"Disposable" by Artist Jaqalyn Binder
"Disposable" by Artist Jaqalyn Binder
Puppy Mills function under a horrible mentality which is really brought to the surface in the statement "Puppies are biodegradable". Though the statement is true, that puppies are biodegradable, the suggestion is appalling. In comparison, people are also biodegradable, however people are never considered for use in compost because human life is valued more than the lives of innocent puppies. Puppies however, are considered disposable.
Artist Jaqalyn Binder of Pennsylvania
"Dr. Schnauzer" by Artist Ken Farris
"Dr. Schnauzer" by Artist Ken Farris
As an artist, this has been a very rewarding project for me to work on. I love dogs and I love a challenge. The challenge was coming up with an approach to the theme of the competition and then executing it in the time available. The first painting I created for this exhibit was "Dr. Schnauzer's Class". This concept evolved after I started making a list of everything a puppy is besides being biodegradable.
Artist Ken Farris of St Charles, Missouri
“Against the Elements” by Artist Terri Fry Kasuba
“Against the Elements” by Artist Terri Fry Kasuba
This dog needs to be self sufficient, because no one else in the world is looking out for his well-being. The umbrella attached to his head is the only thing protecting him from the red raindrops falling from the sky.
Artist Terri Fry Kasuba of Pennsylvania
"Caged Without Cause" by Artist Jessica Dreyer
"Caged Without Cause" by Artist Jessica Dreyer
He is a puppy less than a year old. He is housebroken, good with kids, loves other dogs and cats and knows several commands. He was surrendered by his owner to the Humane Society. Why was he surrendered if he was such a wonderful dog? I'm sure he thought..what have I done so wrong to be "Caged Without Cause".
Artist Jessica Dreyer of St Charles, Missouri
"Tank" by Artist Magmo the Destroyer
 "Tank" by Artist Magmo the Destroyer
Magmo had illustrated the Puppy Mill Warriors after adopting their dog Dino, a Tibetan Spaniel mix, from the Little Forgotten Friends Rescue, directed & founded by Maria LaRocca. Magmo and wife Tomoko had also attended this years Westminster Dog Show in N.Y.C. and was very surprised to see how so many dogs are pampered and considered "best of breed", while thousands of other less fortunate dogs trapped in the puppy mill industry go forgotten. Magmo's Puppy Mill Warriors are inspired by real life dogs from rescues, pounds, breeders and pet stores. Rescue pups may not ever be awarded "best in show" but will be some of the best friends you could ever have. Magmo hopes that the story of the Puppy Mill Warriors will help to raise awareness of the terrible puppy mill industry and save the underdogs.
Artist Magmo the Destroyer Of Pennsylvania
"Puppy Mill Momma" by Artist Dotty Storer
"Puppy Mill Momma" by Artist Dotty Storer
Daisy, a purebred Shih Tzu, was a puppy mill mother in Missouri. She retired at the age of 11 years and was adopted by my next door neighbor. Although she had been better cared for than most puppy mill dogs, her health was poor and she only lived another 15 months. The original photo was taken in 2005 and this picture was created and printed on acid free paper in 2008.
Artist Dotty Storer of Manchester, Missouri
"Dod's Dog" by Artist Greg Frankhouser
"Dod's Dog" by Artist Greg Frankhouser
I enjoy the whimsy of dogs, and puppies in particular. The fact that dogs have more in common than it might seem, informs this piece.
Artist Greg Frankhouser of St Louis, MO
"DO NOT FLUSH!" by Artist Linda Smith
 "DO NOT FLUSH!" by Artist Linda Smith
My piece is done on biodegradable toilet paper. It was applied to an old canvas using gel medium. The puppy was painted with acrylic paint. The frame is made of scrap wood I found in our garage and represents a quickly thrown together pen. I hope you've noticed that the metal fencing is askew. That was done to get your attention, so that at first glance you would think "Well, that's not right!" And that's just the point... IT'S NOT RIGHT!!!!!!!
Artist Linda Smith of St Charles, Missouri
"Tortured Animals" by Artist Sena Carroz
 "Tortured Animals" by Artist Sena Carroz
Tortured Animals.... Those two words should never go together. Unfortunately, they do quite often. Most animals are quite helpless against us. They only want to love & be loved. They are just like children. they reflect what they are taught. If they are beaten or tortured, they will of course become mean. Why that should ever happen is beyond me. Animal cruelty is as offensive to me as any other crime, maybe worse. Animals cannot protect themselves against inhumane people. My wish is to stop animal cruelty. They are all just little kids needing good homes.
Artist Sena Carroz of New London, Missouri
“Dogs of Lancaster” Artist Adam Holden Rosenberg
“Dogs of Lancaster” Artist Adam Holden Rosenberg
My paintings - focused observations of how the mind is revealed through the body - are meant to evoke visceral reactions. The images are culled from my daydreams, from my voyeuristic curiosity, and are often filtered through what might be described as an adolescent sense of humor. My paintings express pain, prayer, and desire. "The Dogs of Lancaster" triptych presents a view of life, decay, and death.
Artist Adam Holden Rosenberg of Pennsylvania
"Safe & Healthy" by Artist Dana Swedo Bernal
"Safe & Healthy" by Artist Dana Swedo Bernal
Good St. Francis, Help us to follow your example Of treating every living thing with Kindness.
Artist Dana Swedo Bernal of Kansas City, Missouri
"Grey Dog" Acrylic by Artist Vicki Odenthal.
"Grey Dog" Acrylic by Artist Vicki Odenthal.
There is an artist named Sue Co who I admire very much. The beautifully rendered paintings and drawings that she creates are often inspired by her passionate feelings about the negligent treatment of animals in our society. Animals are often her subject matter and beg the viewer to pay attention to the issue of animal abuse. In this monotone acrylic painting, I too, am directly influenced by Mrs. Co's work, and attempt to bring recognition to this important subject. Upon researching the show, I found that there are seven states that are known as puppy mill states because they have the majority of puppy mills in the country. They are: Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma & Pennsylvania. I also learned thru the research that 98% of the puppies sold in pet stores come from facilities that we consider to be puppy mills, and that pet stores often tell customers that their puppies come from local breeders or quality breeders. Don't believe them. Ask to see the paperwork and find out where the puppies really come from.
Artist Vicki Odenthal of St Louis, MO.
"Colleen" by Artist Mark D'Harlingue.
 "Colleen" by Artist Mark D'Harlingue.
Dogs ask for so little - just our love and compassion; yet they bring us immeasurable joy. They offer us friendship, even when we have nothing to give in return. They faithfully wait when we leave, trusting we will return. Though much can be seen in their eyes, they do not possess the gift of speech. Which is why we must be their voice. We must speak out when they are abused. We must raise our voices when they are mistreated. When situations arise that put these precious creatures in harms way, we must protest until our cries are heard. Together we must insist on laws that protect those that can not ask for protection. We must hold those who make a profit from breeding dogs responsible for the basic humane care that should be given. And we must enlighten the public as to the appalling conditions of some breeding establishments. This art work was an act of love and respect for dogs that can not speak for themselves.
Artist Mark D'Harlingue of St Louis, MO
"St Bernard Rescue Dog" by Artist Mollie Chounard
"St Bernard Rescue Dog" by Artist Mollie Chounard
This piece was originally created to promote hope, but the mood in the painting suggests otherwise. It was created with the idea in mind that there is already a lot being done to help the cause, but more help is needed. There is only so much that a St. Bernard with a keg full of medical supplies can do.
Artist Mollie Chounard of St. Peters, MO
“Happiness Turned Inside Out” by Chris Kelleher
“Happiness Turned Inside Out” by Chris Kelleher
A bold, iconic cartoon of puppy love regurgitating death; the grim uneasy truth behind what is usually a warm and happy topic, puppies.
Artist Chris "Cank" Kelleher of Pennsylvania
"Her Bed, Wet with Tears" by Catherine Mahoney
 "Her Bed, Wet with Tears" by Catherine Mahoney
This painting was created in response to Kathy Meyer's text in her character-building story, 'Daisy & Digger'. Kathy asked me to illustrate her vision of the reaction in Daisy to Digger's jealousy and selfish theft of her new toy rope-bone given to her by her best HUMAN friend, a little boy named Tommy. She is so saddened by this turn of events, that she's cried herself to sleep! Her underlying feelings touch a similar note in our own lives as each of us has had similar nights ourselves. How many times have you cried yourself to sleep? How many nights do the dog's living in puppy mill's cry themselves to sleep?
Artist Catherine Mahoney of Hermann, Missouri
"How Can You Resist my Eyes?" by Sandy Karsten
 "How Can You Resist my Eyes?" by Sandy Karsten
Puppies are living beings and affectionate if treated with affection. Who can look into a dog's eyes and not see the love there waiting to come out? The eye's of a dog are the windows into their being.
Artist Sandy Karsten of O'Fallon, Missouri
"In Memory of Our De-Paw-ted Friend I & II". Created by pets saved in Slidell, LA
In Memory of Our De-Paw-ted Friend I & II. Created by pets saved in Slidell, LA contributed by SNUGGLE (Special Needs Under Gentle Guided Love Everyday).
Hurricane Katrina left thousands of petsstranded, sick & dying. Many were forced to leave their pets behind. Volunteers recalled 2 dogs trapped inside a home for 10 days where the water level inside had been 3 feet from the ceiling. Miraculously, they had survived. Not all of the pets were that lucky though. Too many times, volunteers arrived to late to help. We rescued & treated as many pets as they could. Some of these pets helped to created the art you see here by painting with their paws, tails & noses! While the devastation Katrina was terrible, these dogs only had to endure limited hardship compared to the dogs living in puppy mills. Puppy mill breeding dogs will spend their entire life in deplorable conditions, never knowing love from their human masters. We saved pets during Katrina. The time is now to save pets from the horrors of puppy mills.
"Infinite # of Puppies for Sale" by Lori Cotton
"Infinite # of Puppies for Sale" by Lori Cotton
Road to no where. Blighted area with cages going on forever. Infinite number of Cages. One escaped pupppy looks back on the farm located in the hills of Pennsylvania.
Artist Lori Cotton of Portage, Missouri
"Puppies & Potting Soil DO NOT MIX" Jessica Dreyer
"Puppies & Potting Soil DO NOT MIX" Jessica Dreyer
One of Gods Creatures, yet so many are thrown aside without any remorse what so ever. It's a business without a conscious that doesn't care that puppies are a living breathing animal that have a personality and feels pain. That their parents are only feed and watered to produce and not to love and be loved back. To think that there are people in our society in this day and age who's only concern for these animals is quantity and quality and supply and demand is reprehensible.
Artist Jessica Dreyer of St Charles, Missouri
"Life Sentence" by Artist Jessica Dreyer
 "Life Sentence" by Artist Jessica Dreyer
I visited the Humane Society several times and each time it got more difficult knowing that not all these animals would find a home. The eyes on this one year old female became a haunting reminder to me of her possible plight. If she could only talk. She was a stray picked up in the county. Was she turned lose to be on her own? Was someone looking for her? Did she jump a fence? I called her sweetie and would give her treats each time I stopped by to take pictures. I always made a point to visit her and talk to her as if someday she might answer me. One day when I came by she was gone, her cage occupied by yet another stray. I asked him what happened to sweetie, he just cocked his head and let out a whimper.
Artist Jessica Dreyer of St Charles, Missouri
"Love Me" by Artist Sandy Karsten
"Love Me" by Artist Sandy Karsten
I am a dog lover, and I especially love the dogs that are forgotton at the humane societies. If no one sees them, I do. I've brought home many dogs this way. The cruelty of puppy mills is just that...CRUEL!
Artist Sandy Karsten of O'Fallon, Missouri
"One Puppy Mill...." by Artist Jessica Dreyer
"One Puppy Mill...." by Artist Jessica Dreyer
ONE PUPPY MILL... HUNDREDS OF PUPPIES... SAVING THE MOTHER DOG'S LIFE... PRICELESS When I was photographing these puppies in a pet store window, I noticed a sign at the check out counter that said "Our puppies do not come from puppy mills". It was food for thought. Where do they come from then, since 99% of dogs sold in U.S. pet stores come from puppy mills? Don't believe everything you read.
Artist Jessica Dreyer of St Charles, MO
"Auction Today" set of 2: by Artist Ken Farris
"Auction Today" set of 2: by Artist Ken Farris
This set of paintings is about dog auctions, from which many of the breeding dogs from puppy mills are acquired. The drawings were inspired by a conversation I had with Amy Wilson. She painted a vivid picture with words as she described her thoughts about how we would feel if suddenly we had visitors who did to us what is commonly done to our best friends. My only regret is it's too bad there wasn't a puppy Elvis onboard the flying saucer banging away on his guitar. Well, maybe next time.
Artist Ken Farris of St Charles, Missouri
"Not Pure-But Perfect" by Artist Sandy Karsten
"Not Pure-But Perfect" by Artist Sandy Karsten
Any dog treated with love & care, and the necessities of food, water & shelter will repay their care giver with affection. A perfect dog is healthy dog, not a purebreed raised under deplorable conditions.
Artist Sandy Karsten of O'Fallon, Missouri
"One Wish" by Artist Carlos E. Fernández-Dieppa
"One Wish" by Artist Carlos E. Fernández-Dieppa
According to an ancient Japanese legend, anyone that folds a thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish by a crane. When conceiving this idea I was trying to figure out a piece that not only made the viewer more aware of a serious subject, but I as the artist. Through repetition and rhythm, I was able to reach a more contemplative state where my focus was no longer on the actual process, but on why I was doing it. I don’t believe that making a thousand dogs will grant me a wish; rather, I hope that what they symbolize supersedes that potential.
Artist Carlos E. Fernández-Dieppa of Pennsylvania
“Puppy Mill Mommy” by Artist Rachel Ogden
“Puppy Mill Mommy” by Artist Rachel Ogden
Vera doesn’t really respond to the sound of my voice but I know her heart can sense the respect that I have for her, I can see it in her eyes. Vera weighed 29 lbs when she was adopted from the rescue. Vera is a basset hound. Vera is approximately 6 years old and has given birth to unknown number of puppies. Vera is a former puppy mill mommy.
Artist Rachel Ogden of Pennsylvania
"Pick Me" by Artist Suzanne Lowry
"Pick Me" by Artist Suzanne Lowry
I must admit that my first reaction to the name of this show was replusion. After reading the details, I had visions of bloody carcusses and body parts splashed across large canvases in an effort to shock and disgust. Then I viewed the art from the original show in Pennsylvania, and saw the point made in a more humane and persuasive way. Several days a week, my husband takes our three year old grandoughter to the mall to see the puppies at the pet store, because she is completely fascinated by them. Since her Daddy has allergies, she just temporarily "adopts" a dog whenever she finds one, and follows him or her around all day. With a new found knowledge of the policies followed by most mill breeders, I now question the fate of the "unchosen". It is a well known fact that some prisoners in concentration camps were spared because they had desirable skills. Do puppies somehow feel the desparate need to be one of the chosen ones?
Artist Suzanne Lowry of Swansea, Illinois
“Pile ‘em Up” by Artist Alyssa Grenning
“Pile ‘em Up” by Artist Alyssa Grenning
So many things go mislabeled, unseen, under noses, unsaid; in pachyderm-filled rooms, without heart, for a profit. It’s just easier to not-know... Blissful. Sometimes your hand creates what your eyes fail to notice.
Artist Alyssa Grenning of Pennsylvania
"Please Take Me Home" by Artist Justin M Berger
"Please Take Me Home" by Artist Justin M Berger
No statement available
Artist Justin M Berger of Pennsylvania
"Got the Puppy Mill Blues" by Artist Ken Farris
"Got the Puppy Mill Blues" by Artist Ken Farris
The credit for the idea for my this piece (and my favorite entry) goes to my wife, Dee. We were discussing possible titles for entries into this competition and she came up with "Got The Puppy Mill Blues". I thought this was such a good title because to me it sums up my feelings about the subject of the show.
Artist Ken Farris of St Charles, Missouri
“Puppy Math” by Artist Daniel "mcclept" McCartney
“Puppy Math” by Artist Daniel "mcclept" McCartney
Puppy Math-I was never good at math.... but even I can understand this.
Artist Daniel "mcclept" McCartney of Pennsylvania
“Tree of Shame” by Artist Lisa Ballard
“Tree of Shame” by Artist Lisa Ballard
Little tree of suffering, growing in shame with weak & crooked hands I hope this branch will hold, please, hold me I pray to feel sun on my transparent body Those alive before me unloved shapes lie beneath fallen leaves buried little souls fill the earth with our broken bones I am frightened but no one comes so I hide, in a fruitless tree with my face to the sky and wait for the wind to dry my eyes....
Artist Lisa Ballard of Pennsylvania
"Shaney's Puppies" by Artist Genevieve Esson
"Shaney's Puppies" by Artist Genevieve Esson
This drawing is a picture of puppies my dog Shaney had when I was growing up. Shaney was an Irish Setter, and very high spirited. I didn't have a park to take her to run, so I would take her to the neighborhood golf course and let her run. She would run for miles and bark like she was so happy. One year she became pregnant. Her offspring were half Irish Setter and Golden Retriever. She had eight of them. They were so adoreable. The picture you see is when they were about 3-4 weeks old, sitting in their newspaper lined box. They had an eye for the camera, very photogenic and a lot of personality. We gave every one of them to friends and neighbors and kept one. They were so much fun to have, and I'm glad we could find a home for them. It's sad to think, of the way mother dog's in puppy mills have to live their lives. I wish the dog's in puppy mills could be treated as well as Shaney & her pups.
Artist Genevieve Esson of St Louis, MO
"The Skeleton Puppy Series" by Mollie Chounard
"The Skeleton Puppy Series" by Mollie Chounard
I started working on pieces for this show to help raise awareness about the horrors that go on in Puppy Mills. I knew bad things were happening, I'd heard rumors, but I wasn't really prepared to see for myself. The research for this show was very gruesome and difficult to get thru. There were many times when I had to force myself to keep going, and several of the images will haunt me forever. It has made such an impression on me that I feel it is important to share my new found knowledge. Many of the puppy mill images I found in my research were emaciated and pathetic. In this series I wanted to take that thought furthur. The colors, the looseness of the drawing, and the background were intended to create an eerie atmosphere, almost like the subjects had just been excavated. It was important to me that people see the ultimate results of puppy mills.
Artist Mollie Chounard of St Peters, Missouri.
"Thank you for Adopting Me" Artist Jessica Dreyer
"Thank you for Adopting Me" Artist Jessica Dreyer
15 Years ago, I answered an ad in the paper for Weimaranier Puppies. Cash only ($300) and a long ride to Columbia, MO. I didn't notice any fenced pastures or farm animals....just a lot of barking from the barn. A lady rushed to us and told us to wait while she got out the puppy. She went to the barn and the barking became frenzied. She brought out Gus. It was love at first sight. They'd miscropped his tail & had just cut the tip off. "How cruel", I thought. Her husband retrieved Gus's mother & father. The mother was thin & the father was wild. The meeting was brief & back they headed to the barn. The barking was deafening. I asked if I could see & she said NO. The vet said Gus was older than thought, and bad example of his breed, he thought due to overbreeding. They were obviously in it for the cash only. Gus was the most lovable, intellegent & loyal dog. He lived to be 15 and now lives on in our love.
Artist Jessica Dreyer of St Charles, MO
"Jesse" by Artist Shelley Hanna
"Jesse" by Artist Shelley Hanna
Dogs are special to me and it shows thru my work. One of my most recent paintings, “Jack” received four awards including an award of merit and 1st place in oils and acrylic from the 2006 Art Show at the Dog Show.
Artist Shelley Hanna of Kansas City, Missouri
"Spot" by Artist Greg Frankhouser
"Spot" by Artist Greg Frankhouser
This piece references both the ancient dog sculptures of China and the dog realties of pets in the US. The loyal, happy, sitting dog is something familiar to all who have pet dogs.
Artist Greg Frankhouser of St Louis, MO
"Digger's Eyes" by Artist Catherine Mahoney
"Digger's Eyes" by Artist Catherine Mahoney
Since Digger, the bad-boy character in Kathy Meyer's character-building storybook, 'Daisy & Digger', had stolen Daisy's rope-bone and now saw how much innocent Daisy was saddened by his misdeed; he, too, forms tears--dropping from his eyes! He realizes how much he misses her friendship and playtimes they'd previously shared before he stole the rope-bone. He's now very sorry and will ask her for forgiveness, which always leads to heart-felt reconciliation, when offered honestly. Again, we can relate to this turn of events in our own lives, probably being players on both sides of the equation. If only all dog's had the the opportunity to love & share with their owners & playmates...Puppy mill breeding dogs will never experience thiat kind of love.
Artist Catherine Mahoney of Hermann, Missouri
"Trash or Treasure" Artist Diana Saffo Bono
"Trash or Treasure" Artist Diana Saffo Bono
As an artist my artwork has always been a celebration of life. Life should be treasured, and animals, especially dogs, enrich our lives in ways too many to number. As a Missourian, I am appalled that we are one of the top states perpetuating and benefitting from a situation as abhorrent as Puppy Mills. We are a throwaway society and the Puppy Mill industry is a testament to that. Awareness is the first important step. If people would do something as simple as choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder, or better yet, adopting from their neighborhood animal shelter, we can make a huge difference. As you are viewing the works entered in this show, think about what you are seeing. Ask yourself if this is just another "cause", or is it something that is worth a second thought. And, if you are about to buy a puppy for your family, please consider very carefully where you will make your purchase.
Artist Diana Saffo Bono of Lake St Louis, Missouri
“Abundance & Charity” by Artist Lauren E. Todd
“Abundance & Charity” by Artist Lauren E. Todd
These works were created to raise awareness about the unfair treatment and tragic suffering of thousands of puppies in puppy mills across the nation. I chose to draw attention to Lancaster County in Pennsylvania.. Lancaster is infamous for being the nation’s hub for illegal puppy mills and animal mistreatment. In order to illustrate Lancaster County’s prevalent role in the exploitation of animals, I chose to make small paintings inspired directly by a familiar folk craft, a hex sign, that is a symbol of the county’s German roots. I used symbols found on traditional hex signs and incorporated imagery relating to the theme. Representations of fear and oppression were used to contrast the traditional themes of happiness and goodwill to present the view that puppy mills are destructive. It is my hope that viewers will look past the painted surface and be moved to eradicate puppy mills and ensure the humane treatment of animals.
Artist Lauren E. Todd of Pennsylvania
“Caged and Chained” by Artist Aaron Weber
“Caged and Chained” by Artist Aaron Weber
The pieces I have submitted for this show involve imagery of puppy farms I found via the internet. The images have been diminished into a monotone state and then printed on mirrored glass using photo emulsion more commonly used to burn screens for screenprinting. While I cannot claim that the images belong to me, I have in a way made them my own, and as you look at them, your own image will become a part of my piece. There is no exact political statement behind my work except to display distorted images of the horrors of puppy farms.
Artist Aaron Weber of Pennsylvania
“How Much is that Doggie in the Window?” by Artist Ramiro Gomez Jr.
“How Much is that Doggie in the Window?” by Artist Ramiro Gomez Jr.
I am very aware of the trend propelled by Young Hollywood and the Socialites of having the cutest, smallest dog with the names like Ooh La La and Tinkerbell. Dogs are not meant to be accessories but have now become more like the Jimmy Choos and the Manolo Blaninks that every women covets. This trend fuels the puppy mills and keeps the market and demand on high. One look into The Beverly Center Mall in Beverly Hills’ puppy boutique and the customers that frequent them, will reveal what’s wrong with this country, a society unaware of the dangers of commercialization where living things become nothing more than a commodity.
Artist Ramiro Gomez Jr. of Pennsylvania
“Samantha (Puppy Mill Warrior)” by Artist Magmo Magmo
“Samantha (Puppy Mill Warrior)” by Artist Magmo Magmo
Artist Magmo Magmo had illustrated the Puppy Mill Warriors after adopting their dog Dino, a Tibetan Spaniel mix, from the Little Forgotten Friends Rescue, directed & founded by Maria LaRocca. Magmo and wife Tomoko had also attended this years Westminster Dog Show in N.Y.C. and was very surprised to see how so many dogs are pampered and considered "best of breed", while thousands of other less fortunate dogs trapped in the puppy mill industry go forgotten. Magmo's Puppy Mill Warriors are inspired by real life dogs from rescues, pounds, breeders and pet stores. Rescue pups may not ever be awarded "best in show" but will be some of the best friends you could ever have. Magmo hopes that the story of the Puppy Mill Warriors will help to raise awareness of the terrible puppy mill industry and save the underdogs.
Artist Magmo the Destroyer of Pennsylvania
“No Photos Please” by Artist Alyssa Grenning
“No Photos Please” by Artist Alyssa Grenning
So many things go mislabeled, unseen, under noses, unsaid; in pachyderm-filled rooms, without heart, for a profit. It’s just easier to not-know... Blissful. Sometimes your hand creates what your eyes fail to notice.
Artist Alyssa Grenning of Pennsylvania
“Puppy Production” by Artist Leanne Biank
“Puppy Production” by Artist Leanne Biank
I find the greatest inspiration in the passionate people that surround me and in lingering childhood memories. I can remember as a child visiting my grandmother’s house in Maine and in the back room, where I wasn’t supposed to go without my mother’s permission, standing on guard, against the door, was a small, antique, cast iron, boston terrier door stop. This memory, of the little guard dog, is a precious one to me; filling in the gaps of all the other sights, sounds and smells of my grandmother and her home. But mass-produce these moments in my life and they loose their significance. And like the mass produced dogs at the puppy mills, their lives are worth so much more.
Artist Leanne Biank of Pennsylvania
"Scenic Puppy Mill" by Artist Mollie Chounard
"Scenic Puppy Mill" by Artist Mollie Chounard
This piece was the most challenging to pull off. "Scenic Puppy Mill" depicts this Utopian place where puppies are raised and loved before being adopted out. It's only once you notice something isn't quite right with this image, that you really see the full picture. This piece depicts the face that puppy mills put onto the public, when in reality only horrors lie within.
Artist Mollie Chouard of St Peters, Missouri
“Stray Thoughts” by Artist Laura Hawkins
“Stray Thoughts” by Artist Laura Hawkins
This is Lyla-belle. She is a purebred, red and white beagle. Born at a Lancaster puppy mill, she was bred and then discarded. This series of paintings illustrates her life as a stray on the streets of Philadelphia.
Artist Laura Hawkins of Pennsylvania
"Whiskey" by Artist Magmo the Destroyer
"Whiskey" by Artist Magmo the Destroyer
Magmo had illustrated the Puppy Mill Warriors after adopting their dog Dino, a Tibetan Spaniel mix, from the Little Forgotten Friends Rescue, directed & founded by Maria LaRocca. Magmo and wife Tomoko had also attended this years Westminster Dog Show in N.Y.C. and was very surprised to see how so many dogs are pampered and considered "best of breed", while thousands of other less fortunate dogs trapped in the puppy mill industry go forgotten. Magmo's Puppy Mill Warriors are inspired by real life dogs from rescues, pounds, breeders and pet stores. Rescue pups may not ever be awarded "best in show" but will be some of the best friends you could ever have. Magmo hopes that the story of the Puppy Mill Warriors will help to raise awareness of the terrible puppy mill industry and save the underdogs.
Artist Magmo the Destroyer Of Pennsylvania
“4 Puppies” by Artist Libby Kleine Modern
“4 Puppies” by Artist Libby Kleine Modern
My current work dwells in the space between thought & expression; between my most intimate details and the culture & history that contains them. Beneath the bright colors and whimsical imagery exists a bittersweet confrontation of the difficult issues we struggle with in our search to understand ourselves within society the society within ourselves. The combinations of form, color and language emerge revealing a kind of code where the personal unexpectedly meets and confronts the public. How do we remember, present and explain our past? How do we interpret the silent influences on our lives? How do we distinguish the difference between ourselves and our culture? The art seeks the inexplicable beauty & melancholy that pervade the culture we live in but don’t always address—why it is that we must struggle to find out who we are, and what we believe, why we cry when we’re happy, and why our dreams begin to fade the moment we wake up.
Artist Libby Kleine of Modern, PA
"untitled" by Artist Ron Berg
 "untitled" by Artist Ron Berg
All of my pets thru-out my life have been rescue animals. It is my sincere pleasure to help champion this cause!
Artist Ron Berg of Kansas City, Missouri
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