Saying Goodbye to Annie

Life is Not Fair

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Annie Oakley January 3, 2021-October 7, 2022

Annie, the sweetest dog you’ve ever met ended her way too short life 12:45 am October 7, 2022 at age 21 months. We spent a long 48 hours visiting 4 different veterinary hospitals, each with higher levels of care as her condition deteriorated rapidly from a dog happily chasing a ball to crossing the rainbow bridge in that length of time.

We will have results eventually which should give us an answer, but for now, all we know is that sweet delicate girl had a brain stem lesion that took away her ability to swallow, walk correctly then eventually even breathe in the blink of an eye. The test results, when they come back, will tell us whether it was cancer or meningual encephalitis of unknown origin. But in the meantime, our hearts and souls are crushed.

This is for her:

Banannie my sweetie pie, you were supposed to be our last dog. You were supposed to outlive us. We had made arrangements for someone else who loved you as much as we did to take over your care after we left. You came into our lives at a dark time and gave us back light. You offered your entire heart to us willingly and unconditionally.

We couldn’t step outside the car for even a second without you mauling us when we returned. You were always overjoyed to see us. When daddy took you on trips, he looked forward to returning from them just to watch you go bonkers when you saw me again.

Walking into a motel room was always a joy because you were so excited to find the mirror so you could talk to “the other dog” there.

In your short life, besides Wyoming, you spent time in Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota and New Mexico. But the list of plans for adventures with you was still way longer than the list of adventures you got to have.

You were just coming into your own. Your sweet little face looking up at us is something that can’t be replaced. You waiting at the top of the stairs for me to throw up your toys for the night every single night is something that can’t be reproduced. Your patience and obedience were amazing. The trust you had in us made us want to be better people.

Now we have to figure out how to leave the house without calling for you, pack for a trip without getting meals, toys and a bed for you, what I’m supposed to do with your TikTok channel, and so much more.

You were a snuggy puppy, you offered unconditional love. We loved you right back, and we loved you with all our hearts. Now as we venture out into a world where you no longer are, we are forced to find our footing having experienced your pure unconditional love, wondering why, when there really isn’t a reason.