9-Year-Old Russian Painter Trades Pet Portraits for Pet Food and Medicine for Animal Shelter

9-Year-Old Russian Painter Trades Pet Portraits for Pet Food and Medicine for Animal Shelter
Photo courtesy of Pasha Abramov
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A talented 9-year-old Russian boy with a kind heart is using his painting skills to improve the lives of stray dogs and cats in his town. He paints pet portraits. However, instead of asking for money, this young man gives his work away in exchange for donating supplies to the local animal shelter, where he also volunteers, so that they can care for animals in need.

Young artist Pavel Abramov, from Nizhny Novgorod, started an initiative called “Kind Paintbrush” after his beloved four-legged friend, Barsik, died. The 9-year-old could no longer ignore the suffering population of stray animals in his city. So, he decided to take action and use his gift for art to improve the lives of cats and dogs living in his local shelter, according to Bored Panda.
Photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pashaabramov1/">Pasha Abramov </a>
Photo courtesy of Pasha Abramov

Abramov creates stunning portraits of people’s beloved pets. His artwork is in high demand amongst animal lovers. But instead of money, he asks clients to donate various items to the small city’s only animal shelter. Donations often include food, dog treats, medicine, and household supplies. Thanks to this little one, the shelter is continuously stocked with everything it needs to look after the animals in its care.

Proud mom Ekaterina Bolshakova helps her son run a group named “What is a Little Volunteer Capable Of?“ on the Russian social media site VK. The group has nearly 3,000 members, and the duo regularly post pictures of the 9-year-old’s incredible art. ”He wants to show by his example that even a small person can be of great benefit if he really wants to,” the website shares.
Photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pashaabramov1/">Pasha Abramov </a>
Photo courtesy of Pasha Abramov

The selflessness doesn’t end there. Abramov also donates his time at the animal shelter. At only 9 years of age, he is the youngest volunteer they have on the books. And according to his mother, he’s a very hard worker. “Our family is proud of his wonderful project. His days are scheduled to minutes, he wants to do absolutely everything, there is just not enough time,” she explains.

Photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pashaabramov1/">Pasha Abramov </a>
Photo courtesy of Pasha Abramov

Pet owners are also keen to have the 9-year-old paint portraits of their dogs or cats. The young artist’s artwork has even crossed the Russian borders with people from Spain and Germany making requests. He works from pictures but often gets to meet the pets he has painted. And he usually arranges different deals with owners by having them send items to the shelter, which currently houses over 100 animals.

According to the group’s page, in November 2019, Abramov was awarded the “Volunteering Brave People Award” in his city. Such is his commitment to the cause that even on the day he received his recognition, the young man still found time for a vital and heartwarming act; he exchanged a portrait for some much-needed medicine at the shelter.
Photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pashaabramov1/">Pasha Abramov </a>
Photo courtesy of Pasha Abramov

According to his mother, this remarkable 9-year-old dreams of one day becoming an architect. He wants to use his talents to build a big shelter to house more stray animals. Until such a time, though, he will continue to use his “kind paintbrush” to make life better for the animals he so dearly cares about.

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