Sponsored by: Shayna 3/25/07: Annie came into RAGOM on March 23 as part of the big ND puppy mill rescue. Her entire world  has been turned upside down and she is one wee sweet girl!

Annie was the first adult dog to be vetted and bathed when the dogs arrived in Hastings, and we were on the bathing team. Little did I know, the first scared little beauty we lovingly rubbed dry with the first fluffy towel she's ever seen would end up being our foster dog! We have a photo to actually commemorate the event!  We were given the privilege of naming her, and I chose Annie. First, being first dog, I thought A would be a good name..alpha, first... then I thought of Little Orphan Annie...and she's no longer an orphan, and finally, I thought of Annie Oakley...of Annie Get Your Gun, but in our Annie's case, she's Annie Get Your Fun. She has a lifetime of love, games, fun, joy and doggie pleasures ahead of her!

At this point, we don't know much about her history or age. We think she's probably under 2 or 3 years old, as her teeth and gums are very clean and white and healthy. She's got a nice tight tummy and no "stretch marks", we don't even know if she's had a litter yet. She's very dainty and petite, and probably weighs around 60 pounds or so. She's got a pretty, blocky little face and her furnishings are feathery and soft. I clipped several large ugly mats from her ears and she does have quite a few ear scars from damage incurred either from dog scuffles or damage on crates and her environment. She took my attentions in stride! Her ears are suprisingly clean. She has some scars on her nose, but they almost look like they would have been made from sticking her face through a rough fence or crate.

She has had very big eyes at our house. Her introductions to our gang went very well, she is clearly dog savvy and happy around other dogs.  She will be required to go to a home with another dog as puppy mill kids do much better to have a canine mentor to bond with. She has taken a shine to Lizzie, our 13 year old girl, and the feeling is mutual. Shane and Rosie have been very well behaved and one lip curl was immediately corrected (Shane, who else?). As I type this she is laying next to the water dish and our three are all within 4 feet of her. Everyone is relaxed.

Annie did stairs up and down for the first time. She shook very hard but never missed a step. She is a very brave girl and I think once over her initial shyness, will be very self confidant. She has already discovered the joys of pets and asking for love.

I know this is a long first post, but I want everyone out there who is new to RAGOM and reading up on the ND rescue kids that at least one of them is already settling in nicely and has decided in 12 short hours that house dog life is pretty cushy. Dogs live for today and every day that passes, the nightmare of their past fades. Love, patience, discipline and consistency are what these kids need and if you have those and a willingness to open your home and be a part of something bigger...this is your opportunity.

Annie will require vetting, more vaccinations and a wait of 4 weeks to see if she is pregnant. I asked her if she could maybe pee on an ept test for me, but she just rolled her eyes at me. So, we will wait.

Lizzie will be teaching Annie how to play tug, counter surf (haha) and use a laptop so she can write her own updates. Be sure to check back often, we will be posting lots of pictures and milestones!   We removed her icky rusted collar and were struck by the stark cruelty of this.
Finally free from the chains that bind!