Northland artist Angie Croft creates fundraising plan to help suffering dogs needing vet care

Creative Northlander Angie Croft is using her art and graphic design skills to raise funds for abandoned and neglected pooches whose owners can’t afford veterinary care.

The Kerikeri resident just needs help via a crowdfunding project to get her plans off the ground, which include teaming up with registered vets who can hang her art in their practices.

A percentage of the profits from any art sold goes back to the vet, who can choose where the money is spent – for example, it could go towards a dog that’s suffering or in need of emergency care.

“As pet lovers, we all know the costs of owning an animal is high,” Croft said.

“Partly due to our current economic situation in New Zealand, thousands of animals are being mistreated, abandoned and surrendered.

“With the help of PledgeMe, I want to offer Doggieology Art to as many veterinary practices as possible, starting with 10 who are keen to pilot the project.

“Each artwork sold from a veterinary practice will raise essential funds for that specific practice.”

Croft, a self-confessed “total dog lover”, had been working as a graphic designer for two decades before doing a dog grooming course.

She started her business Doggieology Art in 2020, hand-drawing pictures of purebred dogs on digital boards which she sells online and at galleries in Russell and Helena Bay.

She’s created limited-edition drawings of around 20 purebred dogs, including a German shepherd, golden retriever, pug, boxer, huntaway and schnauzer.

Croft also does commissions, drawing portraits of people’s beloved pets from quality photos.

The idea to fundraise came about after she spent 18 months in the UK housesitting.

“I looked after lots and lots of dogs, and when I came back to New Zealand, carried on drawing dogs and developed this style called ‘Doggieology’.

“People seemed to like it.

“It had always meant to help dogs, and I thought, ‘Now’s the time to do something about it’.”

Croft’s project has recently been accepted for a PledgeMe account.

“I’m looking for 10 vets who are willing to hang dog art in their practice; they don’t have to do anything else.

“Any purchases … will trigger a percentage that goes back to that vet for dog care.

“It’s to help people who are struggling financially or for dogs that have been abandoned or surrendered.

“I want to use my skills in the best way I can to help those dogs.”

Visit pledgeme.co.nz if you can help.

Jenny Ling is a news reporter and features writer for the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering health, food, lifestyle, business and animal welfare issues.