In a quiet home, a two-year-old Labrador named Dali dips her custom-made brush into a splash of blue. With a gentle flick of her head, she swipes it across a thick sheet of handmade paper, leaving behind a bright, expressive stroke. It’s not just play — it’s art. And for millions watching her on Instagram, it’s nothing short of magic.

Behind Dali’s colourful world are her humans — Hoi Choudhury, a 38-year-old former Human Resources Manager turned full-time social media creator, travel blogger, and devoted dog-mom, and Snehangshu Debnath, 46, a UX/UI designer, artist, traveller, and Dali’s equally committed dog-dad. The couple shares a love for animals, art, and storytelling — all of which converge in their unique journey with Dali. But Dali’s path to becoming India’s first canine artist was not a planned one — it began with loss, healing, and an unexpected spark of joy on four paws.

Dali’s journey began in Hyderabad, Telangana, southern India, when Dali was first adopted in June 2023, when she entered the lives of Hoi Choudhury and Snehangshu Debnath just weeks after their beloved 13-year-old Indie dog, Pablo, passed away.

At only 45-50 days old, Dali had already faced abandonment — tied and left alone in front of a house before a local rescuer in Hyderabad found her. Her story reached Hoi through Facebook. “When Dali came home, we didn’t just adopt a dog,” Hoi shares. “We embraced a little soul who would teach us love, resilience, and hope… once again.” The connection was instant. Energetic and mischievous, Dali was more than just a puppy — she was curious, emotionally aware, and unusually expressive. She wanted to be involved in everything: packing bags, cleaning, even cooking. And eventually — painting.

Both Hoi and Snehangshu come from artistic backgrounds, and their home was often filled with canvases, colours, and brushes. From a young age, Dali would watch them work, often stealing brushes and sprinting away. What seemed like mischief at first was, in hindsight, her way of communicating. “She wasn't just being naughty,” Hoi recalls. “It felt like she wanted to be part of the painting process.”

After observing her interest, they gave her a regular brush, which she used once, hesitantly. But it wasn’t until they designed a series of dog-friendly brushes — tailored to her size and grip—that she truly began to express herself.

They never taught her how to paint. They simply showed her how to hold the brush and touch the canvas. The strokes, however — bold, wide, sweeping across the paper — were entirely her own. By nine months, she had created her first full artwork, and that’s how Dali became India’s first dog artist.

The visuals begin with a tender moment, a tiny golden Labrador nestled on her mother’s lap, eyes wide with wonder on her very first day home. Within moments, she’s already exploring — a toy clutched between her teeth, tail wagging furiously as she races through her new home, claiming every corner with joy. In one heartwarming clip, she plops herself down playfully, barking softly as if calling out to her new parents, already stitching herself into the fabric of their lives. Cheerful, mischievous, and full of love, Dali, the little Labrador, is a vision of boundless energy and affection.

As time passes, the scenes shift. Dali is older now, but no less radiant. At an exhibition, she stands before a blank canvas, a custom-made brush held delicately in her mouth. With practised strokes, she drags vivid shades of yellow and blue across the paper, painting not just with colour, but with heart.

In another breathtaking frame, blue paint swirls in a white mixing bowl. A canvas is set gently on the seashore, where the waves hum in the distance. Dali, brush dipped in blue, approaches the setup with her usual focus. With each stroke, she layers emotion, later adding soft tones of yellow, gentle pinks, and vibrant greens to bring her vision to life. The canvas blooms beneath her.

A close-up reveals the specially designed brushes — crafted lovingly to fit her grip, allowing her to paint freely, joyfully, instinctively. Each scene is not just a record of a dog making art — it’s a testament to a soul that feels deeply, creates passionately, and inspires effortlessly.

Dali primarily works with watercolours on thick 300GSM handmade paper — a choice inspired by her love for water, a typical Labrador trait. Her art often features blues and yellows — two colours dogs can distinctly see — and watching her work is a rhythmic dance of instinct and joy.

“She doesn’t just dab the canvas,” says Hoi. “She moves the brush in horizontal and vertical strokes. We never taught her that — it’s her way of expressing passion.”

To date, Dali has completed 38 original artworks — all preserved for a future exhibition. The family has resisted commercialising her work, choosing instead to treat each painting as a memory, a message, and a tool for advocacy. “Selling her paintings should never become a burden,” they say. “Art should remain an enjoyable, stress-free experience for her.”

Many of Dali’s followers expressed a desire to own her artwork, which led to the creation of a 2025 calendar in late 2024, by Dali’s dad, featuring 12 of her most beloved paintings. The calendars were sold online, and the proceeds went directly to MARG — the Manikonda Animal Rescue Group, a Hyderabad-based network of rescuers and veterinary hospitals dedicated to treating critically injured stray animals. Through this initiative, Dali became more than just a painter; she became a philanthropist, using her talent to support other animals in need, just like her.

In addition, a few commissioned pieces were created for selected followers, with the money raised going towards emergency medical treatments and foster care for rescued dogs. All payments are made directly to the veterinary hospitals, without intermediaries or NGOs involved, ensuring complete transparency. Knowing that her art directly contributes to saving lives is a success story that her family holds close to their hearts. “Dali’s journey gave us a chance to help other rescued animals like her,” Hoi says proudly. “It’s a success story we cherish.” Among those helped is Miro, an Indie pup rescued by Dali’s family after an accident. He’s now part of the family — and Dali’s little brother — living proof of the mission her art supports.

The reaction to Dali’s art has been heartwarming — and occasionally surprising. While many fans are in awe, others have expressed scepticism, even questioning if the works are AI-generated. “But that’s the point,” Hoi adds. “We’re trying to challenge the notion that art is solely a human expression. Animals have emotions too — and sometimes, they just need the right tools to express them.”

Through her joyful chaos and curious mind, Dali has become a symbol of hope, healing, and possibility. She’s not just an Instagram star or a dog with a quirky hobby. She’s a reminder that love and creativity can come from the most unexpected corners.

With dreams of exhibiting her work in curated galleries and painting in the Himalayan outdoors one day, Dali’s journey is just beginning.

As for her younger brother, Miro — an Indie pup rescued after an accident — he’s learning the ropes, living the good life, and watching his sister bring colour into the world, one paw stroke at a time.