Painting Pets for a Purpose

Painting and pets don’t usually mix, but the Pets for Vets-Ventura County fundraiser at
Color Mi Vino in Simi Valley was an exception.

Color Mi Vino is a paint and wine studio where even novice artists can learn to create a masterpiece. For this special event, participants submitted a photo of their pet for the Color Mi Vino staff to transform into a sketch. When the artists arrived on September 16, it was time to make the animals come to life on canvas. Over $400 was raised for Pets for Vets Ventura County by the end of the night, and each artist went home with a painting of their furry friend.

Pets for Vets Ventura County Chapter Director, Mardu Lydick, a Moorpark resident, shows off her painting of Bentley and Tucker, PFV-VCC mascots.

Pets for Vets, a 501c3 national organization with 36 chapters located across the country, is dedicated to supporting veterans and providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America's veterans who could benefit from a companion animal. Many returning veterans suffer from physical and emotional injuries relating to their time in service, making it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Medical studies have shown that companion animals significantly reduce stress, depression and anxiety. Each pet is individually chosen by experienced trainers who work with the veteran to find an animal that specifically fits his or her personality and lifestyle. The Pets for Vets Ventura County Chapter, an all-volunteer organization, is based in Moorpark, CA and serves veterans in the cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura.

To learn more, visit www.ventura-ca.petsforvets.com...