Introducing Anni :)

[Tweety-holic]

I went to the shelter in hopes of finding an old dog to adopt (10 + years) to spend it's final years in a loving home. I spent days on Petfinder and couldn't find the right dog for me. So, when I went to the shelter and was disappointed when the dog I wanted was $50 over my budget, I walked around sadly. I finally saw a shy little face look up at me from inside the kennel- a little terrier mix with big brown eyes. I read her description- her name was Etta James, and she was 5 years old. She had a little arthritis in her back legs that would hinder her from too much strenuous activities or long walks. I looked at her again, and she seemed to fit perfectly for me. I didn't want an overactive puppy, but she was calm and just wanted a home.
We asked to take her out, and she seemed to get around fine on her back legs. We saw that she was a great lap dog- something I love. Next thing you know, we were filling out the adoption papers. While we were being interviewed, curious volunteers would walk by and give a look to the interview that asked, "Who's being adopted?" The interview would say, "Etta James", and the volunteers would cheer with happiness. Apparently, Etta had been there a while but no one wanted her for her old age and her arthritis. She did however, warm the hearts of many of the workers and volunteers. Every one was in love with Etta.
The interview went smoothly and before we left with our new dog, a volunteer gave Etta her last goodbye, tearing up. She had really loved Etta James and said that if she didn't already have 3 dogs at home, she would have adopted her a long time ago. She was happy to see her being adopted to a nice home, and we said goodbye. I am going to surprise that certain volunteer with updates, pictures, and a few visits every few weeks
We re-named Etta James to Anni, which she is already learning. Instead of going straight home, we went to my boyfriend's house, where Anni immediately became best friends with their cocker spaniel, Blue. They now are sleeping in beds that are side-by-side, snoring away. Anni has tried to mount Blue a few times (-sigh-) and would yelp out in pain because of her leg pain. I'm also making sure she doesn't jump off of things, and when I pick her up and set her back down, I make sure it's front paws first. She is very loving- after running around with Blue (ha! they said she wasn't playful ...little did they know!), she came to me and curled up in my lap, rolled over on her back, and asked for some belly rubs.
I love this little dog to death already, and I'm glad she's spending a night away from the shelter.
She moves a lot so I couldn't get a decent picture- this is the best i could get >.<



I will get more pictures tomorrow when I get home and have my camera

[Marrie]

Aw, glad you found a nice fit hopefully with treatment her arthritis won't give her too much trouble as the years go on, my little mix has it and she's going on 14 now and can still get around, just not as well as some other dogs!

[boomer girl]

How sweet you gave your little Anni her forever home. Sometimes the ones that need you the most are the also the ones that love you the most. I heard good things about treatments for arthritis in dogs these days, if it gets too bad I think a vet can help her out lots.

[Tweety-holic]

The shelter said that she would have to be on inflamatory medicine in the future, but she doesn't need anything right now. I'm still going to get her something for her joints, although, to help prevent it- maybe Super Joint Enhancer. It's a bit pricey, so I might try to find something just as good but cheaper. I just want to hold her arthritis off for as long as possible, because really, she's not event that old :/ She still plays- she found one of my stuffed animals that she absolutely LOVES. She's constantly throwing it around, and well...ahem, humping... it -_-
And boomer girl, exactly She's been so sweet. She stays under my feet constantly. She won't even eat unless I'm right beside her. And she has a vet appointment in a few days, so I'm going to check more about her arthritis. I heard they had shots that REALLY help but I don't think she needs them right now. But later on, definitely.

Also, my dad didn't well, take too good to Anni being introduced. Basically, it was get rid of her or leave. Of course I left, haha. I packed some stuff, my dogs, and am now living with my brother :-) Thing is, although Anni's presence caused some problems, a cat came up to me while I was taking her on a walk. Most cats around here will run at the sight of some one, but this one actually let me pet it. It crawled in my lap and just stayed on my front porch. I took it inside, let it relax until my mom got there to pick me up. I had to take it back outside, but I made it a bed and every thing. Once I get settled today after school, I'm going back to go get it. I'm about to make an appointment to get it neutered, whether I keep it or not (probably won't, just going to find a home for it)