Born on July 14th, 2007, Annie is the oldest pup in our pack of three wonderful English Setters. She entered our lives as a ten-week-old rascal of a puppy, and was soon educated in the ways of the household by her great grandma Trudi who was twelve years old at the time. Great grandma Trudi lived to the amazing age of sixteen years, two months, with few health problems throughout her record-long life. Annie seems to have her great grandma Trudi’s genes still maintaining her youthful looks. I swear she beams when she and I are out walking and someone comments on my cute new puppy!
Unlike her younger siblings, seven-year-old littermates King and Lily, Annie isn’t a therapy dog. No, Annie prefers the home life. Happy just to remain back home while King and Lily suit up in their therapy dog vests each week to head out to work in schools helping children learn to read and do better in school. Annie’s working title is Household Manager, and my senior partner, now that great grandma Trudi, and littermates James and Julia – all older than Annie – have passed on. She’s now the one at the top of the ladder, and in her own quiet way, she enjoys having it over King and Lily. She keeps me in line, too, acting as my inner conscience… she seems to be with me wherever I go. I hear her voice in my head keeping me on track.
Like her great grandma Trudi, Annie (knock on wood) has had no major health issues, just a needed teeth cleaning now and then. She gets a clean bill of health from the vet at her annual check-ups. At nine-years-old, she’s well on her way to reaching Trudi’s age… our longest living dog… maybe Annie will break her record! Her birthday treat? Broccoli. This girl loves her vegetables, broccoli being her favorite. After downing a few florets, she and I will go on a long quiet walk together. Something we both enjoy. What better way to celebrate her 9th birthday!