New York artist Yvonne Dagger paints haunting portraits of animals awaiting adoption in her native Long Island.

Holiday is from the Brookhaven Town Animal Shelter, Brookhaven, NY.

Acrylic on canvas, 8" x 10".

Five-year-old male toy fox terrier.

Oil on canvas, 8" x 10".

Three-year-old rottweiler mix.

Acrylic on canvas, 11" x 14".

Terrier mix from the Islip Town Shelter, Islip, NY.

Acrylic on canvas, 10" x 10".

From the Islip Town Shelter, Islip, NY.

Acrylic on canvas, 12" x 6".

Adopted from the Little Shelter, Huntington, NY.

Acrylic on canvas, 9" x 12".

From the Islip Town Shelter, Islip, NY.

Acrylic on canvas, 9" x 12".

From the Kent Animal Shelter, Calverton, NY.

Acrylic on canvas, 8" x 10".

From the Islip Town Shelter, Islip, NY.

Acrylic on canvas, 10" x 10".

From Forgotten Friends of Long Island, Plainview, NY, an organization dedicated to the rescue of companion animals that have been in municipal shelters for an extended period of time, overlooked by both the general public and by rescues.

Acrylic on canvas, 14" x 11".

French bulldog mix.

Acrylic on canvas, 8" x 10".

From the Islip Town Shelter, Islip, NY.

Oil on canvas, 10" x 10".

"I believe that everyone should live for their passion in life," writes artist Yvonne Dagger. "Ever since I adopted my first dog over 28 years ago, my passion has been my love for animals. Through my work as a fine artist, I am able to realize my passion and bring awareness of the many dogs and cats available in shelters in need of homes and proper care. It became my mission to honor each dog and cat by capturing each animal's beauty, sensitivity, and soul. One of the greatest gifts I have ever received was the honor of caring for and loving a shelter animal. It is my hope that these paintings encourage others to share in the joy of pet adoption. While a painting can make a statement and raise awareness of these beautiful creatures, nothing can compare to the true treasure of expanding your family to include a pet in need."