One-Eared Rescue Dog Named Van Gogh Paints With His Tongue

Despite missing his left ear, Van Gogh the dog doesn’t let his disability get in the way between him and his painting prowess.

The seven-year-old boxer-pitbull mix lost his ear after being dragged into a dog fighting ring and sustaining injuries so extreme his ear had to be amputated. Now, Van Gogh lives with a foster family via the Happily Furever After Rescue in Connecticut, awaiting his forever home.

As Van Gogh remains excluded from families’ selection process, the organization’s founder Jaclyn Gartner has taught the pooch to paint like his famous namesake. The four-legged artist’s creative chops come alive when peanut butter is applied onto a plastic bag with canvas and paint inside.

 

 

 

 

 

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With his tongue, Van Gogh the dog creates masterpieces in a style his caretakers describe as “abstract.”

Celebrating Van Gogh’s talent, the rescue hosted an art show featuring his work. Sadly, at the time, only two guests showed up.

After getting some internet attention, however, Van Gogh has sold about 30 of his paintings at US$40 each, with proceeds going to the shelter.

As with the post-Impressionist’s fame, popularity for Van Gogh the dog saw an uptick a little later than expected. Regardless, the organization says it is now receiving requests from all around the world to adopt the talented boxer-pitbull.

Hopefully, his new human companions will shower him with cuddles and bacon bits, which are some of his favorite things.

[via UPI, CNN, NowThis, images via Happily Furever After Rescue]