Title: "Soda Fountain"

Artist: Cheryl Hueffmeier

Medium: Mixed Medium

Dimensions: 17" x 18"

Animal Depicted is Soda Fountain and her story is below:

Soda Fountain's story begins with a lot of heartbreak. After being hit by a car and left for dead on the side of the road, we're told she laid there in excruciating pain for around 4 days. She couldn't stand or walk on her own and was laying there helpless. Finally, someone found her and called us. We welcomed her with open arms and quickly set her up for x-rays because we had a feeling not only were things broken, but she was pregnant. Sadly, her pelvis was shattered and we initially thought she'd need a specialty surgery to repair it. But Soda Fountain was very pregnant and was going to be giving birth to at least 10 puppies. We knew she was going to need a C-section due to her pelvis being fractured. Sadly, the injury would not allow her to give birth the natural way. Even after all she had been through, when we would peek in to check on her, she would be smiling in her sleep. That sweet girl ALWAYS smiled! Soda Fountain's heartbreak doesn't end there. We performed a C-section to deliver 11 puppies, only 9 were living at the time of birth. Our staff came together and helped 9 little puppies breathe on their own. Mom did great and started taking care of them right away. It was an incredible day. Sadly, Soda Fountain had Canine Herpesvirus which is a a viral infection that infects the reproductive organs in adult dogs. Typically adult dogs do not show any symptoms, but the infection causes hemorrhages in newborn puppies and sadly is fatal. Eight of her 9 puppies passed away in the 48 hours. She just had one puppy left who eventually passed away as well shortly after the others. Our staff did everything they could and were devastated.

Soda Fountain stayed a while at the shelter as she continued to heal. She actually ended up walking/running on her own and it was decided she no longer needed surgery to correct the injuries she'd sustained by being hit by the car! It was no wonder this love bug found her loving forever home. Here's what her Mom had to say about her:

""Gosh, Soda Fountain (renamed Honey Bunny) is just so sweet. Everyone loves her. She got renamed because she kept awaking through the night just checking to make sure I was still there and I just ended up calling her Honey Bunny. My neighbors stop us on our walks, the children love her. I took her to visit an elderly friend at a rehab and she had no shortage of belly rubs. We are working toward our Good Canine certificate. The trainers there at the shelter did a great job with her so she is a star pupil. She even trots a bit on our walks. She has filled out a bit, and has yet to bark. I simply can't imagine my life without her. Thank you so much for all that your organization has done for Soda/Honey and for all of the kindness to all of the animals there."

We are so happy that after a lot of sadness and heartbreak, Soda Fountain finally got her happy ever after. She certainly deserved it!

Status: Adopted!

*Due to the fragile nature of this item, it is NOT available for shipping. It is Pick Up Only. If you are the winning bidder, artwork will be available for pick up from the Pine Street Shelter starting Thursday June 11th.