'It's very surreal': Artistic southern Alberta dog gains worldwide attention for painting
When Megan Bolen taught her dog Rogan how to paint just over a year ago, she had no idea how much attention her clever K-9 was about to receive.
"It's very surreal to be talking to people about my painting dog. Like it still doesn't feel real. I'm sending my dog's paintings to Hong Kong. That's very surreal." She said.
Rogan's work may look a bit different from most up-and-coming artists, but considering the fact that he has no thumbs and does all the work with his mouth, his talent is undeniable.
That's why his Instagram is picking up steam, some of his pieces are about to be featured in and art exhibit in Hong Kong and others are currently being auctioned to support Tripawds.
"Sometimes he shocks me by how quickly he picks things up. It's almost like he's a mind reader," said Bolen.
"I feel crazy almost saying that, but it's like, he's so quick to pick things up and he just loves training so much and he's so joyful about it."
Since learning how to paint, all of the proceeds from Rogan's sold pieces have been donated to local charities in southern Alberta.
So far, just shy of $6,000 has been given to animal shelter in and around Medicine Hat thanks to Rogan's artistic gift, but the most recent fundraiser in mind has a more international feel to it.
All the money raised for the Tripawds Foundation goes towards their Kaiserin Care Package which supports cats and dogs who have been diagnosed with cancer.
There are 16 paintings up for auction from puppy Picassos from all around the world.
"These paintings are coming from the U.K., all across Canada, one from Australia, one from Scotland and in the United States." Said Tripawds co-founder Jim Nelson.
The company is based in Texas, but the idea for the dog art fundraiser actually came from one of the organization's Canadian members.
"She's actually in London, Ontario. So, it started with a Canadian and we're just really happy to go ahead and move forward with this. We're so excited." Said co-founder Rene Agredano.
For Rogan and Megan, being able to contribute to the fundraiser is a rewarding feeling.
It's been a whirlwind of social media attention and interviews with news organizations since Rogan first picked up his customized, jaw-fitted paint brush, but Megan wouldn't have it any other way.
"I'm a crazy dog lady. That's all I want to do is talk about my dog so, you know, I'm living the dream!" Said Bolen.
The Tripawds art auction is on until June 13th and the hope for the funds raised to cover the expense of the Kaiserin Care Packages for at least another 12 months.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.