If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful activity for the kids this half-term – or you’re a creative soul yourself – then you’ll love this! Blue Cross has just launched a brilliant new nationwide art competition called ‘Paws to Draw’, and it’s all about celebrating the heartwarming stories of rescue pets who’ve found their forever homes.
Whether you’re a pet lover, a keen artist, or just enjoy getting stuck into creative projects with the family, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved and make a difference.
What is ‘Paws to Draw’?
‘Paws to Draw’ invites animal lovers of all ages to draw a pet that has been rehomed through the Blue Cross charity. It’s a beautiful way to raise awareness about the growing number of homeless pets in the UK and the amazing work being done to help them find new homes.
There will be seven regional winners, chosen by Blue Cross and former England goalkeeper David James, who is also a keen artist and passionate pet owner. Each winner will receive a framed copy of their artwork, and one lucky overall winner will have their drawing featured in a national press campaign later this summer!
Why David James is Getting Involved
David James shared why this campaign means so much to him:
“Paws to Draw combines two of my favourite things – animals and drawing – so I think it is a great way for people to get creative this summer and perhaps even uncover a hidden talent they never knew they had! I have three cats of my own and I’ve always been a big fan of the work that Blue Cross does, so I’m looking forward to seeing all the different drawings that celebrate the amazing pets who’ve found their second chance thanks to the charity.”
Real-Life Stories to Inspire Your Art
Need some inspiration to get started? Blue Cross has shared a selection of extraordinary pet stories, including that of Mabel – a sweet dog who was heartbreakingly left outside a Blue Cross rehoming centre with a bag of her belongings and a note. Her previous owner could no longer afford to care for her and hoped she’d find a better life. Thankfully, Mabel was rehomed and is now living happily with a loving family who’ve promised to give her the life she deserves.
A Half-Term Activity with Heart
With May half-term just around the corner, this is a perfect project to keep the children busy – and teach them the importance of kindness, compassion, and giving rescue animals a second chance. We rescued Bramble when he was 18 months old after he failed his former life as a gamekeeper’s dog and was left in a barn for multiple hours a day. He turned 10 years old last month!!
Katie Radcliffe, Head of Rehoming and Fostering Services at Blue Cross, said:
“We are passionate about finding homeless pets their forever home. Sadly, we are seeing a rise in numbers of homeless pets we are taking into our sites and placed with foster carers. We work tirelessly to care for them until they meet the right family. We hope people of all ages and abilities take part and we look forward to seeing some wonderful drawings of some of the pets we have helped.”
Blue Cross has been educating young people about animal welfare for over 20 years, and this competition is a wonderful way to carry on that important work – while having fun!
When and How to Enter
The competition opens on Thursday, 1 May and runs until Friday, 30 May. Winners will be announced on 4 July, so there’s plenty of time to get involved.
To enter and to find out more about the inspiring pets behind the campaign, head over to: bluecross.org.uk/paws-to-draw
Helping Pets in Need
Blue Cross continues to support pets and their owners through veterinary services, a growing pet food bank scheme, and their incredible rehoming efforts. Right now, they’re facing a homeless pet crisis – so any support, awareness or donations make a real difference.