Annie, Page 3

Text Box: Early the next morning, Annie’s condition had worsened tremendously.  I carefully carried her outside and once again used my hands to support her hind quarters so that she could relieve herself, but she was unable to.  I carried her back into the house and gently put her on the bedding I had placed down for her.  I fed her breakfast and was over joyed to see that she gulped it right down.  A glimpse of hope came over me thinking maybe she will be all right, but then reality set back in.  Several hours later Dr. Kirby arrived, it was time.  As she lay there, I gently picked up her head so that I could cradle her in my arms and stroke her sweet face telling her she will be going to a wonderful place where she will be young again, her heart young and healthy and there will be many, many other furry friends who will greet her upon her arrival.  That there will be rich green fields to frolic in and nothing but warm sunshine to warm her sweet body.

Annie’s system had shut down entirely early that morning so it was very hard for her to pass away.  After two injections, Annie finally started to let go and as she started closing her eyes, I told her through loving tears and a crackled voice, “I will remember you Annie and I am so sorry I could not have been there for you sooner.  You will never have to hurt from the hurtful hands of humans, suffer from pain, be scared or be hungry ever again.”  As she closed her eyes, I wished her everlasting sweet precious dreams.  I did not know Annie that long, maybe 12 hours, but during that time, she deeply touched my heart.  

After her passing, I became very angry with myself knowing that I should have put her down when I learned of her pathetic condition and being so naïve thinking that someone was actually looking for this beautiful old gal, but then realized if I had, she would not have felt for the last time in her final hours a loving hand, feeling safe, contentment, and having once again her very own bowl filled with food. All the things she should have experienced all her life right up to the end.  Had I put her down, she would have left this world feeling unwanted and unloved, I changed that.  Not having felt the shock yet, the next day as I was going to work, I suddenly broke down in tears. I cried for the remainder of the day.  Several days later, though not having her long enough to give Annie her very own collar, I purchased one to hang on my rearview mirror along with all the other collars, so that I may always remember her as I do my other beloved Collies that have passed over to the Bridge.  I also had her cremated and her remains are in a beautiful urn with 3 roses set beside her.  Annie now sits beside all my other Collies I have lost in the past so that I may always reflect upon her as I do all the others.  I would not have it any other way.

Mommy loves you Annie.  You will always be remembered
Text Box: To better understand how Annie must have felt, please  read  Sandy Thompson’s   “Do I Go Home Today?
Text Box: If Annie’s story touched you as deeply as it did me, please take a moment to let me know what you thought about her story.  Please either sign our guestbook or email which ever you prefer.  Thanks!