February Pet of the Month - Toulouse

Toulouse was found at Ralphie's Retreat, a sanctuary for cats with feline leukemia. He was de-clawed and missing two toes, but his sweet nature and good spirits caught the attention of Ralphie's founder, Margo McWeeney.

After finding out that Toulouse was able to be adopted, Margo brought him home to Boston with her. In his new home he discovered a new passion- and an alter ego.

Toulouse in the process of painting.

With help from Margo, Toulouse discovered he was an artist!

Toulouse Le Chat

(a French one, specifically.)

The artwork of Toulouse is created using non-toxic paint on his paws. Margo says she puts different colors on each paw and sets him loose on the canvas.

Photograph from a Gallery showing.

He has sold hundreds of dollars worth of artwork already, all benefiting Ralphie's Retreat.

Original Artwork by Toulouse McWeeney

Here at AVS we are fortunate enough to have been gifted an *original* Toulouse McWeeney painting! You can see it displayed in our hallway. Toulouse is currently being treated with homeopathy by Dr. Martha Lindsay.

The Artist Cat, Relaxing

Toulouse, sharing his wisdom.

Toulouse is currently only painting occasionally to make gifts for friends and family. For the most part he has retired, and prefers to spend most of his time with his family in Boston.

Toulouse with Margo (Photo courtesy of Ralphie's Retreat Facebook)

If you would like to learn more about Ralphie's Retreat you can visit their website HERE. Please contact them for information about how you can sponsor and support their rescued cats!

You can follow them on Facebook HERE.

Photographs Courtesy of Margo McWeeney, with Permission.