Annie ....

Annie entered my life like many new family additions -- unexpected and in the middle of the night. In response to the persistent pounding on my front door at 2:00 a.m., I cautiously peered through a small opening. There, huddled in the arms of my friend, were three trembling pounds of the cutest puppy I have ever seen. She looked up at me with that worried expression that she always wears, and I was hooked, totally and completely.

My life has not been the same ever since. We have survived housebreaking and all the mornings I have stood outside at 4:00 a.m. in my pajamas, freezing and bleary-eyed while Annie attempted to find the perfect (here? .... no not here .... maybe over there .... no .... what was that noise? .... was that a cat? .... oh, OK, I guess here) spot.

Dubbed "The Wind-Up Toy" at puppy class, her boundless energy, fearlessness, and comical antics keep us all entertained. My "Meeter-Greeter" dog, my furry little Ambassador of Goodwill approaches every human and every dog as if they were a long-lost friend.

Who can resist such unconditional love presented in a package with a tail that wags a mile-a-minute? She forgives me when I'm grumpy, knows when its time to be quiet and snuggle, and is always ready (oh so ready) to lick my face. I can no longer imagine my life without Annie. Some have said she's spoiled - she is. She deserves to be.
                                                                                                 --  Katie_Pratt@lmindustries.com