Watch This Talented Australian Shepherd Paint Masterpieces for Charity
Teaching a dog new tricks can be a bit of a challenge. For this adorable dog, her new trick gives back to those who need it the most.
Ivy, an Australian Shepherd, has a talent that many aspire to. She is a master with the brush and has a creative eye.
Ivy creates inspiring paintings, and all the proceeds go directly to charity, according to Caters News.
For Ivy, painting is a favorite pastime as she loves to sit in front of the easel and create beautiful works of art.
Ivy’s owner, Lisa Kite, is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and taught the dog to paint with special brushes that Ivy can hold in her mouth.
Using some chicken breast as an incentive, Ivy quickly learned to develop her talent.
“I free shaped the trick, asking her to figure out what I wanted her to do and used a clicker and poached chicken breast pieces to communicate,” Kite told Cater News. “My favorite piece is her first one. I totally geeked out when she did it, I couldn’t believe she did it.”
Ivy, who is 5 years old, can complete a masterpiece within a month. She only paints once per week.
Her paintings fetch up to $200 each. All the money goes directly to animal welfare charities located in the U.S.
“We did a series of small paintings for people to hang over their pet’s bowls,” Kite said. “Sort of art for a pets dining room.
“We donate profits to animal welfare charities. We donate paintings to be sold or auctioned to charities. A friend’s dog died of cancer, so we donated to animal cancer research. We’re not set on one particular charity.”
“So far, her artwork has been sent to the U.K., France, Germany, Australia, and Canada,” Kite added.
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Ivy has developed quite a following on social media. And her owner is extremely proud of the dog’s artful talent.
“I almost cried when Ivy finished her first painting,” Kite said. “I was and still am so proud.
“When I tell people about my painting dog they usually think I said my daughter. They’re normally really surprised and impressed. We don’t make money from Ivy, it’s just a really fun hobby,” Kite continued.
“Ivy is my once in a lifetime dog, and this is all about having a great relationship and having fun,” she added.
Ivy has been creating masterpieces for the last three years. Ivy paints four pieces of art at a time. This gives the paintings time to dry before a new color or stroke is applied.
It all started with a challenge from a friend. Kite then bought Ivy an easel for Christmas, and the rest you could say was history.
Ivy is a real one-of-kind-kind dog that has a real penchant for art. Keep up the good work Ivy! There are many more masterpieces to create.
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