Posted by KB on March 11, 2011
For an animal lover, the power of the pooch is not dissimilar to the effect of a cute baby on a clucky woman. The presence of man’s best friend can, as if with the flick of a switch, turn a usually rational, mature adult into a babbling lunatic. Such is the force of a much-loved pet. With so much unconditional love to give and unquenchable thirst for fun-and-games, it’s astounding to think that 20,000 unwanted, lost and stray pets every year are cared for at the Lost Dogs’ Home in North Melbourne, alone.
Somewhere Store and Gallery has got behind Australia’s largest animal shelter with the Besties exhibition, a fund- and awareness-raiser for helping Lost Dogs’ to continue to fight for animal rights and provide welfare and community services including responsible pet ownership programs.
The Besties launch unveiled 22 donated artworks inspired by artists’ personal experiences with dogs and cats. There were pugs in portrait and kittens on canvas. A “working” dog in a suit ran for the tram, perhaps sending a deeper message about the nature of nine-to-five. There were literal lost dogs, in cartoon form behind the wheel of a car consulting the Melways. There was even a declaration from a pooch, who despite having a soft, fluffy coat, cheeky little eyes and being named Ian, was clearly quite a bitch, exclaiming strongly that “Cats are officially over” and signing the deed in paw print, no less.
With close to 100 attendees packing the floor, the Swedish cider was flowing and delicious bake sale treats were being wolfed down faster than a starving staffy devouring a knuckle bone.
Running until April 6, it is hoped the show will encourage people to adopt a pet rather than buy one. And if you simply don’t have the space or time to commit to a new pet, how about hanging one on the wall?
Besties runs until April 6 at the Somewhere Store and Gallery, The Royal Arcade, 314 Little Collins Street. All proceeds from the sale of artworks go to the home.
For information on adopting a pet, visit www.dogshome.com
by Chelsea Roffey
besties, somewhere store and gallery, dogs, art, exhibitions