Title: Papa Alaska
Artist: Kimberly Dierker
Medium: Oil paint
Dimensions: 8" x 10"
Animal Depicted: Papa Alaska

In late September, we had quite a day in rescue. Not one, but two dogs arrived with severe cases of demodex mange. And we had a third on his way from southeast Missouri. They had been miserable and neglected for so long. No one helped them. Tiny, microscopic mites infested their skin, causing them to lose their hair, suffer from constant and intense itchiness, and of course infection. Papa Alaska was the second one to arrive that day.

When he first came in, we would have never guessed that he was just a 1-year-old. His skin was raw, bleeding, and painful. He looked completely defeated, but he was interested in what we were doing, and he enjoyed being touched. In fact, he yearned for our touch and would lean all of his weight into us. We promised him that we would get him all fixed up and then we would find him the most amazing forever home.

Within a few weeks, Papa Alaska went to a foster home where he would go on to make a full recovery. His personality blossomed. He was so affectionate, and his whole demeanor changed. He was no longer defeated but instead, hopeful.

Papa Alaska's forever family came along and scooped him up. What a lucky family they were to have such a beautiful dog that at one point, no one would even give a second glance to. He now goes by Queso, and he is never looking back.

Status: Adopted

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.