The Store of Annie

By Dena Delgado
Southern California Dachshund Rescue

Annie was 8 years old and had been dumped at the Carrollton Texas Humane Society. Her original owner was a breeder in who dumped her when Annie failed to produce a sufficient volume of puppies to make keeping her worthwhile.

Annie finally came into rescue in Texas in January 2003, but was not brought to California until two months later by rescuer Chris Jacobson, to find a forever home. Annie was an adorable ten-pound, black and tan dapple mini with silky longhair and soft brown eyes. I spoke to Chris on the phone about Annie, and volunteered to foster her and find her a forever home. Chris agreed. I didn't realize just how tiny and precious Annie was until I held her in my arms. She was soft as a cloud and light as a feather, giving wonderful tiny kisses of greeting. She was so quiet. In the weeks she stayed with me, she never barked! Can you imagine, a quiet dachshund? Oh, this was going to be a difficult placement….. I would have trouble letting this little girl go. She was a dream dog.

Annie wasn't posted on my Rescue Sweethearts page for more than a day when I received several applications. One of them was exceptional. It was from a lovely lady living near the California/Arizona border. Patti fell in love with Annie's picture and her little tale of woe. I called her, and after a long conversation, we made arrangements for Patti to come to Orange County to adopt Annie and take her home. This was not an easy task, as it is a very long drive. Patti solved the driving problem by hiring a limo to drive her part of the way. Boy, was I impressed when a beautiful 2003 gold Cadillac limo pulled up in front of my house. Patti could not have been nicer, and Annie liked her right away, snuggling into her lap and snoozing while we chatted. It was difficult for me to let her go, but Patti was so nice, I knew Annie was going to have a wonderful life with her.

From Patti on March 31, 2003:

Dear Dena:
She can bark!!! She is so cute!! She sleeps in my bed. Her favorite toy is a blue squeaky giraffe. She follows me everywhere like a little shadow. She is curled up at my feet right now. She is the greatest little girl I've ever seen. Sunday was a wonderful nap in the sun while I weeded the flowerbeds. Her little tail thumps on the floor when she gets happy. I am working on getting pictures to share.
Thank you so much for my special friend.
Patti

From Patti on April 11, 2003:

Dear Dena:
It has been two weeks now. Annie and I are doing splendidly.
During the drive to Palm Springs, Annie was a little nervous but she did very well. When we arrived at the airport where I left my car, she was introduced to the staff at AAA Limousine Service. I was able to explain her history and a bit about unscrupulous breeders.

The second leg of the trip was another 2 hours I drove myself, and she finally gave up and slept the last hour. When we arrived home, she explored and sniffed out every corner of the house. The little girl was totally exhausted and slept a lot for the first day at home.

Saturday morning she was sufficiently rested to explore the yard. I have about 2 acres surrounded by a six-foot chain link fence with a locked gate so she is very safe. It was a lovely, quiet day and she was able to relax while supervising my gardening techniques. Saturday at bedtime, she decided she would sleep in my bed instead of her crate.

She went to work with me one day this week and made a wonderful impression on everyone she met. I am able to tell her story and discourage people from purchasing dogs in pet stores. Many people are amazed that such breeders exist and all are appalled. Annie is a wonderful ambassador for this cause. Most people are not aware that thousands of unwanted pets are euthanized. Annie and I are trying to set the record straight.
She has taken on the role of protector. Every vehicle that enters the driveway is warned off with her precious little bark. She barks at the strange noises my computer makes, and she barks when she hears dogs on TV. She enjoys chasing the chickens and is so proud of herself when she makes them scatter. I find myself smiling more and more. She has the cutest personality I have ever seen. I also find myself rushing on shopping trips so I can get back home to Annie.

She is my shadow, and she follows me everywhere. She sits, patiently waiting for me what ever I am doing. She is the biggest cuddler I have ever seen. She snoozes beside me or in my lap only forsaking me for a sunny spot in the window.

I wanted you to know how well things are going and to thank you for everything you have done for us. It was really a pleasure meeting you, and I will keep you updated from time to time.

Sincerely,
Patti

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