(Pictured: This mural commissioned by Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County is the work of artist Nofo Porter. Next to Porter is Sasha, a cancer survivor who is one of the dogs portrayed in the mural.)
A dog with a survivor’s spirit is part of a mural that pays tribute to animals that are cared for in the shelter at the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County.
The mural on the shelter’s exterior wall was commissioned from local artist Nofo Porter and features Sasha, a three-legged, 7-year-old pit bull terrier mix adopted from the shelter in 2017. One of Sasha’s legs was amputated following a battle with cancer, but her have made her a symbol of hope and determination, shelter officials said.
Sasha’s story began with her adoption by a shelter volunteer, Kassy Kvam, who instantly fell in love with her during a volunteer shift. “She’s my adorable little tripod,” said Kvam.
Sasha’s photo was entered in the shelter’s Mural Muse photo contest this year and was the top fund-raiser of the contest, generating over $5,865 in donations for the shelter and winning her the centerpiece spot in the mural. Part of the donations was made in memory of Kvam’s mother, Joy, who was a nurse and pet lover.
“When we heard about this contest, we were actually taking care of my mom, who was sick with cancer,” Kvam said. “My mom loved pets, and she wanted to see Sasha up on the wall. We’re very happy to think of my mom every time we look up here. This mural is for her.”
Porter, the artist, Porter, wanted to be part of the mural project because “I adopted my dog from this shelter six years ago, and he has taught me so much about care and commitment.”
Porter, known for several projects around Tacoma, completed the shelter’s mural before her next commission by the City of Tacoma: a large mural at the underpass on South Tacoma Way at Union Avenue, scheduled for this summer.
In addition to Sasha, the mural includes the likenesses of two other dogs—Ruby and Luna, the second and third-place finishers in the contest.
The mural contest raised $33,000-plus, “a testament to the love and dedication of our community,” said Ashley Taulbee, the local Humane Society’s chief philanthropy officer.
More information about the shelter and other Humane Society services is at www.thehumanesociety.org.