And then along came Annie !

I am not sure if I have mentioned how many animals I had when we moved into our house. There was one dog, named Kaya, she was the best dog ever. A once in a lifetime kind of dog.  There were two cats, Grey Kitty and Precious. Precious is still with us and is eighteen years young.  As for horsey type animals I had Bubba the mule and Amy, my beautiful buckskin.  That was it.  Pretty simple.

Through the years there have been several different dogs that have blessed our home.   My dear husband is often heard saying things like "NO MORE PETS".  I of course hear those words but for some reason I guess I forget.  How ridiculous that would be , me with no pets.  Like not breathing for me.

So on the Saturday before our trip to Alaska I decided to stop in at PetsMart near the house. I needed some odor killer.  In my brain I asked myself "I wonder if they are having the adoption thing today?"  I walked in and sure enough there were a couple of portable corrals set up with several dogs and puppies.  My eyes went right to Annie.  She was in with a few very cute puppies but I didn't even see them.  I only saw her.  She was so beautiful and so sweet.  I had already fallen in love with her when I realized she only had three legs.  Yep, she's a cute tripod.  It is her right front that is missing which makes things a little tougher.

Well I knew I couldn't take her home because we were leaving and I wouldn't have enough time to get her into our routine.  I mentioned to the rescue girl I was very interested but I would have to wait.  If she is still available when I get back I will adopt her.  This is how I know when things are meant to be, as I drove off from PetsMart I cried like a baby.  God had put that dog on my heart and I knew she was going to be part of our family soon.  I thought about Annie during my trip. Wondering if she was still available.  I was very excited to get home and find out.

Now you all must realize I haven't mentioned Annie to Gary yet.  No point in getting into an argument  for no reason.  When it comes to new pets I am a firm believer in not asking for permission but asking for forgiveness.  Once they are in the house they will have a safe and loving home for the rest of their lives.  Gary loves them as much as I do. Especially the cats.  We came home on Saturday late in the afternoon.  On Sunday my friend Dona asked if I wanted to run an errand with her and I did.  Off we went towards Alma School and Elliott.  While on our way I thought what a perfect time to call Jen and check on Annie.  Jen answered the phone and was so excited I called.  It seems she didn't even take Annie to the last two PetsMart adoption days in hopes I would really call and adopt her.  God thing !!!!!!  Jen works and has been keeping Annie in a crate for almost 20 hours a day !! EEEEEEEKKKKKKK !!!  She hates doing that and asked if I could pick her up now.  God bless Dona, we were half way there as it was and Jen said she could come our way so we agreed to transfer Annie to me ASAP.  We met at Guadalupe and McClintok in the parking lot.  We were lucky there was a big tree with shade that we could park under and get Annie moved to Dona's car.  After a little paperwork we were on our way.  Annie is an awesome car traveler.  She just lays down and enjoys the ride.  On the way home my mind was pondering the approach to take to get her in the house.  I decided to go around the back and get her into the yard.  That way the other dogs could greet her out in the open.  When I went around to the gate I couldn't get it open. Ahhhhhh ! Frustrating.  Oh well we are going in the front door, what the heck.  I opened the door and we came in.  Bustah, Corky and Blue were there to greet Annie in typical dog style, lots of sniffs.  Basically Gary came from the office and said "what do we have here? another dog?"  "Yep her name is Annie, she has three legs, I love her and she made me cry".  End of story, well not really the end but as far as any discussion it was.

Annie fell into place within five minutes.  She fits into our groove as if she has been here all her life.  I knew she would, that's why I was so intent on adopting her.  I knew God had put her in my path for just that reason.   One of my desires is to have a therapy dog to take to the cancer clinics and spread some joy.  I know I love having a dog come around when I am feeling yucky. Annie is that dog !!  I have to do some research and get her into a program.  What an inspiration she will be.  A three legged dog with a heart as big as the world.  Annie is only a year old so hopefully with Gods grace spend many years together spreading cheer and happy times for lots of people.