THANK YOU, ANNIE.

Yes, it has been too long since I have updated Annie's blog! Bridget, thank you for reminding me as Annie has come so far since her first day here at what I call "the Dog Ranch". An example of how far Annie has come, happened just last night. But.. before I share that story, let me put an advertising plug in for BRUSHING YOUR DOGS TEETH! Yes folks, I have graduated to brushing Annie and Tiger's teeth. I think I might have mentioned it before, but it does extend a dog's life on an average of 3 to 5 years so I feel it's certainly worth my time to keep them around longer.

So, here's the story about how far my little Annie has come. Hysterical little dog that keeps me joyful and grateful 24/7. Annie knows that when she gets her teeth brushed, the reward is to go for a walk right after. So last night, I noticed some tartar build up that had appeared (even though I was brushing her teeth) was breaking up and going away with a new product I've been using (it's a green Gel people, it works! Tropic Clean, clean teeth gel). So, I guess Annie picked up on my happiness that this stuff was working on her plaque and tartar build up. I told her she was a good dog and I put her down. She took off with unadulterated joy and ran through the house like a little crazy dog.. it was hysterical! She made loops going from the kitchen to the living room down the hall into a bedroom and back out to do it all over again.. I have never had a dog express their joy like that before. I can't help but think, "HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME FROM THOSE TERRIBLE DAYS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT, LITTLE LOVING DOG!"

I also, have come to understand the phrase that many people who adopt pets have commented on; that is .. " who rescued whom?" What a treat it is to have this happy little animal as a part of my life. How many times has this little dog brought joy to me when I most needed it and least expected it. Thank you, Annie. You have changed my life for the better in so many ways. I love you, little dog (but you know that, don't you!). I hope you do :)

As for Annie's struggle with weight, she has been working out dilligently on a daily basis. She's got a little routine that starts with her first bathroom break in the back yard. Yes, little Annie, you live to dig! And it's a good thing that I own this property, otherwise, there would be many complaints about all those holes in the back yard now! You dig and dig and dig. I looked at you one day and realized that it was actually a good work out (in addition to our walks) and yes little dog, you do need to loose some weight! The winter has been good to you with all of your treats, not to mention your penchant for people food (that I can't seem to resist indulging you with!).

It is hard to believe that it's been almost a year since our little Ginger, passed. Annie, thank you for helping me "move on". Ginger will always be a part of my heart, she was another well loved Jack Russell Terrier. You and she have the same spunk, intelligence, devotion and loyalty.. to me. I have a lump in my throat just thinking about her, my little bean. So I heard something today that made me think of you Ginge; it went something like this.. a part of a poem, I think.. "I can mourn her death with crying or I can celebrate her life with joy.." I know it was more than that but wow, did that make me think of you, Ginny! Ok, this is Annie's blog, can't steal her thunder but it's always good to recognize her roots in you! If it weren't for you, there would not be an Annie. And since I'm doing this.. if it weren't for two other Jack Russell's (neighbors dogs) there never would have been a Ginger! They are Scooter, who used to run out and jump all over me (in my suits, no less..) every morning when I would leave for work.. and she would be there every night to greet me, when I would come home. Those were hard years, and she brought me a lot of joy. She was hit and killed on he main road in the development. I will never forgive the neighbors for letting that special little dog run the neighborhood like that which ultimately cost her, her life. :( That was almost 20 years, hard to believe, I am honored to give tribute here, she deserves it). The other shout out, goes to BUSTER.. little Scooters replacement after she was killed. Again, they didn't learn.. little Buster was doomed and met the same fate that Scooter did. Both Scooter and Buster will always be remembered by ME! Happy little dogs. Okay, enough with the shout outs for past little pup's, back to the land of the living!

Annie, you have taught me so many things. For example, I do my best to live in the moment. Also, my own tendency to dwell on the negative and hardships is all but impossible to indulge with you and your little funny antics keeping me going in a positive direction. So, that brings me to the next point I wanted to document. Yes, Annie.. you have big plans that I really attribute to your growth and healing because I never would have thought you were capable of this when you first came here. I am now exploring "Therapy Dog" programs for you. We need to do some training but we'll get there. That is my ultimate goal for you, little dog. The joy you bring me every day, I think you could share with the elderly or the sick to enrich their lives and I think it would be something you would love and have fun. That's what my goal is for you. To have such a wonderful life Annie, that you completely forget those terrible first two years of hardships.

To anyone that reads this, thanks for giving Annie's blog your time. She's well worth it!