• E-Mail
• Print
• Larger
• Smaller

Published: Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012 / Updated: Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012 11:51 AM

Cajun Canvas helps Companion Canines

STEELE CREEK -- 

A fundraiser Friday helps four-legged friends.

Cajun Canvas, a painting studio in Steele Creek, is hold a fundraiser for nonprofit Companion Canines, a dog rescue headquartered in Marshville, N.C.

“I can’t stand the thought of someone hurting an animal,” said Karen Preston, owner of Cajun Canvas. “Cruelty just breaks my heart. I can’t be hands-on with the animals, but I can help out this way.”

Participants will be painting “I Love My Pet” theme, featuring a dog paw, but there’s room for other animal lovers, too.

“You can do it for a cat, too, maybe the yarn could spell the cat’s name,” Preston said.

All painting supplies and instruction, and light appetizers, will be included with the cost of admission, with a portion going to Companion Canines. Raffle tickets also will be sold.

This is the second fundraiser Cajun Canvas is hosting for the rescue. The first time, more than $200 was raised.

Tracey Troiano and sister Allison Burke have been involved in dog rescues for 15 years, and started Companion Canines three years ago. Troiano said thanks to Preston’s event, not only did they receive help from the event, but donations from people now aware of their organization.

“Everything goes to vet and feeding,” Troiano said.

Ann Marie Nanna of Charlotte, a volunteer with and treasurer for Companion Canines and regular at Cajun Canvas, initiated the fundraiser.

“I knew how much fun it is going to Cajun Canvas, Karen offered to do it, and I knew it would be fun and something completely different,” Nanna said.

Nanna stresses that to participate in this fundraiser, you don’t have to be a professional artist. According to cajuncavas.com, “Don’t worry, even if you’ve never taken a painting class before, you will be able to follow along.”

Nanna, who has cats, says she loves dogs but her townhome and time away from home keep her from being a good companion for canines.

“I volunteer so I get my dog fixes,” she said.

Companion Canines is unique to other rescues, she said, because it’s “more of a sanctuary” for older dogs and those not easily adopted out.

“They have been neglected or abused, and all have been abandoned at some point,” Troiano said. “All of them have some issue that makes them difficult to find homes for.”

There are currently 30 dogs in their care, all living in foster homes.

“We are trying to find sponsorships for the dogs,” she said.

However, Companion Canines also has some dogs looking for homes.

“They’re special and they need to be reassured,” Troiano said.

Nanna also will be selling her Lolli-pups treats, candy for dogs with melted carob, peanut and yogurt on a chew stick, for $2 each or three for $5.

Want to go?

Companion Canines fundraiser will be from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, at Cajun Canvas, 11116-B S. Tryon St., Steele Creek. Cost is $35 per person, with $10 going to the rescue. All proceeds from the raffle and lolli-pups sale go directly to Companion Canines. Register in advance by call 704-504-5224; email canjuncanvas@cajuncanvas.com; or visit cajuncanvas.com for more information. For more information about Companion Canines and adoptable dogs, or to sponsor a dog, visit companioncanines.org/.