The Dash In between

We have had a hard time dealing with Annie's death. I knew it would be hard but I never dreamed it would be this hard. But Annie is better now, it's just us that are hurting.

To me, the dash in between is the joy and love that she gave us for almost 8 years. I had to kind of play a little bit of head games with Joe back in 2001 when I decided I was ready for another dog. Here's how it went

I had been without a dog for 8 years after Jack (also a boxer) died. But I was ready again. I told Joe that I wanted a dog for Christmas that year. I wanted a boxer, of course, and his reaction was that a dog didn't belong in the house, it belonged outside. I told him that I disagreed and that a dog is part of the family. I wanted a dog to be with me inside and outside. He was steadfast in his opinion that a dog should be outside. I realized my approach wasn't working so I told him that if I couldn't have a dog inside that I didn't want one at all. After a short period of time he realized that I was serious and gave in.

I started looking and searching for a boxer puppy. I finally found an ad and called. They had several left but only a couple of males which was what I wanted. I had always had males in the past. We went to look at the pups. While Joe and I were standing in the little kennel one little girl kept coming over to both of us as if to say "take me!" Before either one of us knew what had happened that little girl had jumped into our hearts. We looked at each other and both agreed that she was the one.

Steph held her on the ride home. I was tossing around names and finally decided on Annie. I had always loved that name. I also wanted to name her after my precious mother who's name was Betty Jo. Mom's nickname was Bunny, so Annie Betty Jo Bunny it was. For you who read my brother, So, you know that his Boston is named Bunny for the same reason.

Joe's heart started softening to the little pointed head puppy named Annie. Not too long after that he had a bad case of shingles which started getting into his head toward his eyes. He went to the doctor where they put some medicine in his eyes that he was apparently allergic to. It burnt his eyes. He couldn't work for several weeks and literally couldn't do anything except stay in a dark room. It was during this time that he and Annie truly bonded. She was only about 3 months old and she and Joe were inseparable. The rest is history.

When we buried her Saturday under the flag, he told her that she had been the best thing in his life. That she had opened his eyes to so many things. And she did. She brought so much love to our family as only dogs can do. She will be forever missed but never forgotten.