Three-Legged Dog Steals the Spotlight in Shelter’s First Mural Contest

Artist, Nofo Porter, poses in front of the mural with Sasha.

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County unveiled its inaugural mural, featuring three-legged shelter alumna, Sasha. This mural, adorning the shelter’s exterior, is a tribute to the animals the shelter cares for and the community members who support them.

The mural, commissioned from local artist Nofo Porter, features Sasha, a 7-year-old pit bull terrier mix adopted from the shelter in 2017. Sasha’s leg was amputated following an infection, but her spirit and resilience have made her a symbol of hope and determination.

Kassy Kvam and Sasha.

Sasha’s story began with her adoption by a shelter volunteer who instantly fell in love with her during a volunteer shift. “She’s my adorable little tripod,” says Kassy Kvam, Sasha’s owner.

Sasha’s photo submission to the shelter’s 2024 Mural Muse Photo Contest was the top fundraiser of the contest, raising over $5,865 for the shelter and winning her the centerpiece spot in the mural. A portion of the donations was made in memory of Kvam’s mother, Joy, who was a beloved nurse and pet lover.

“When we heard about this contest, we were actually taking care of my mom who was sick with cancer,” says Kvam. “My mom loved pets, and she wanted to see Sasha up on the wall. We’re very happy to see Sasha up there and have this legacy to think of my mom every time we look up here. This mural is for her.”

The artist, Porter, shared her connection to the shelter’s mural project: “As an artist, you dream of projects that allow you to collaborate with others and create something meaningful outside of your studio. When I heard about this project, I immediately wanted to be a part of it. I adopted my dog from this shelter six years ago, and he has taught me so much about care and commitment. I’m pleased to see Sasha’s story honored in this way. It’s been a joy to work on this project.”

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 features the second and third place winners of the shelter’s 2024 Mural Muse Photo Contest, Ruby and Luna, completing the trio of celebrated animals.

“This mural beautifully illustrates the special human-animal bond that extends far beyond the shelter’s walls. The over $33,000 raised for pets in need is a testament to the love and dedication of our community,” notes Ashley Taulbee, chief philanthropy officer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, highlighting the mural’s significance.

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County invites everyone to visit the shelter to view the mural and celebrate the inspiring stories of the animals and the people who care for them.