BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – June 4, 2012 – Local artist John Cannon and Frankie’s Friends, a nonprofit that provides emergency and specialty care for pets with cancers and other diseases, are working together to raise awareness of the devastating impact that these diseases have on pets and their families.
Cannon’s paintings of pet portraits and other artwork will be on display throughout the summer at BluePearl Veterinary Partners pet hospital located at 1668 Mallory Lane in Brentwood. Thirty percent of the artwork sale proceeds will be donated to Frankie’s Friends. Cannon will also donate 30 percent of the proceeds of commissioned pet portrait and select artwork from his studio in The Factory.
Having a pet with cancer or another devastating disease can leave pet owners at a loss of what to do. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine over the past several years, the quality of care has improved remarkably and more treatment options are available. Unfortunately, many of these options are costly and most pet families do not carry health insurance for veterinary care.
The challenge to provide financial assistance for pets from families without resources can be overwhelming. That’s where Frankie’s Friends comes in.
“We’re thrilled to have John on board with Frankie’s Friends to help give hope to Tennessee families and save the lives of their pets,” said Kristy Hemp, development director for Frankie’s Friends of Tennessee. “His pet paintings capture those loveable personalities that we just can’t live without.”
For his part, Cannon is very excited to be able to help this wonderful organization. He currently has three cats and a dog, though he recently lost one of his long time canine companions. “The bond between a person and a pet is something special and unique in this world,” said Cannon. “I love being able to make paintings that capture the spirit and character of a pet for that pet’s family. Being able to create that art and financially support an organization such as Frankie’s Friends is a fantastic blessing.”
About Frankie’s Friends and BluePearl Veterinary Partners: Frankie’s Friends is a non-profit foundation dedicated to finding cures and saving pets with cancer and other serious pet diseases. Frankie’s Friends of Tennessee provides hope for families who are simply unable to provide critical medical care for their pets due to financial constraints. The charity is supported by BluePearl Veterinary Partners who also contribute funding and match Frankie’s Friends funds with at least a 25 percent discount on care. BluePearl hospitals are among the nation’s leading providers of emergency and specialty veterinary medicine. Middle Tennessee is home to four BluePearl hospitals: Brentwood, Goodlettsville, Nashville, and Murfreesboro. Learn more at www.frankiesfriends.com or contact Kristy Hemp at 888.600.5254 or khemp@frankiesfriends.com.
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