Help us Celebrate the Life of art-dog Teena

Upon the sad passing of beloved performance artist and dachshund Teena (2010-2025) her long-time collaborator and owner David Capra, in the spirit of coming together, welcomes you to celebrate the life of his charismatic pooch.

Teena wasn’t just a dog. She was a muse, a collaborator, and a dear friend to David, with whom she formed an unforgettable artistic duo that brought joy, connection, and a touch of mischief to many. From museums, to TEDx talks and morning TV, Teena's unique charm opened hearts everywhere she went.

Now, David invites you to join him in honouring Teena’s extraordinary life through an out-door celebration (date and location to be confirmed). The event will be a dog-friendly farewell filled with performances from Teena collaborators, like Renny Kogers, operatic tributes by Anastasia Klose, a Teena-shaped cake, a karaoke-style eulogy, and heartfelt reflections on grief, ritual, and the love between humans and animals.

To bring this joyful tribute to life, we need your support.

Your contributions will help fund:

• Event production and staging

• Artist and performer fees

• Teena-shaped cake and doggie treats

• Memorial materials and community offerings

• Documentation of the event

Who was Teena?

Teena’s impact extended far beyond her small, sausage dog frame-

Teena was rescued from a muddy puddle under a house in Nyngan, Bogan Shire, NSW. In 2015, Teena’s Bathtime premiered in the MCA’s Jackson Bella Room, where visitors gave Teena advice on how to cope with anxious bath experiences. In 2016, the duo launched Eau de Wet Dogge on Channel 9’s Today Show. In 2018, they took to the stage at TEDxSydney to deliver The Long and the Short of It: Life Lessons from Art-Dog Teena and featured in the documentary Happy Sad Man. In 2019, Teena Takes On..., a playful educational video series, was commissioned by Kaldor Public Art Projects, followed by an outdoor Puppy Picnic at the Art Gallery of NSW. In her later years, Teena embraced a quieter life, loving her three meals a day and paddock sunbaths shared with kangaroos.

View a video created in Teena's honour : "The dog who took the art scene by storm "

This memorial is more than a farewell. It's a chance for community, healing, and shared reflection on how animals help us through our most vulnerable moments.

We’re deeply grateful for any contribution you can make. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Teena or simply someone who understands the magic of person–pooch connection, your support helps ensure her legacy lives on.

With love and thanks,

David Capra & friends of Teena