Portrait of America's "First Dog" Adorns Greeting Cards to Support Relief Efforts in Japan

The tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan not only resulted in a terrible toll to people, but also to pets. Acclaimed pet potrait artist Brandis Sarich of Maui, Hawaii was so touched by the tragegdy that she painted a portrait of America's First Dog, Bo Obama.The potrait adorns the cover of limited edition greeting cards, with all money from sales donated to the Japan relief effort of World Vets End Quote

The response from the communities aware of World Vets' mission has been overwhelming and we are very thankful to those who have already contributed to our efforts. More help is needed

(1888PressRelease) March 31, 2011 - KIHEI, HAWAII - Acclaimed Hawaii Animal Artist Creates Portrait Of America's "first Dog" To Support Pets Impacted By The Destruction In Japan.

All Money from Sale of Bo Obama Greeting Cards to be Donated by Artist Brandis Sarich to World Vets for Four-legged Relief Efforts in Japan.

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan resulted in unimaginable destruction. Thousands of people were killed or injured, and tens of thousands of others saw their homes damaged or simply swept away. In addition to the impact to people, it's believed that hundreds of dogs and cats were killed, injured or left homeless by the natural disaster, with a shortage of veterinary care currently available to aid animals in need.

Maui, Hawaii artist Brandis Sarich, known for her paintings of dogs and other animals, was so deeply touched by the plight of the Japanese people and their pets, that she has created a special portrait of Bo Obama, America's First Dog. Bo's portrait now adorns packs of greetings cards -- available for a limited period of time - with the entire sale price donated to World Vets' Japan relief efforts.

"I wanted to find a way to use my art to send some aloha to the people and the animals of Japan who continue to suffer in the aftermath of the disaster," says Sarich. "Volunteer vets who are part of World Vets are on the ground there now doing their part in relief efforts. They seemed like the perfect organization to support with the money collected from the sale of the Bo cards."

Sarich has been commissioned to paint portraits of dogs from many parts of the world, including Japan.

"The response from the communities aware of World Vets' mission has been overwhelming and we are very thankful to those who have already contributed to our efforts. More help is needed," says Dr. Cathy King, CEO of World Vets.

A lei, which recognizes President Obama's Hawaiian roots and is a symbol of love, honor and respect, has been added as part of Bo's colorful portrait (approved for use in this effort by the White House), which is the cover of the four, high quality glossy cards that are part of each pack. The full $20 sale price (the minimum donation) will be donated to World Vets. Shipping charges of $2.50 for addresses in the US are added to each order to cover the cost of postage and packing envelopes. One card in each pack will be signed by the artist.

Individuals interested in purchasing the Bo Obama cards and supporting the World Vets efforts in Japan can order via Sarich's website www.astropup.com, or they may contact her via email at brandis ( @ ) astropup dot com, or by phone at (808) 344-0255 dot

About Brandis Sarich Acclaimed animal portrait artist Brandis Sarich is an architect and artist who was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and raised in San Francisco, California. In 2005, Brandis and her husband Kevin changed their lives in order to pursue her career in art. Dividing their time between painting studios on the beautiful island of Maui and in the mountains near Sun Valley, Idaho, Brandis explores the human-animal bond through her art. She creates joyful paintings of relationships and love. "My art is big, happy images of animals on colorful backgrounds. These pieces celebrate life using cheerful colors and express unencumbered emotions as read on animals' faces." Brandis' work adorns the homes of politicians, professional athletes, celebrities and numerous individuals who simply love pets.

About World Vets
World Vets is a non-government organization (NGO) providing veterinary aid around the globe in collaboration with animal advocacy groups, foreign governments, US and foreign military groups and veterinary professionals abroad. Our work spans 25 countries and 6 continents and addresses not only veterinary issues, but also human health issues impacted by zoonotic diseases in developing countries. World Vets is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

For more information:
News Media: (*Note to media: hi-res artwork is available upon request*)
Alan Elias (for Brandis Sarich)
(925) 785-2650
elias2000 ( @ ) sbcglobal dot net

World Vets
(877) 688-8387

Consumers: Brandis Sarich
(808) 344-0255
brandis ( @ ) astropup dot com

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