Regrettably, it wasn’t always like this. The Labrador retriever mix’s former owner turned the old dog over to a Dallas Animal Services facility in the summer. According to veterinarians, Annie arrived at the shelter in poor health and had just one month to live.
Dallas Animal Services shared Annie’s story on social media and urged animal lovers to think about fostering the dog in order to make sure Annie’s last month was full with love.
When Lauren Siler came across Annie’s advertisement on Dallas Animal Services, the business analyst “knew I had to figure out how to get her,” the analyst tells PEOPLE.
When Lisa, my roommate and best friend, saw her picture, she said, “We have to have her,” as Siler relates.
Siler and her friend Lisa Flores contacted Dallas Animal Services to see if they could foster the elderly dog. The shelter referred the pair to The Pawerful Rescue, which had taken over Annie’s care while she awaited a foster.
When Siler submitted for fostering with Flores, she states the Pawerful Rescue was “very honest about Annie’s sickness and that the vets anticipated we would have a month with her.”
Siler and Flores were unconcerned by Annie’s shorter deadline. The mates, who met while teaching at the same elementary school five years ago, decided to nurture the Lab mix and give her “the finest dang month of her life.” Siler and Flores prepared a bucket list for Annie to guarantee that her days were filled with joy, love, and comfort.
“When Lisa and I adopted her at the end of June, we anticipated her to remain for just a month. That’s when the idea of developing a bucket list occurred to me “Siler explains.
“We began with a few things like a car trip, swimming, a birthday party, and Christmas in July, and it simply snowballed from there,” she recalls.
As the end of July came, Flores and Siler, who had been chronicling Annie’s bucket list travels on Instagram (@dallasanimalfoster), concluded Annie “wasn’t ready to leave,” so the buddies proceeded to add to the list.
“She has created paintings, been a chef and made homemade dog treats, hosted baby showers, gone on a hamburger tour, and so much more,” Siler said of Annie, adding that the senior canine’s over 19,000 admirers have suggestions for what she should do next.
Annie has outlasted her veterinarian’s forecasts by a long stretch. The dog, who was only predicted to live for one month longer in June, is still enjoying fun with her foster family today.
“I suppose she swiftly learned that living here was “the good life.” We were going to pamper her rotten, say ‘Yes’ every time she asked for a treat, take her places, and offer her a luxurious life for as long as she lived with us “Siler adds.
Annie likes relaxing, snoozing, potty breaks, and getting mail when she isn’t crossing another thing off her bucket list.
“When fan letter packages come, she grins. It’s simply hilarious! She has a genuine smile and adores getting letters. We started shooting her’smile’ every time someone sent her something on Instagram, and many people have taken notice “Siler adds.
Annie adores eating and will “happy dance” for it. Siler and Flores hope Annie’s fans are persuaded to give older rescue animals a chance after experiencing the senior dog’s puppy-like charm.
“We gladly advise individuals to cultivate. The sad reality is that without someone stepping forward to foster, these creatures are being put down on a daily basis because shelters are simply overwhelmed. Annie is special to us, but she is not a unicorn. Hundreds of Annies are presently placed at a shelter. Waiting for someone to step forward and take care of them, “Siler says.
“These elderly dogs have given so much of themselves to someone only to be abandoned at the shelter. I feel we owe it to these seniors to aid them in completing their life strong “She continues.
Annie’s bucket list will stay active as long as the dog is engaged and energetic enough to participate in the activities. Annie’s newest antics may be viewed on Instagram @dallasanimalfoster.