Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Poor Annie

Well, it was a tough weekend. Poor Annie got sick late Friday night and we were up most of the night so I took her to my vet early Saturday morning. He had some new information for us. Instead of Annie being a 1 year old pup, he is thinking she is between 3-5 years old and leaning more towards the later side. With the way she is acting and by the looks of her tummy, we are thinking it is very likely that this poor girl was used at a puppy mill for breeding. Who knows how many litters she had before either being thrown away or getting loose. The vet also thought she had most likely never seen the light of day by the way she acts outside.

I have called in a pro who is coming on Saturday to help. She has worked with many puppy mill dogs and 99 percent of them have had happy endings with tails wagging and wonderful outcomes. As I already knew, it is just going to take LOTS of time and patience. Annie has never been able to just be a dog. It's time to rewrite her story.

After some medication and special food Annie is doing well. The blood work came back all good too so at least we know she is healthy physically. Now, we just need to work on the mental health.

To leave this note with a positive...since we got our fence installed, Annie has been able to go out without the leash and is learning to deal with outside. She still won't go out without being led by her collar with much resistance but she is getting a little better each day.

At least we can say she is no longer known as little orphan Annie!

15 comments:

Life's Beautiful Path said...

Phyllis, what a touching story. I cried. We all can thank you and your family for taking her in and have patiences that was needed to love Annie. I loved your illustrations of a more peaceful Annie.

Emily Harris said...

I love you Mommy! I know we can do this. It will just take time and trust. I am with you every step of the way! The outcome WILL be great. :) Here's to a beautiful spring of healing for Annie!

Phyllis Harris said...

Thank you, Nida. I know Annie will be worth all the heartache.

I sketched these golden puppies for a friend's baby awhile back. I had a onesie made with these images but they were painted digitally first. I plan on painting them in traditional watercolors hopefully soon and then re-posting them in color.

Phyllis Harris said...

Yes, you are right, Em! We'll do it together! :o)

Michelle Henninger said...

Oh Phyllis, what a sad, sad story. People who run puppy mills are just so cruel! I don't understand it. I'm so happy that Annie and your family have been brought together. She is a lucky dog to have found an owner who loves her so much already! I'm sure that little by little, she will finally feel safe in her new home!

Laura Jacobsen said...

Oh Phyllis, you guys are the best. I cried too for Annie. Poor little girl. We had a similar situation with our last Springer. She was almost dead when they found her, severely anemic, ridden with chicken fleas, an infected eye that had to be removed, and had been attacked by other dogs. She had no idea how to be a dog. It took time, and a lot of patience, but she learned to love walkies and snuggles, although she could not wag her tail and almost never barked. You are fortunate that Annie is in relatively good health. That really helps.Stay strong, it will be worth it.

Phyllis Harris said...

Thank you, Michelle!

Oh Laura, I remember you telling me about that sweet dog. Hearing your stories, knowing you have been almost exactly where we are is SO helpful. It helps give me the courage to go forward with all of this. So THANK YOU!!!!

roz said...

Thanks so much for sharing the updates. I'm so attached to her now and I don't even "know" her.
xo

Susan Miller said...

Looks like Annie found the right home.

kelley80 said...

Okay, I am not going to be nice...those puppy mill people ...grrrr, seriously, do you really need money that bad?? i know it pays better than working at the liquor store during the graveyard shift but seriously, I hope in your next life, wait, before I get really nasty, I hope than in your next life you come back as one of Annies pups and she loves you to pieces just to show you what real love is and what life is really supposed to be. So there! Puppy mill peeps! plllbbbttttttttttt!!!

June said...

I only just came across your sad story.
Day by day little Annie will discover that you have plenty of unconditional love to give, and that through you she can learn to live happily. I know it will be a long journey, but what a worthwhile outcome. Good luck and blessings to you all.

MrBibleHead said...

God bless you Phyllis and Em, Annie is so fortunate to have been introduced into your family. I'm so glad that her physical state is good. She'll come around... and they all lived happily ever after. Can't wait to see your pup illustrations watercolored.

Tom Barrett said...

You're a real trooper! Glad too see you are sticking with Annie to get her thru this tough time. You are her angel!

Jen Saulovic said...

Rooting for Annie!

BLUEANGLER said...

It is a very touching story! Thanks for sharing!