There has been a place in my heart for all of our animals, mostly rescues, but Annie was the one I loved the most. Many people would not understand, for when we rescued her in early 2006, she was already old and in bad shape. She had no teeth, was partially blind and partially deaf. Apparently, she was rescued from a drug raid in the Tacoma, Washington area, and had suffered an unhappy life. Annie was never one to cuddle, and when we first took her in, she would stand in corners. She got over that, but to her last month, she was always restless, constantly pacing around the house until she was tired and then would sleep.
And she slept a lot.
But there was one thing about Annie that endeared her to me: every morning after she woke up and we took her outside to relieve herself, she would come in the house and run with absolute, unbridled joy, glad to be alive. It was a sight to behold! She ran with both front paws in unison, like a puppy, and her rear legs propelled her, sometimes getting airborne! We called her Jumpin’ Annie, and at times, Airborne Annie. She only had the energy to do this for a short while, but watching her run, tongue hanging out, mouth open, joy on her face, filled me with love for her. As she got older, she would still try, and her front paws came off the ground, but her rear legs could not propel her as well, and sometimes she just hopped in place. During these morning runs, Annie would also playfully bite at one of the other dogs’ ears.
It was so cute!
Annie, I am sorry that I could not save you. The day before you died, you gave me a look that said, “What is wrong? Please make me better!” But I was not able to do anything. We brought you to two different vets, and they were unable to do anything for you either, and the experience only traumatized you. I am so sorry that I failed you. I feel that I betrayed you, that I should have been able to save you. You had a terrible life before you came to us, and I wanted you to have many years of happiness with us. For the three years that you graced us with your presence, you taught me the meaning of unconditional love, and there will always be a big place in my heart for you. I hope that there is a happy afterlife for both dogs and people, and that someday we can see each other again. I love you, my dear Jumpin’ Annie!
With Love Forever,
| Annie |
| 7, Apr 2009 |
| Dan and Kathy |