Paws-itive Partners
North Platte, Neb. - On May 14, 2024, Paws on the Platte will debut at Prairie Arts Center. This marks the third time Paws-itive Partners Humane Society has brought community art to North Platte in the form of life-size dog statues.
Twenty-six businesses and individuals donated the unfinished fiberglass dog statues for area artists to paint. "Each statue is turned into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece," said Jo Mayber, Paws-itive Partners president. "The dogs are painted in themes from cartoon to realistic to abstract to surreal and each dog has a story behind it," Mayber said. The wide variety of dogs is diverse and entertaining. Some are painted in pastels and others in neon colors. Some are embellished with butterflies, gems, mushrooms, rocks and feathers.
Paws on the Platte's debut is family friendly and open to the public at Prairie Arts Center. The hours Tuesday are 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and that evening from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. The dog statues will be displayed at Sue Perez's color pencil art exhibit. Perez is a three time Paws on the Platte artist.
After their time at Prairie Arts Center, Paws on the Platte dogs will move to Great Plains Health and can be viewed in the lobby beginning May 25. The pack can be viewed at different locations up to their July 26 finale art auction. The auction is scheduled at Pals Brewing Company and the public is invited to attend. Music, beverages and Cartright's BBQ begins at 5:00 pm. The live auction begins at 6:30 pm. Dog statues will be sold to the highest bidders. The auction proceeds go to Paws-itive Partners.
Paws-itive Partners, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization helping animals in the North Platte and Lincoln County area. They provide financial assistance to spay and neuter hundreds of cats and dogs every year. Paws-itive Partners helps with emergency veterinary needs, cares for pets whose owners are suddenly impacted by an out-of-home medical crisis, help pets in foster/adopt situations and more.