Pup da Vinci: She was tied up and left alone; 'India's First Painter Dog' now paints to save lives

Time of India

3 days ago

At just 45 days old, a
Labrador
named Dali was found tied up and abandoned — a fate that many stray animals face across India. But her story took a remarkable turn after she was adopted by Hyderabad-based couple Hoi Choudhury and Snehangshu Debnath. What began as a rescued pup's playful antics soon transformed into something much more unexpected: a painting journey that would not only win hearts but also raise funds for other strays in need.
According to PTI, the couple first noticed Dali's unusual fascination with art supplies when she repeatedly snatched paintbrushes from Debnath, an artist by profession. Amused and intrigued, they eventually decided to let her try painting. Her first stroke on canvas left them astonished — it was clear Dali wanted to participate in the creative process.
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Custom-Made Brush and a Budding Talent
Realising the potential, Choudhury and Debnath set out to make a brush that Dali could safely use. After some research, they crafted a dog-friendly version from a wooden block, shaped specifically to fit in her mouth. This tool became the key to Dali's artistic expression.
By the age of nine months, Dali had already completed her first painting. Since then, she has created over three dozen abstract works marked by vibrant strokes, playful textures, and a surprising sense of composition. These aren't just random splashes — her work reflects a curious, instinctive grasp of form.
Art For A Cause
To channel her growing popularity into something meaningful, the couple selected twelve of her most striking pieces and released them as a limited-edition calendar. Buyers were given the option to select the colour palette for their commissioned paintings, with all proceeds dedicated to rescuing and treating injured stray animals. So far, the initiative has raised Rs 35,000, which has gone directly into medical care and shelter work.
The couple stressed that their goal was always to use the attention Dali received to benefit animals who have not been as lucky. Debnath explained that they never expected people to respond so warmly, but they were heartened by the global support for Dali's mission.
Online Fame and Community Support
Dali's Instagram account, which describes her as 'India's 1st Painter Dog,' has garnered nearly 50,000 followers. Her feed is filled with behind-the-scenes clips, messy paws in action, and finished pieces proudly displayed. Supporters from around the world leave heartfelt comments, praising both her art and the compassion behind the initiative.
One user expressed disbelief at how anyone could abandon such a loving animal, while another thanked the couple for giving her a second chance. Buyers of the calendar described her work as both beautiful and meaningful, saying they were proud to support the cause.
What makes Dali truly unique is that she's reportedly the only dog in India creating watercolour art.
In a world where many stray animals are overlooked, Dali stands out — not just as a painter, but as a symbol of how compassion and creativity can come together to make a difference.