A 5-month old beagle is recovering from wounds suffered in a two-day shooting spree that killed her 2-1/2-year-old half-brother. The owners of the two beagles are questioning why their dogs were targeted.

Owner Jay and Sheena Erickson said the first shooting incident occurred last Wednesday morning when their dogs returned home wounded and frightened. The older dog, Tippi Canoe, had been shot twice in his side just above his shoulder and near his belly. The younger dog, Penelope Lane, had been shot twice in her hindquarters.

Veterinarian James Mortimer told the couple they were shot with either BBs or pellets. The incident compelled the family to post about 20 signs in their neighborhood, alerting neighbors and asking for information about anyone who may have been seen using an air rifle or BB gun.

Jay Erickson said the inseparable dogs had been known in the Whispering Pines neighborhood; they loved to chase rabbits, but generally stayed in the house or yard.

That is until Sunday night.

The Ericksons let the dogs out to enjoy some fresh air and exercise before they went to work. Tippi left the yard chasing after a rabbit. While the Ericksons puttered around the house and yard, Tippi encountered a blast from a rifle that sent the young dog running across the road and into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

The family found their dog lying across from the home’s mailbox.

“Whoever ran over Tippi last night, they didn’t even stop,” Sheena Erickson said. “I’m sure it was an accident. I’m sure they didn’t mean to run over him.”

Jay Erickson said both dogs had collars and tags, complete with contact information.

“I don’t understand how someone could have shot them,” he said.

Both dogs were shot twice during the day, then Tippi was shot once more later.

“It was intentional,” Erickson said.

He initially thought the dog might survive. Once inside the house, Tippi got up to drink some water. He then weakened, lying down to his final rest. Sheena sat next to Tippi and held his paw until he died. The surviving beagle nudged her constant companion, then began to whine.

“She’s never been without another dog in her life,” Sheena said.

Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com.