Annie

[Finding_Beau]

Today, 26 March is the Birthday of my English Setter girl “Annie”. If Annie had not died at 13 weeks of age she would be 3 years old today.

Annie was not given a chance to grow up and experience the joys of being alive. In her 5 weeks living with us Annie’s car rides, which terrified her, were only to visit the vet. She was too malnourished to risk taking her anywhere other than to the vet.

If I had known she was going to die so young, I would have taken Annie in my arms everywhere .. to show her the walk around the lake that Hammer and Hobson loved so much, the parks close-by where she could watch the ducks in the lake .. and so much more.

The photo above of Annie is placed in front of my computer so that I can see her face every day. Annie will always be with me. I will always miss her.

This is a photo of Annie with Hobson taken only a couple of days before she died. If you look closely you will see that Annie has placed her paw over the top of Hobson’s leg. She has snuggled closely into Hobson. They really loved each other. Even though mature-aged English Setter males can become a little stressed with a baby puppy, Hobson was never this way with Annie. He behaved wonderfully towards her. Annie absolutely adored Hobson. The vision of the pair of them together, side by side, both looking at me, both wagging their tails furiously, the day before Annie died, will always stay with me. 

Hobson and I will always miss our baby girl, Annie so much. I know my English Setters, Jessie, Bandit, Beau, Hammer and Rose and my longhaired Dachshund, Benmore will be taking good care of her. Annie will not be alone.

[James Doran]

She would have had a wonderful life with you, Susan. My sincerest thoughts and best wishes as always.

[Finding_Beau]

Thank you, James. You have always been a very special ES friend. Please give your beautiful Romeo many gentle hugs from me. Susan xxxxxx

[silvia]

My thoughts are with you and sweet Annie in this sad anniversary..

[Barbara]

Susan - I am thinking of you, Annie and all of your Family! B+T xxx

[Finding_Beau]

Thank you Barbara and Silvia. I know you both understand. Sending hugs to you and Tiny and Oberon. Susan xxxx

[Catherine Carter]

I cannot believe it is already three years ago you lost her....such a sad story....my thoughts are with you....sending hugs and licks from my red gang   xxxx

[Finding_Beau]

Thank you Catherine.

Losing Baby Annie was certainly a tragedy for me because of the dishonesty and cruelty of her breeder. If the breeder had been honest and advised me that Annie was the runt of the litter instead of the only show quality female puppy, and if Annie had not been transported inter-state by her breeder in such a malnourished condition at only 8 weeks of age, and if Annie had not been forced to live in filthy conditions by her breeder during her first 8 weeks of life, I do believe Annie might be alive today. But there is nothing I can do to bring my Annie back and then I was sent a deaf girl who almost died at 2 years of age from cancer, my girl Misty. 

At least you are a decent, honest breeder who is doing the right thing by your Red gang and those who purchase your puppies.

Sending many Hugs and Licks to You All from Susan and her Setters with Spots and the rest of our gang xxxxx

[Cornelia]

Hi Annie, You were such a lovely little girl! What a pity, you did not get another chance! There is such a sweet question mark in your eyes on that first photo… Your family is still thinking of you and we are thinking of the family, you left behind. Many hugs to Hobson and Misty, Susan! And kisses from Joy xxx

[Finding_Beau]

Dear Cornelia and Joy

Thank you for caring about my baby girl Annie, and all of us. The tears streamed down my face when you mentioned the “sweet question mark” in Annie’s eyes. The reason she was looking at me this way was because she could not understand why I would not allow her to be with Hobson all the time when I was away from home. Annie could not understand why I placed this plastic fence to separate her from Hobson on the verandah. Annie could see Hobson wherever she was on the verandah and Hobson had an area on the verandah where he could come out and be with her, but this was not enough for Annie. I only separated them while I was away from home for their own protection but Annie was too young to understand this. Hobson was not well at all at this time and he was grieving for Hammer and Rose. For some reason Hobson did not want to stay on the verandah and he became very agitated if I left him there with Annie for any length of time. I was trying to protect them both and keep them safe.

The previous morning before Annie died I sat her on my lap and I said to her: We can no longer isolate you like this. You need to start living your life. Annie came in the car with Hobson and I to the garbage dump that morning. She vomited again because she was still so terrified travelling in a car but we would have overcome this if we were given more time together. Losing Annie is a heart-breaking experience from which I will never recover. The reason is because Annie was grossly neglected in her first 8 weeks of life. This period of time is vitally important for any puppy. Annie’s breeder also lied to me about everything to do with Annie. I was given the wrong information. This was very cruel and very unfair, but I am just a "pet owner" and Annie was just "the runt". 

Sending you and Joy much Love and Kisses from Susan, Hobson and Misty xxxxxx

[Denise Hawkes]

How sad. She was a lucky girl to have had you for those 5 weeks. She knew the love you had for her. You will hold her in your heart forever xxx