A DOG’S eventful night lost on the streets of Middlesbrough inspired two paintings by renowned hometown artist Mackenzie Thorpe.
Mackenzie became aware of the story of Dora the miniature schnauzer after it was Tweeted from the Middlesbrough Dog Wardens’ Twitter account.
Seven-month-old Dora had recently been re-homed from the Dogs Trust when she went missing in Albert Park.
On hearing of the disappearance the warden service put out an appeal via social media and had a swift response from a member of the public stating that the pooch had been hit by a car and had been taken to the vets.
Fortunately Dora’s only injury was to have lost her two front teeth and she was soon back at home recuperating with her new owner.
In the meantime Mackenzie had re-Tweeted the appeal and stated how he wished he was back home in Middlesbrough to help with the search.
On being given the good news that Dora was safe and relatively unscathed Mackenzie Tweeted: “Glad she is safe and back home. Her story has inspired me… Picture coming soon…”
What then followed was two paintings by the internationally renowned artist, one depicting Dora lost in Middlesbrough and the second of her back home – minus her front teeth.
He titled the pieces Dora Lost in the Boro and What Dora Wants for Christmas.
“The story of Dora just caught my eye,” said Mackenzie. “The fact that she was so young, frightened and lost in the town inspired the first piece Dora Lost in the Boro.
“The second piece was a bit of fun to celebrate the fact that she was found relatively safe and well.”
He added: “The fact that people were using Twitter to report potential sightings of her and trying to help, is proof of the great community spirit in Middlesbrough.”
Cllr Brenda Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Supporting Communities, said: “This is a heartwarming story in a number of ways and it is pleasing that Dora is now recovering after what must have been a traumatic time for her and her owners.
“Mackenzie’s artwork is fantastic and that he is able to tell the whole story of Dora’s night so clearly in two pictures is testament to his abilities as an artist.
“I also want to praise the good work of the Council’s Dog Warden service who got the message out so quickly and were able to liaise with all the parties involved.”