Meet Dali, India’s first painter dog, who is travelling across states with her art

Sometimes, life-changing journeys begin by accident. Yet, in hindsight, those accidents feel destined.

Such was the case of Dali, a Labrador puppy abandoned when she was just 45 days old. Found by a kind rescuer in Hyderabad, her story reached a Bengali couple living in the city who were grieving the loss of their beloved indie dog, Pablo, who had been with them for 13 years.

Hoi Choudhury and Snehangshu Debnath had no idea that adopting this heartbroken puppy would heal their own wounds and eventually turn Dali into India’s first painter dog.

Dali entered their lives wrapped in love and hope. Around the same time, Hoi was contemplating leaving her corporate job to pursue a life driven by creativity and purpose. Tired of the monotony of routine, the couple began dreaming of a life that blended art, travel and compassion.

Little did they know that Dali would soon become the centre of that dream.

Every time Hoi and Snehangshu sat down to paint, Dali would hover around them, fascinated by the brushes and colours. At times, she would steal the brushes and run around the house, turning the studio into her playground.

A friend and mentor, Subrata Ghosh, a Kolkata-based architect, made a casual remark one day:
“Maybe she wants to paint too. Give her a brush.”

Initially hesitant, the couple decided to try, without colours, at first. To their astonishment, Dali held the brush and made her first stroke on the canvas.

That moment changed everything.

Special dog-friendly brushes were designed for her, and she was gently introduced to painting. No formal training was involved. She was only taught how to hold the brush and touch the canvas. Where to paint, how long to paint, and when to stop, Dali decided on her own.

After a few weeks, colours were added. Knowing that dogs can see blue and yellow, her first painting came alive in those shades. The couple imagined it as a bird sitting on a branch with another taking flight.

They were overjoyed.

When her second painting was shared online, it went viral, receiving millions of views from across the world. Many viewers said her art gave them hope and happiness. Some even doubted it was real, calling it AI-generated. But Dali’s growing body of work soon silenced all doubts.

Dali was not just painting. She was spreading joy.

Their home slowly transformed into a studio built around Dali’s comfort. Carpeted floors gave her grip while painting, jazz music played in the background, and treats awaited her as motivation. Painting sessions became playtime, never forced.

“She paints when she wants to. If she doesn’t feel like it, she simply stops,” the couple says.

At present, Hoi manages Dali’s storytelling, social media and outreach, while Snehangshu handles visuals, videography and design. Together, they plan content and collaborations.

The couple soon left their 9-to-5 jobs and chose a nomadic life. Along with Dali and her rescued indie brother Miro, they began travelling across India by road.

Dali has already painted in 13 Indian states and completed her journey across all eight Northeastern states, including Sikkim. In every region, her colours reflect the spirit of the place. Tribal villages, mountain valleys and cultural landscapes became her canvas.

Currently, the family is travelling through the Himalayas, watching Dali paint in some of India’s most remote and beautiful corners.

Dali’s journey is not just about creativity — it is about giving back.

In 2025, the couple released Dali’s Calendar featuring 12 of her paintings. The proceeds of ₹35,000 were donated to two veterinary hospitals in Hyderabad that treat rescued stray animals. Several of her artworks have since been sold to fund emergency treatments for critically injured dogs.

In 2026, a new calendar featuring another 12 paintings sold out completely, and the funds are now being channelled into animal care across India. All financial details are transparently shared on their Instagram page.

Dali has now completed 59 paintings.

Her 50th painting marked a special milestone. In collaboration with Offer India, a Kolkata-based NGO supporting children with special needs, Dali painted at Apanjan, a residential care home for orphaned and differently-abled children, on November 22, 2025.

This artwork will be auctioned to raise funds for the children’s therapy, education and daily needs.

A rescued dog painting for vulnerable children — the circle of compassion feels complete.