Supporting MADRA’s Annual Art Auction: The Story Behind “Hope”

Republished 1st January 2026

It’s hard to believe that time of year has come around again, when my local dog rescue shelter, MADRA, hosts its annual Art Auction fundraiser to support the dogs and puppies in its care.

Like many charitable organisations across Ireland, MADRA faced enormous challenges during the pandemic. With restrictions forcing them to close their doors to the public and operate with limited staff, it would have been easy to slow down, but they didn’t. They continued their work tirelessly, supported by an incredible community of volunteers, adopters, and kind-hearted donors. Whenever they ask for help, people always rally around them.

And that’s exactly why I wanted to share this story.

Why MADRA Means So Much to Me

MADRA is one of three animal charities that I proudly support. Their work focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming unwanted, neglected, abused, and abandoned dogs.

Last year, they were overwhelmed with unwanted dogs and puppies. It was during that time that I had the privilege of fostering my wonderful boy, a dog who brought light and joy back into a very broken heart.

(That’s a story for another blog post—please remind me to share it someday.)

Creating Art With Purpose

This year, when it came time to donate a piece of artwork for the auction, I wanted to create something deeply meaningful, something that directly reflected the work MADRA does every single day.

So, I spoke with Ciara, the event organiser, about the dogs that come through their shelter. One statistic immediately stood out to me: around 60% of the dogs they rescue are Collies.

That was all the inspiration I needed.

Over the next few weeks, in between busy days and quiet evenings at my desk, I slowly brought a Collie portrait to life. Piece by piece, a face began to emerge.

Naming the Artwork: “Hope”

Once the drawing was complete, I shared it on my Facebook page and asked my followers what they thought the dog should be called.

There were so many wonderful suggestions—but one stopped me in my tracks:

Hope.

The moment I read it, I knew it was right.

It wasn’t just a name—it was everything that MADRA represents.

Hope for a second chance.
Hope for a loving home.
Hope for a safer future.
Hope for someone who will cherish and protect them.

That is what MADRA gives every dog that comes through its doors.

And so, Hope became the title of the piece.

Supporting Rescue Dogs Through Art

Art has always been a powerful way for me to tell stories—and this year, I’m proud that my work can help tell the story of rescue, resilience, and new beginnings.

Supporting organisations like MADRA means supporting the belief that every dog deserves love, safety, and a second chance.

And that is something worth creating for.

She was collected during the week for framing and will reappear online for the Art Auction. This year MADRA have also had to adapt to the online platform due to the pandemic and restrictions. I will keep you posted as soon as I know the dates in early December.

’When I look into the eyes of an animal,I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I see a soul.'- A.D.Williams⠀⠀

Apache of Sand Wash Basin

Apache" 11 by 17 inch Equine Oil on canvas.

Interview with Linda L. Martin an American artist and advocate for the Sand Wash Basin Mustangs. At the time of this interview I was living in Cape Town, funny what you find when you are tidying up and had completely forgotten about.  Please enjoy.

A Forgotten Interview

From MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011

Guest Artist: Rachel Dubber

​What mediums do you use?

My portfolio consists of mostly equine and animal oil paintings, drawings, photography and occasionally sculptures. 

Where have you exhibited?

To date my work has been exhibited in Europe, China and South Africa and is included in collections in Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy, Spain, China and South Africa.

Why do you paint animals?

I specialise in animal portraits because of the emotional benefits, for me and my clients.

The images I select to paint affect me emotionally, which I believe they must do, in order for it to take life on a canvas.  Years spent with horses also help in getting the feel of the horse on canvas or molded in clay.  The image must convey the freedom, beauty, strength and majestic qualities of the subject.  I love my oil painted horses to be free, unhindered by tack or riders, free from any constraints and always, if possible, in motion.  

For this guest artist exhibition and interview the requirement was to paint a Mustang. Not having access to Wild Mustangs or the availability of images, the issue was solved by the generosity of John Wagner a passionate American Photographer whose work I truly admire.  After contacting John, I was given permission to paint one of his photographs.

Why did you choose to paint this image?

This painting is of a Mustang called Apache; approximately between 3-4 years old, he is a "satellite stallion" in a Mustang herd called Brave's Band.  John kindly informed me that Apache is a satellite stallion, which is a full adult stallion that is allowed to hangout with a Band that already has a lead stallion. Usually the satellite stallion hangs out away from the main Band. The satellite serves a purpose, sometimes he is a challenger, an extra pair of eyes, and so the lead stallion can stay closer to his Band.

Apache is very aggressive, he picks fights with Brave all the time and any other stallion close by. He may be small but he is very assertive and determined. Something about this image grabbed my focus and attention, maybe it was the wide open space, the rugged and free horse or just the whole spirit of freedom.  I just knew it had to become a painting. 

Brave's Band lives in Sand Wash Basin Horse Management Association in Northwestern Colorado, on 160,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management Land, 250 square miles of Freedom to roam where they want. The land is so huge that the Wild Horses don't even scratch the surface.

May The Wild Horses Run Free forever....and keep touching our hearts and minds.

Kind Courtesy of Linda L. Martin and John Wagner.