A Life in Art and Animals
At her home in Aiken, Georgianna “Girl” Conger welcomed us into the world she has built around two of her greatest passions: art and animals. As we talked, foster puppies moved around us, offering a glimpse into the work that has become such a meaningful part of her life.
For nearly 16 years, Girl and her family have opened their home to dogs in need, working alongside FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Nearly 800 puppies and mother dogs have passed through their care. She is candid about the reality of the work: there is plenty of puppy breath and joy, but also sleepless nights, sick animals, and losses that stay with you. Still, she calls it a “labor of love,” and believes every dog should leave her home better prepared for whatever comes next.
That same attention to personality shapes Girl’s paintings. She isn’t interested in simply recreating an animal’s appearance; she wants the person who loved it to recognize its spirit. When painting a pet who has passed away, she often talks at length with the owner, listening for the quirks, expressions, and small habits that bring the animal back into focus.
Girl has watched Aiken’s animal welfare community change dramatically during her years of fostering, with local efforts helping shift the shelter from a community with a high euthanasia rate to one with a much higher save rate. In this video, join us at Girl’s home to meet some of her newest foster puppies and hear how art, animals, and a deep commitment to her community have shaped the life she leads. Her hope is that more people find a way to be part of that work. As she puts it, “Everyone always asks what they can do if they can’t foster. My answer is simple: foster, adopt, donate, or volunteer.”
