Miami, Fl - Last year
more than 34,000 animals were brought to Miami-Dade Animal Services. About
20,000 had to be euthanized because of injuries or medical conditions that
made them difficult to adopt. These are the statistics of just one local
shelter.
The doctors at Miami Veterinary Services and artist Darek Pala have teamed
up to help save the animals. A project called Karmela's Fund has been started
to use art to raise funds for medical care. The event is named for
Karmela, a loveable three-legged dog who was cared for by a Miami animal
shelter and then adopted by artist Pala.
''People, for whatever reason, are afraid to take on a pet with injuries,''
said Dr. Sara Pizano of Miami-Dade Animal Services. The fund will help four
Miami area shelters and rescue groups that care for sick pets.
''It's important because there are a lot of advanced specialty procedures
that we can perform and the most frustrating part as doctors is to have to
turn away pets due to finances. This project will allow funds to be
available for pets who need to be adopted,'' said Dr. Juan Sardinas, a board-certified
veterinary surgeon with Miami Veterinary Specialists.
The Bark Art auction is now underway and will run through Aug. 15. Ten paintings
of dogs by artist Pala are one-of-a-kind oils on canvas and range in size.
Bidding for each painting starts at $1,000.
Read
actual South Dade newsletter here.
The paintings can be viewed online here or in the lobby at
Miami Veterinary Specialists, 8601 Sunset Dr. Viewing hours are Monday through
Friday from 7:30am to 6:30pm and Saturdays from 9am to 12pm.
To make a bid by phone, or to make a donation to Karmela's Fund, call MVS
at 305-665-2820.
''Karmela's Fund could save many more animals that have injuries that can
be cured,'' Pizano said. "Those pets can lead happy healthy lives.''
The four Miami area animal shelters and rescues that will benefit from Karmela's
Fund are Buddies Thru Bullies, Humane Society of Greater Miami (Adopt-a-Pet),
Miami-Dade Animal Services and Paws 4 You Rescue.
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