Artist Inspired By Rescued Canyon Puppy
July 23rd, 2014 - Page, AZ
PAGE, ARIZONA July 23, 2014
Kate Sumners recently created and donated an original custom art piece to a daring animal rescuer. Four years ago, a visitor to Page, Arizona found an abandoned puppy nearly dead at the bottom of a remote 350’ deep slot canyon and executed a dangerous repel and climb to save its life. Page native artist Kate Sumners recently viewed the touching Youtube video chronicling its rescue and wanted to do something to thank the man, who later adopted the lab mix. As a pet portrait artist she made the rescuer, Zak Anderegg, a custom charcoal rendering of his dog. The puppy is now a grown, healthy family pet named Riley. Riley attained minor fame for his rescue and was featured on the Today Show, Ellen, and had a book written about him. Zak credits Page Animal Hospital with playing another major role in saving the puppy.
Kate says, “I used the internet to track down the owners, who live in Salt Lake City, UT and emailed them my offer. I was honored to use my time and talent to give them a gift as a thank you for what they did. What made this rescue particularly touching was the effort Zak spent to save the puppy, who looked as if it was almost certainly going to die despite his daring and very difficult rescue repel. My hope is that this gift captures Riley’s happy, resilient spirit and will bring them joy for years to come. They deserve a lot of joy for their generous, compassionate act.”
Kate has been working as a portrait artist in Page for about 5 years. Much of her work is commissioned by people from all over the world via her website KateSumners.com. She has sold prints and merchandise featuring her work to 42 states and 10 countries at last count. She draws and paints mostly pets and her favorite medium is charcoal. Kate graduated from Page High School in 2000 and also works part time at Page Hospital. In addition, she volunteers her photography skills at the Page Animal Adoption Agency to help strays find homes.