Sandra takes the lead with paw prints
WHEN 72-year-old Sandra Nixon heard that her local animal rescue charities were experiencing hard times, she was compelled to help - and she didn’t do it by halves.
Before lockdown, Sandra, a Southport grandma of four, had been a regular voluntary worker for Carla Lane Animals in Need in Melling and Freshfields Animal Rescue in Liverpool.
Driven out of desperation to help, the retired teacher from Southport set about formulating a plan to help raise muchneeded funds for the charities.
Having dabbled with art when at teacher training college and also having taught the subject in the past, animal-lover Sandra was now retired but had found something she loved to do.
Sandra decided that she would sell some of her art creations in return for a donation to the animal rescue charities.
She said that she found lockdown ‘frustrating’ as it prevented her from her great love of raising muchneeded funds for abused and abandoned dogs and cats.
However when COVID19 restrictions were implemented, her means of raising funds for the charities disappeared.
Sandra would go out in all seasons collecting funds with her bucket, accompanied by her adorable chocolate cockapoo Lola who would wow the crowds for hugs and pats.
So one day Sandra advertised all her quirky paintings - which mainly featured dogs - and posted them on social media.
She said: “How pleased was I when someone came and instead of my asking price of £1, wanted to donate £10 as she said it was for such a good cause!”
After meeting and raising awareness with the public, someone then asked Sandra if she would do a commission of her pets.
A few requests came in and she was even asked to paint an iguana. Still the orders flooded in for Christmas presents.
Sandra said: “I found an opening which eased my feelings of despair and hopelessness.
“Depression and negativity was replaced with optimism and positivity that I was helping my lovely dogs that have been abused or abandoned.
“To date I have made £1,000 by quirky, whimsical pictures that bring a bit of fun and happiness during these dark days. They have a funny look to them and I love it.
“I am a 72-year-old grandma of four and have a spring in my step in an unusual sort of way.
If you would like to commission a painting of your pet, you can email Sandra with the name and picture of your pet at: sandranixon61@hotmail. co.uk
All donations raised from the paintings go to the animal rescue charities Carla Lane Animals in Need and Freshfields Animal Rescue.