Title: Starbucks with the Bestie

Artist: Rae Baker

Medium: Photo pressed with florals

Dimensions: 5" x 7"

Animal Depicted: Carlos

"Let me tell you about my best friend, Carlos. I should start by saying this story doesn't have the happiest ending, but that's not to say it isn't a happy story. Carlos first came to Stray Rescue in May 2020. He was under a year old but you could tell he had already had a rough life. That did not stop him from being a sweet, kind, and playful boy. He has the cutest pouty lip. He loved to play with other dogs. He would get the goofiest zoomies when in the yard with his friends! He was so smart. He loved to show off his ability to sit and offer his paw. He was a sweet dog, but due to his life before Stray Rescue, he had a lot of unresolved stress. The adoption and foster team tried many times to find him a proper placement, but could never quite find his perfect home. We never gave up on him. Stray Rescue staff and volunteers became determined to give him the best life possible. He was always out on enrichment adventures with his favorite people. He had countless sleepovers with his friends so that he could have breaks from the shelter. The caregivers, training team, and clinic always ensured his happiness was a priority. The thing that made Carlos the happiest were car rides with his best friends, especially when snacks were involved! He always showed his gratitude by laying a paw on you while you drove him around. Carlos was very happy when playing with stuffed toys! He loved picking his favorite toy and taking it on a walk with him. It sure was adorable.

Unfortunately, Carlos' life was cut short due to an obstruction in his digestive system. The clinic performed expert surgery on him, but his body sadly couldn't recover. He spent his last morning surrounded by his favorite people. He was snuggled, praised, and loved up until his last moment. Through all his hardship in life, at the end of the day, he was just a sweet, loving puppy. He deserved so much more from life. I am eternally grateful he came to Stray Rescue. My life will forever be enriched by the time I spent with him. He was silly, loving, kind, and playful. Our favorite thing to do together was go to Starbucks. This art piece includes a drawing of a photo I took of him enjoying one of the hundreds of pup cups we had together." - Rae Baker

*Due to the size and/or fragility of this item, it is NOT available for shipping. It is Local Pick Up Only. If you are the winning bidder and are not in attendance to pick up your artwork the night of the event at the Four Seasons, artwork will be available for pick up from the Pine Street Shelter starting Tuesday, August 15th. Artwork will NOT be available to pick up before this (unless you are notified otherwise via email). All winning bidders will receive an email with more information once the auction has closed.