Paint a Figurine Pet, and Help a Real One

said she would love to die and come back as one of her own dogs.

That's how much she loves and pamers her Shelby—the "good old American mutt" that she adopted from the Humane Society of Harford County when the Shelty-Beagle mix was just four months old.

So it's no surprise to those who know Howshall that the organization that benefits from her fundraising efforts is the Humane Society of Harford County.

, who owns in Havre de Grace, runs a fundraiser that donated more than $900 to the society last year alone.

"We just love dogs. We cannot give a lot of cash, but if we all band together, we can," she said. "That's what we've been doing for the last five years."

The purchase of a cat or dog manikin from from January through March 1 will result in a $5 donation—half from the sale, half directly from —to the Humane Society of Harford County. The figurines cost $17.79

"Artists are asked to decorate or paint their cat or dog, and bring it back to no later than Friday, March 9 by 5 p.m.," said.

Then, the artistic masterpieces will be judged by the Harford Community College Art Department during the week of March 13.

A reception for "The Town Goes to the Dogs and Cats," will be held  2-4 p.m. on March 24 at . A music recital will accompany the reception, which is co-sponsored by and .

Winners will be selected in adult and children's categories and presented with a $20 gift card to . Runners-up will receive art materials in gift baskets.

For more information, contact by email at theartrooms@verizon.net or phone at 410-939-6424.