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| Name: |
Annie
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Age: |
Five years old
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| Gender: |
Female |
Breed: |
Lab mix |
| Home: |
Snow Camp, North Carolina, USA |
Hello,
I would like to introduce my dog Annie. I am not sure about her
age. The vet said she was a lab mix and maybe a year old in May 2006 and
we've had her for four years so that makes her five.
This is what I do know. We were gone for a week in May 2006 and when we
got back, there was a stray dog in the yard. You could tell she had been
on her own for awhile. Poor thing was very skinny and covered in ticks
and no collar but still she slowly wagged her tail. She didn't rush up
but just stood there waiting. I am not one to run up to unknown dogs
until I know a little about them. I called my neighbor who said she had
been feeding her two days and she was sweet. She wanted to keep her but
she didn't have the time or money to take care of her.
The next day dog was still here, sort of creeping around really, trying
not to intrude but wanting to be accepted. I took my little housedog
and cat outside to see what would happen with the stray dog. Dog slowly
crept forward in a submissive way and they sniffed each other and no
problems. After seeing how she acted with my pets, I decided dog could
stay because I felt sorry for her. I certainly wasn't looking for
another pet but she obviously needed a home and care. I thought of
Little Orphan Annie and named her Annie. That was in May 2006 and she's
been part of the family ever since.
After deciding she could stay, we got everything a new dog needs and
bathed and de-ticked her and took her to the vet for a checkup.
Fortunately she did not have heart worms. The surprise was that she had
already been spayed. I've often wondered why anyone would throw away a
sweet dog that had been spayed. I will never know exactly what happened.
I suspect that Annie was brought out to the country and left to fend for
herself; it happens a lot. She probably roamed in the woods and lived
off what she could catch for food and drank from the creek. Poor dog had
been through some rough times and was very boney and very afraid of any
loud noise (and still is) and somewhat cautious with people. I also
think she had been abused because she was so skittish of unknown people
and still is to some extent.
Now to the present, Annie is a wonderful dog. Slowly over the months and
years she feels safe and secure here and she trusts us. She is like our
shadow. Anytime we are outside there is Annie waiting for a pat on the
head. She has been wonderful to her chihuahua sister LilGirl who just
adores Annie. She is often up in Annie's face who is very tolerant and
patient with her (see photo). As for brother cat Luke I must say that
Annie gives him his space which is probably a good idea.
Annie doesn't do tricks as such. She will come up to me, stand there,
look up and I know she wants an animal cookie which I usually have in my
pocket for her and LilGirl dog. Annie loves the long walks to the
mailbox, to the pond, or in the woods or chasing squirrels and rabbits.
Sometimes Annie and LilGirl run and chase each other as fast as they
can. A fun thing that Annie does is roll in the gravel or grass to get a
back massage. Also she really goes into action if any other dog comes
on our property; her back comes up and she will chase it away
immediately.
Annie is special because even though she went through a terrible time in
her early life she stayed strong and didn't give up and kept her good
friendly nature. She is a part of our family and we love her, and we
know she loves us too.
See more images of Annie!
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