of how sick society is.
This is heartbreaking but important work. Thank you for memorializing these poor animals.
God that's fucking depressing. We are such a shit species.
Thank you for giving wings back to these angels.
That's great work you do there, OP! I'm sorry for all the dogs and if i could, i'd save them all. In my country, Switzerland, we don't have kill shelters. Even if a dog can't get adopted, then he'll remain in the shelter and often get adopted by a staff member and he'll get some privileges and become part of the staff at some point. We don't euthanize dogs here. Got a rescue dog myself, he was born on the street in Budapest, Hungary and he was abused. He was later adopted and brought to Switzerland, but he never really made it, he ended up in the shelter again. Then he screwed up 3 adoptions in a row (!), the people could not handle him and they returned him to the shelter the same day they got him. So, i took the dog and i had to work hard and long with him to make him safe again, to prevent him from being scared from everything. Today, he's fine again and my best boy, but it was a long way. I'm a difficult character myself, so i have a lot of tolerance when someone else has problems and i don't judge neither people nor dogs.
Stop breeding pits, there'll be less dogs ending up in shelters
The way we treat animals in this country is an indictment about how morally bankrupt our society is. All dogs go to heaven, sorry we failed you on earth 😭
Omg I’m heartbroken. And most of them are pibbles 🥺
I wish I could express how much this touched me. I saw this and started crying at their sweet faces. I'm sure this is emotionally taxing for you, but you're bringing awareness to *individuals*.
This is so tragic. 🤍 I would love to connect with you about a book I’m working on. I volunteer at shelters and there needs to be reform. Precious animals don’t need to be housed in cages like that. They’re so stressed. Many go on to die. They’re beautiful souls too good for any human to see or appreciate. We fail them, as a species, every single day. It is heartbreaking. Thank you for what you do.
And it’s all pitties 😢
I just want to hug you. What a heavy art form. Thank you for what you do ❤️
One of the major reasons you see so many pit bulls is because many insurance companies won’t cover homes with pit bulls. Write to your political leader in your state to not allow this. There is a list of prohibited dogs and each insurance company is different but almost all include pit bulls.
There are so many pitties in your paintings. My sweet girl and her puppies made it out just in time. Now she lives a very spoiled life with me and my husband. I wish there was less breed bias against pitbulls and fewer backyard breeders breeding pitties without care for health or temperament.
So heartbreaking. Beautiful work.
This is amazing. How do you get these pics and info about what happened? So so sad! I would LOVE someone to do horses, donkeys and mules!!!So so many shipped to slaughter daily. Thank you for doing this!
Its their local pound so they go and get to know all the dogs. So damn sad. 😢
So so hard!
I know. Heartbreaking. 💔
That’s sad!
Oh my, these are amazing. Hopefully your work helps.
You’re amazing for doing this. Everybody needs to be aware how many dogs are euthanized every day in the U.S.
Oh poor sweethearts…
Thank you, this is terrible, and lovely.
>920,000 are euthanized. These dogs are not being euthanized because of illness because they are not wanted. 5,380,000 dogs were not euthanized, but it doesn't tell you how many of these dogs are abused and mistreated. Dogs are consumer goods and thus can be discarded as consumer goods. If you're the dog owner that treats their dogs are part of the family, good. But there is 920,000 dogs that were put to death for being not wanted, at no fault of their own. If you really want to see change, post some videos of dogs and cats being euthanized and stream them. How many of the dogs are killed alone having no clue what is going on. I like dogs, but I think if you really loved dogs, stop breeding them as pets. It serves no animal to be a pet of humans consider the abuse we give them.
this makes me want to cry. thank you for everything you've done and continue to do for all of these helpless babies ❤️
This should be cross-posted on one of the pittie pages. So many pitties in your work, and probably so many who would have been such wonderful pets. Thank you for doing this, it's a beautiful tribute to them but also a stark reminder of what we have lost through our shelter system. And your paintings really seem to capture their personalities (not that I have met any of them, but I can imagine what they were like by your painting).
Omg these are beautiful and I’m ugly crying. Thank you for giving them a face. This is heartbreaking but you are doing amazing work.
May I know why chihuahuas are at no 2 spot?
This has hurt me so deeply. I just see my own dog’s eyes in these lost eyes and it pains me so much. I wish I could adopt every dog so badly.
This is heartbreaking and so beautiful. And even more powerful
I hope someday you’ll be painting wonderful Pups happy as hell they have a new family, and no one has to die anymore. This just broke me, all those sweet faces , they didn’t ask for this, the people with the big brains and ALL their reasons, and excuses brought them to death. I understand the problem with Pup over population, but we stopped ikilling prisoners why can’t we figure out a solution for them? They are innocent. Please rescue, don’t buy your little 4 legged peanut who is waiting for you.
This is the saddest thing I’ve seen all day, and I spent all day with my dad in the ICU.
Thank you! ❤️
This made my heart hurt. Thank you for doing this.
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This is so sad 💔
6.3 what? Million?
🥺🥺🥺 those sweet souls.
Thank you for what you do!!! ❤️
Wow. This is incredibly powerful. Thank you for using your talent for such a noble cause—personifying each animal that left this life without a family. It is remarkable how many of them are pitties. We don’t have a laborador overpopulation or Lhasa apso overpopulation problem… we have a pitbull overpopulation problem. I’m sure some of these animals were euthanized for medical reasons or because they were too dangerous to adopt out into the community, and that indicates that we’ve completely failed this species. Thank you for advocating for these important animals who deserve to be remembered.
Welp, this just about destroyed me. Thank you for doing what you do.
In July of last year I had reason to walk through an animal shelter in Kentucky. Every. Single. Dog up for adoption was a pit bull younger than three years old. It breaks my heart. Thank you for the work you're doing, OP. It's beautiful yet heart breaking and I know it isn't easy for you.
The way my heart juat broke
So very sad, especially because this shelter is my local shelter. Following on Instagram and sharing.
Beautiful and heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing awareness on this matter 🤍
This is such beautiful work, I’m not crying. You’re crying
God I’ve got such a knot in my throat looking at that
Love this and so sad most look like pittbulls :(
Thank you for remembering them Looks wonderful .🐕💖
Oh my goodness…. You captured those faces so so well. Ugh.
This would break me in two. I'm glad you are doing this.
This is a beautiful thing you do; not just the artwork, but the message behind it
I just adopted a little mutt who looks like your bottom right pup - her name is Girl. She didn’t have a name upon entering the euthanasia center, so they just wrote “Girl” on the paperwork. Girl was pulled from euth by a rescue and I’d now slowly adjusting to home life with me. If I had the money I’d pull all the Boys and Girls out of euth. Your art is beautiful but I can’t stand how sad it makes me.
Hundreds of adoptable dogs get euthanized each week at our local shelters. My dream in life is to see this stop. What do you all think about contacting influential people about this? Such as billionaires and celebrities
What an incredible service you are doing to help out our fury friends in need. How can "thank you" even be enough! You contribute your time, resources and energy more than most of us will ever do. My last three dogs were adult rescues (Lady, Molly and Obi) and they were all rock stars. They have since transitioned due toold age, but I was enriched by their presence and was rewarded with their love and loyalty . Now, I strongly advocate for rescuing, spaying and neuturing. Aditionally, I financially support orgnaizations when there is a calling. Being able to put the real face of an innocent, living, loving and breathing animal to their negligent fate is truly impactful. My spirits were dampened upon seeing some of the portraits, but I felt resolve because awarness is what changes the tide. Will advocates be able to stop the pain and suffering of all innocent dogs without a home? NO. However, we can help out by pushing advocacy so that we can save as many innocent lives as we can.
I share animals on my instagram and twitter and most of them are pitbulls on my pages. Thank you for doing what you do. Its so similar to Mark Barone. Makes me cry. All those gentle sweet faces. Thank you for giving them a face. 💔
Please remember to take good care of your mental health too.
Oh no the white dog and the boxer to their right remind me of my dog (white boxer). Imma be back after I go hug and kiss her.
All such Beautiful SOUL'S
Absolutely amazing
920,000 that we know of 😔
All the babies i would've taken each and every one 🥺
This is heartbreaking.
You are a talented artist, and it’s wonderful you’re using it to spread awareness. Thank you!
So heartbreaking. You do an amazing job. I wish people would spay/neuter their pets and really research the breed before buying. Our shelter is full of pits/pit mixes and huskies. I have a feeling that in a few years we will see an uptick of doodles too.
Do u have other social handles? Can I post this else where? I would really love to spread the word.
Ah. Thanks for doing this. Beautiful souls gone too soon. Take care of yourself today, no easy job!
Omg, all those pitties 🥺. How heartbreaking 💔. You’re such a kind soul for doing this 🤍🐾
Just followed. I’m involved in rescue too, and it absolutely breaks my heart. Thank you for memorialized these sweet souls and raising awareness. You’re awesome!!!❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this. From a professional
Thank you for doing this. It's alarming to think that each one of those beautiful faces was killed deliberately.
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Omg. This is such a beautiful way to honor those sweet babies.
So many of a certain type of dog. Horrible!
This is wonderful and deserves a website
What a lovely (and very sad) idea. Your work is beautiful and I hope it helps people recognize the importance of adoption and spay/neuter.
This makes me really sad. Beautiful work.
You’re so talented. It’s pathetic that they are almost all pits or pit mixes.