Update:
It wasn’t very long ago that we shared the story of Van Gogh, the Boxer-Pitbull mix with only one ear. Despite being incredibly handsome, and an amazing artist, the canine cuddle bug was having a hard time finding a forever family. He was a tough case because of his troubled past, and the fact that his forever home needed to be quiet, and free from other pets.
But after Jaclyn Gartner, the founder of Happily Furever After Rescue, shared on social media that selling Van Gogh’s masterpieces still didn’t result in any interest in his adoption, everything changed. Word started to spread across the internet, and the video of him recreating Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” went viral.
Before long, people all over the country started expressing interest in his works of art, and the world fell in love with him. The Pitbull had painted his way into people’s hearts, just as Jacklyn had hoped. They even held an online art auction that was so successful, they decided to open 100 commissioned art slots.
All 100 slots were sold, and Van Gogh will take the next several weeks to complete them. After all, the sweet seven-year-old will only be asked to make five to seven per week. As long as he’s happy making them, they plan to continue. But once he completes all 100, he will be taking a short hiatus.
Jessica Starowitz, a volunteer with the rescue, had originally offered to care for Van Gogh when he first arrived at the rescue. So when someone in his first foster family needed to have surgery, and they asked if he could find a new foster home, Jessica jumped at the chance.
“She came over and met him, and they instantly hit it off. He loved her, and she loved him. So after she left, I texted her, ‘Is it too soon for me to ask if you would ever consider adopting him?’” explained Jaclyn.
It was almost like fate, as the cat Jessica had been fostering had just recently been adopted, and her home was empty and waiting for Van Gogh. Within 48 hours, they had made it official. Van Gogh has finally found a forever home!
You can keep up with Van Gogh via his very on Instagram page, or, you can follow his former rescue on Facebook for future art updates.
Original Post:
Vincent Van Gogh created incredible paintings, while also suffering symptoms of schizophrenia. He even sliced off a piece of his own ear during a mental health crisis. That’s why it’s so fitting that a dog rescued from a fighting ring with a missing ear (who also happens to make awesome artwork) is so perfectly named after the artist.
But despite hosting an event to show off his beautiful paintings, Van Gogh still hasn’t found a forever home.
When Van Gogh, the Boxer-Pitbull mix, was rescued from a North Carolina dog-fighting ring, his ear was so badly injured that it needed to be amputated. The sweet seven-year-old was being used as a bait dog, and wound up in really rough shape.
Jaclyn Gartner, the founder of Happily Furever After Rescue in Connecticut, had the fantastic idea of having Van Gogh create art to not only help raise money for their rescue, but to hopefully help him find a forever family.
How Does A Dog Make Art?
He paints with his tongue, of course! Once someone has squeezed a few different dollops of paint onto a canvas, they carefully slide it into a plastic bag and then coat the outside of the bag with delicious peanut butter.
“So his painting is him licking peanut butter off and while he’s licking peanut butter all the paint is smeared around and makes the design,” said Jaclyn.
This effect creates abstract art that’s interesting to view and soothing to the soul. What animal lover wouldn’t smile knowing that a piece of art on their wall was created by a dog? While the painting pup has sold 30 pieces averaging $40 each, he’s still searching for a forever home. Despite everything he’s been through, Van Gogh is a relaxed, well-mannered, cuddle bug.
“He would love someone who would cuddle him because he’s a cuddler,” said Jaclyn Gartner.
Not only would he love to snuggle up with you on your couch, but he’s already housetrained, knows “sit and paw,” and walks exceptionally well on leash. He’d prefer to be your only pet, as he’s dog selective and not fond of cats.
Because of his abusive past, his ideal home would be a quiet one. Van Gogh still startles easily from fast movements and is frightened by loud sounds. But, despite his age, he loves having his belly rubbed, and will zoom all around your yard. He’s 70 pounds of pure love!
Van Gogh’s adoption fee is $350 and he comes fully vaccinated, microchipped, neutered and heartworm negative. If you are interested in this precious pup, you can learn more about Van Gogh by clicking HERE.
Featured Images: Facebook
Toledo, United States.
