Title: Twinkie
Artist: Tom Koerper
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 18" x 18"
Animal Depicted: Twinkie

Twinkie became one of far too many gunshot survivors to arrive at Stray Rescue of St. Louis. The sweet 2-year-old dog was found in Farmington, MO after being shot, lying beside another wounded dog who sadly did not survive. Even after everything, Twinkie never left her companion's side.

A Good Samaritan rushed her to the shelter for emergency care, where the medical team discovered the bullet had shattered her jaw and caused severe damage from her mouth to her esophagus. Because of the extent of her injuries, she needed a feeding tube, pain management, and immediate transport to a specialist for advanced imaging and treatment.

Twinkie later underwent surgery at Mizzou, where a veterinary dentist repaired her fractured jaw. During her eight-week recovery, she had to wear a muzzle constantly to keep everything in place while it healed. Eating was difficult, and she had to learn how to drink soup through the muzzle, but day by day she grew stronger.

Despite enduring such cruelty, Twinkie remained incredibly gentle and loving. Her resilience and sweet spirit inspired everyone caring for her as she fought her way toward recovery.

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.