Our dear, sweet English Setter Annabelle turns six years old today. She is the great, great, granddaughter of our late Trudi who lived to the amazing age of sixteen years, two months. Unlike all our other English Setter who have come to live with us here on Bridgvale Farm as adult dogs, Annie has been with us since she was a wee pup of ten weeks.
Annie as a wee pup
Annie is our official Bridgvale Farm Scout. She loves to spend hours in the back field hunting for wild things that visit the farm. This trait, I am certain, she inherited from her great, great gran. Trudi liked nothing better than to spend hours scouting in the back field. Annie, as a wee one, would be out there with her.
Annie is the self-appointed teacher of other Setters joining the family in the ways of hunting, ever-so-quietly, on the wooded hillside where she spends the better part of her day, in all kinds of weather. When Lily joined our pack two years ago (at the age of two years), Annie’s skills were put to a true test. Lily screamed like a coyote when sighting a bird, much to Annie’s chagrin. Today, hunting side-by-side with Annie as her teacher, Lily has picked up the skills of a pro. Good job Annie!
Annie takes her job as offical Scout seriously. I consider her my canine household manager, as well. Annie is a quiet, reserved girl. She likes to stick close to home. She doesn’t even enjoy a ride in the car, unless others from her pack accompany her. Annie is not a therapy dog, like James and Lily. That job just simply wouldn’t be to her liking. She has chosen her own job and does it well. I wouldn’t dream of forcing her to take on a different role.
Annie’s favorite treat!
Annie with her favorite toy Chicky.
Annie will celebrate today with her favorite treat: Broccoli. Yes – this girl loves this healthy green vegetable. She can smell it as I bring a bunch from the refrigerator. She runs in from wherever she is to ask for a piece or two. She’s thrilled to offer her pals James and Lily a bowl-full of Broccoli. A little portion at a time. A week’s worth. Annie and I took an early morning walk together. Something she truly enjoys, and later today, she and I will bring her favorite childhood toy out of the closet where it’s kept safely from Lily who would tear it to shreds within minutes. I’ll toss her chicky for her and she’ll run around the room tossing it in the air, just as she did as a puppy. I hope Annie’s great, great gran’s longevity genes pass on to her and she has many more birthdays ahead of her.