Title: Fanny & Bixby
Artist: Patricia Drone
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 26.5" x 32.25"
Animals Depicted: Fanny & Bixby

On any given day, there are numerous victims of gun violence in our shelter. Whether we find them with old, poorly healed gunshot wounds, bullets lodged in their bodies that show up on x-rays, or when they are rushed here in critical condition, we see more than our fair share of man's best friend horrifically betrayed by gun violence and riddled with bullets.

This is the story of Fanny & Bixby.

These two precious girls had been kept in an abandoned house by their former owner. It was dark, hot, and full of trash. To make a desperate situation even worse, when the house was robbed for drugs, both dogs were shot multiple times and left for dead. Officer Ottengheime and Officer Stevens rushed them to Stray Rescue because they knew we would do everything we could to save their lives. Our doctors and vet techs were able to triage, treat, and stabilize both dogs and manage their pain.

Bixby was shot in the front leg, back leg, and tail. Her injuries would result in months of surgeries and healing.

Her friend, Fanny, was sadly shot in the chest, the bullet piercing her lung. We rushed our critical patient to Mizzou with a chest tube in place, so Dr. Ortiz could remove air and blood from her thoracic cavity during the transport. After 48 hours of intensive care, she succumbed to her injuries. Her lungs were too damaged by the bullets, so she couldn't survive the lifesaving surgery she needed. After exhausting all efforts and praying hard for a miracle, this was a heartbreaking call to receive.

Losing Fanny hit all of us hard. From the veterinary team to the caregivers and administrative teams to the responding officers - we collectively grieved for her. Every day in rescue is different. We never know what we are going to face each day, but we are honored to have the opportunity to do everything possible to try to save them all.

Bixby is still on her road to recovery. It hasn't been easy, but she is the sweetest, most loving girl who simply wants to live her life. She loves giving hugs and kisses, getting belly rubs, and curling up on any piece of furniture she can get to. She has her forever family (not so) patiently waiting for her. Once she is medically cleared and finished with her strict exercise restrictions, she will become an official member of their family and she will be showered with all of the love that she deserves. Bixby is sure to live out enough life for her and Fanny combined.

Status: Fanny crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and Bixby's adoption will be finalized once she is medically cleared.

Shipping Available:
*If you are the winning bidder and are not in attendance to pick up your item(s) the night of the event at the Four Seasons Hotel, artwork will be available for pick up from the Pine Street Shelter starting Wednesday, August 19th through Thursday, September 3rd. Artwork will NOT be available to pick up before this (unless you are notified otherwise via email). If you are not local to the St. Louis Area, shipping is available for this item upon request (for an additional cost which will be calculated for each piece individually). All winning bidders will receive an email with more information once the auction has closed.