From abused stray to canine artist, Ria paints it forward

When it is time to paint, Ria needs little encouragement. She runs to the room where a brush, colours and a reward for every stroke await.

Holding the brush in her mouth, she presses it against the paper, then looks expectantly at her human, Susan Swier, for a treat. After all, an artist deserves her payment.

It is a happy routine for a dog who once suffered abuse at an apartment complex in Cheras, leaving her right front leg so severely injured, it had to be amputated.

Today, the three-and-a-half-year-old has a loving home in Lexington, South Carolina, and her own way of helping animals in need – through her paintings.

Ria’s artistic adventure began when Swier learnt that the Tripawds Foundation was looking for someone willing to teach their three-legged dog to paint. The paintings would be sold at its annual art auction to raise funds for animals with cancer.

Swier thought Ria might enjoy trying her paw at painting, given the canine’s love of learning tricks.

“She picks things up really quickly. That’s how I knew she would learn how to paint,” Swier told FMT Lifestyle.

With guidance via an online course, Swier taught Ria to hold a paintbrush in her mouth. Within about two weeks, Ria had picked up the skill.

Their routine is simple: Swier dips the brush in non-toxic acrylic paint, and Ria takes it in her mouth to make a stroke. Then comes the kibble before they try again.

“She shoves the brush at the canvas or the paper, like she’s determined to do this,” said Swier fondly.

They usually work with one colour a day, letting it dry before adding another. Sometimes, Swier offers tubes of paint for Ria to touch with her nose, letting her choose the next colour.

Two of Ria’s paintings, “Deck the Howls” and “Silent Night”, sold as a set for US$75 (RM304) at the auction last month.

“I was really proud of her. I just love to see her enjoying herself and to see what she’s capable of,” added Swier, 42.

Swier, who was living in Petaling Jaya three years ago, recounted that rescuers had contacted her one night, asking if she could take in an injured puppy until a vet visit the next day.

Ria arrived at her home around 1am. The rescuers told Swier that a resident had seen Ria being beaten with an iron rod.

That night, Swier gave her a blanket and a quiet place to rest. But the frightened puppy would not eat and her leg was critically injured.

Swier initially agreed to foster Ria, who also had tick fever. “She just looked so sad. I felt so sorry for her. But even though she was a really timid dog, she just took to me right away.”

Once treatment began, however, the puppy who barely wanted to move began hopping about. Within weeks, she was jumping onto Swier’s bed – despite having one limb fewer!

What began as a temporary stay became a lasting place in Swier’s home – and heart. In October last year, Ria moved to the US with Swier, alongside three other dogs and three cats.

These days, she races across a big grassy yard and enjoys daily walks with her human. At bedtime, she makes herself at home in Swier’s bed.

Swier describes Ria as clever and affectionate, with a fondness for resting her head in Swier’s lap. “She can still be timid, but I do think she really believes in herself and she knows she can do hard things.”

Swier hopes to auction more of Ria’s paintings to help Malaysian strays through Filbert’s Foundation for Furry Friends, where she serves on the board.

Once an injured stray waiting for help, Ria now has a loving home – and a paintbrush helping her give something back.

Swier hopes her story will encourage more people to see the potential in Malaysian strays.

“They are some of the smartest dogs there are, and they have so much love to give. I just wish more people would appreciate what they’re capable of,” she concluded.

Follow Ria’s adventures on Instagram.

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