Some animals at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona have a new ally in the effort to find their forever homes.
A group of eighth-graders at Cross Middle School in the Amphitheater Public Schools district completed a project recently of drawing colorful portraits of 48 dogs and 13 cats who are longtime residents of the shelter.
The portraits in chalk and oil pastels are to be on display at the main Humane Society shelter, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd., and will go home with the animals' new owners.
The effort goes beyond promoting adoption, with the students of Cross collecting treats, food and toys for the Humane Society, advanced-art teacher Carolyn Reece said.
Reece's students were enthusiastic about the two-week project from the start.
Lindsay Hoel, 14, drew portraits of three dogs and a cat.
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"When I heard about the project, I was really excited," Hoel said. "I just want all of the dogs and cats to be adopted."
Hoel has her own experience with the Humane Society, having adopted her dog, Mariah, from there three years ago.
"Seeing all of the animals made me sad, but it felt good that we were helping out," Hoel said.
Hoel encourages others who are seeking a furry companion to do the same: "It's like saving a life, and animals make your life happier, too."
Inge Koopman-Leyva, associate manager of community outreach for the Humane Society, called the initiative "amazing."
"It's important to get kids involved at a young age to talk about animal welfare and humane education - teaching about compassion, respect and responsibility," Koopman-Leyva said.
Koopman-Leyva believes the portraits will catch the eye of visitors.
"It will draw people to those animals quicker, and when they see that children are involved, that will tug at the heartstrings," she said.
Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at ahuicochea@azstarnet.com or 573-4175.
