Gucci is a six month old wheaten terrier mix who found herself homeless after a foreclosure. This tough start to life hasn't dampened Gucci's ability to love and learn. Gucci has found her forever home, but before she left the rescue, she poured her heart out through her paws and reminds us that we should always remember to live and love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We don't know what happened to bring Luna into the life of a homeless pet, but whatever it was, she hasn't let it change her attitude. While her past may dark like Midnight, she remains to be a bright spot in the darkness. This painting was inspired by her life, and her namesake, the moon, always shining brightly.

 

 

Some dogs can't make it through rough beginnings, but not DJ. DJ hasn't let his tough start get in the way of his positive spirit. It was DJ's first time painting for the show, but he decided to paint what he knows best, Loyalty. DJ is man's best friend, through and through. His loyalty is best shown through the kinship he shows with his brother, Jasper. These two boys wandered the streets together always looking out for each other, but they are ready to start a new life together where they can look out for their new human family as a team. DJ wanted his painting to portray his loyalty, so when his new family sees it, they will know he will be there for them for the rest of his life.

 

 

 

Maddie came to our rescue pregnant and ready to give birth to her puppies. She had four beautiful little pups, and all but Wee-Gee found their home. Maddie has been the best mother, and like every 

mom, wants what’s best for her pup. For Wee-Gee, that would mean a forever home for him, with a family that will love and care for him the way she does. Wee-Gee is such a good boy, and it is a mystery as to why he was left out of all his siblings. Maybe his mother needed him more than his new family out there, but these two are ready to start a new life, whether that is together, or apart. Being family, they want what is best for each other. This painting symbolizes that. With Maddie’s white paw prints painting her wishes for her last pup, and with Wee-Gee’s sunny yellow paws expressing his bright hope for a happy future for both him and his mom.

 

 

 

 

Café Oso, Café Oso, look into the crystal ball and tell us, what do you see? Oso sees a warm and happy house, with lots of love, a big yard, and years of living with his best friends, his new family. When we told Oso to paint his future, he could hardly contain himself and jumped and slid around for joy. He is ready for his new life and to share his love with his new family. He loves kids, he loves to play, and he loves to live.

 

 

 

 

 

These puppies came to us because the elderly owner of the Mom and Dad was no longer able to care for them, let alone a new litter of pups. Mom has taken good care of these little stinkers and they are ready to go forward with their new lives. Each pup got their own color, and each pup has their own path. For little Halo, her yellow paws lead her in one direction, while Rugers green paws lead him in another. These pups are still looking for thier path, and still looking for their own family.

 

 

 

 

R.I.P. Ron Tiko. Ron Tiko was a blind artist who was living on the streets of Bakersfield until he was picked up by a kindly stranger and surrendered to HALT. Led only by his paw(and a helping hand), Ron Tiko captured the life and colors of spring like the ones he seen in his mind. Blind from birth, Ron Tiko lived life in the darkness, but his mind created a beautiful world of colors and shapes, which, with the help of a dedicated HALT volunteer, Ron Tiko poured onto a canvas for the world to enjoy. We love you Ron Tiko!

 

 

 

 

 

Stubby is a young border collie mix who, when we asked him to paint what he thought it would feel like to find his new family, painted a scene of the cosmos. He knows he has a destiny that was set in the stars. It's hard to see in the picture, but Stubby chose a sparkling glitter paint to show his birght future. Stubby is loyal, positive, and ready for his new home. He paints with the knowledge that a better life is waiting for him, just right around the corner.

 

 

 

Tank is a gentle giant with a heart that is filled with more love than is imaginable. With a blue background, Tank portrays the vastness of the sky, a comparison to the love he has for his new family. His big paw prints are walking in the direction of his new life, no looking back. Since painting this art, Tank has found his new home, but he left his mark on the hearts of the volunteers in the rescue, and his painting is a tangible reminder of our rescue's gentle giant.

 

 

 

 

 

What is tiger anticipating? His new life and new home. When painting, Tiger could hardly contain himself with the excitement of finding a new home. Slipping across the canvas, Tiger's moves made our hearts melt and made us wonder how anyone could let this amazing little guy go. Tiger is special little boy who found himself homeless despite his striking good looks and amazingly sweet disposition. HALT has taken him in and has given him a new home while waiting for his forever family. He is ready to look to his future, full of love, fun, and family.

 

 

 

 

Godiva came to us as a puppy with her littermates; she was adopted out to her new home.  Unfortunately, when cute cuddley, little Godiva became the big, healthy girl she is now, she was no longer welcome in the home.  Godiva's unfortunate story is a tale of warning about becoming an adoptive pet parent, and how important it is to realize the commitment it is, and what you can realistically do in your own home.  Lucky for us, Godiva is still the sweet girl she was when she was a pup, so we will be able to find her the home she was meant for.  Godiva painted this beautiful picture for our special series, "Hearts and Paws." Godiva has known love in her life and she will know it again. 

                                          

 

 

 

 

Dino is the definition of man's best friend.  He is loyal, sweet and loving and that is what his painting is all about.  It is the love that bonds a family together. Dino is excited to find his forever family, where he can be there for all the ups and downs and in betweens.  Dino cannot wait until he finds a running partner, a couch buddy, and a family where the love is always there.