Farewell Sweet Annie

Our Annie got hit by a car today. She suffered several internal injuries and we had little choice but to send her on her way to heaven. We loved our dog. She had the sweetest temperment. Annie could often be found cuddling up with our herd of cats, chasing cars, playing fetch and waiting at the back door for us to toss her our leftovers. She was a favorite of our neighbors and the garbageman. Even the mailman was known to throw her a treat every once in awhile.
When I noticed Annie was injured, I brought her in the house and the first thing she did was curl up on the floor next to Brinna. The only way Annie would sit is if Adelae was next to her. I've heard of animals snapping at people when they are injured. Not our Annie. She just wanted her favorite girls next to her. I think she was telling us all goodbye in her own special way.
Ben rushed Annie to the animal hospital, but there was nothing that could reasonably be done. He held her as she passed. Ben said that she was a good girl right up until the end. As she passed, he told how much we all loved her. Ben said he could tell that she understood and he felt that she was ready to go. Annie was the best dog. I don't think we'll ever find another that will be as sweet as her. We love you Annie and you will always have a special place in our hearts.








Time To Go
The time has come I think you know
the Lord is calling so I must go
I love you so much; I wish it wasn't so
I wish I could stay; I don't want to go
You're the best family a dog ever had
so kind and gentle, never mean or mad
I'll never forget the day that we met
I was so lucky to become your pet
You opened your door a...nd showed me your heart
I'll never forget you; we'll never part
You loved me and cared for me over the years
you taught me everything and took away my fears
The Lord is calling now I must go
but before I go I want you to know
I know it hurts to lose a friend
but I'll be with you even at the end.

GusGus, Pirate Kitty, and Whiner

'Member our kittens? They're about a month old and are really movin' and a groovin' now. They've started playing, eating kitten food, and exploring the yard. I thought for sure that Annie would be chewing on them, but she doesn't seem to pay them much attention. Of course, that could be because Zoey beats Annie up when she gets close to the kittens (Annie is our lab/cocker mix and Zoey is the proud Mommy of the kittens.) It's true..Annie is kind of a wussy and Zoey will chase her around the yard yowling and hissing. I firmly believe that it's mostly in good fun :) Ben was out with the camera last night and happened to catch all 3 of our the little kitties in some great photos. If you know us, you know we LOVE animals, so I wanted to post them for the world (or the few of you that read my blog) to enjoy.

Perhaps I should take a minute to explain the names.

GusGus got her (we think), yes it's a girl, name from the mouse in Cinderella. GusGus (the mouse) is none too smart but always up for a challenge, much like our GusGus. The plan was to change the name, but I think it's here to stay. Isn't she adorable?



Pirate Kitty (also a girl...we think) had a nasty eye infection when she was little, so she looked like she had a patch on her eye. Again, the plan was to change the name, but the poor think is stuck with being Pirate Kitty for the rest of her life. We do call her PK for short! :)




Whiner is so named because she (we think) whines A LOT and VERY LOUDLY!



Here's a little video of the kittens trying to climb the tree. You'll see Zoey come in and try to drag them out of the tree. She's not quite sure her little ones should be as fearless as they are!

One, Free, Four Zoey's!

As you may, or may not, know our cat, Zoey, was pregnant. Now she is the proud mommy of four brand new baby kittens! Hooray! That fact in itself is not so interesting, as the story that accompanies it.

A few days ago Adelae and I were outside enjoying the fantasic, if a bit windy, 80* day. As usual, we called for Annie (our dog) and Zoey (the above mentioned cat). Only Annie came, which isn't unusual. She was acting really really strange though. She didn't want to play, wouldn't leave my side and was very very whiney. Adelae and I proceeded with our outside fun. We played with sidewalk chalk, bubbles, took our customary walk around the yard to pick dandelions, etc. The whole time we were being followed by the dog, who continued to whine and run into her pen over and over again. I didn't pay much attention to be honest. Finally I said to Adelae "Do you think that Zoey had her babies? Maybe we should go into the barn and check!" At this point the dog quite literally sat on my foot, started whining and running into her pen. If she could talk, I think she would have said "FINALLY! I've been trying to get your attention all day!" So, we followed her. Sure enough, there was Zoey in Annie's doghouse with her brand new litter of kittens! I am happy to report that all four kittens and Mommy are doing just fine. Annie is the best aunt already! She will sit outside of the dog house when Zoey leaves to eat or roam around. If we go to look at the kittens, Annie is right there making sure we are careful and do no harm. I attribute this to the fact that we got Annie and Zoey at about the same time. They were both babies and have grown up together. I'm pretty sure they think they are sisters, or at the very least best friends.

Adelae loves her "baby Zoeys" and we have to go outside to see them about 6 times a day. We're waiting till their eyes open to handle them. I tried to pet one and Zoey didn't look very happy about that! Here are a few pictures of them they day they were born and at one day old.

Poor Zoey getting walked all over!


Four kittens in a pile. If that's not cute, I don't know what is!


Enjoying the sunshine. I just had to put this one 'cause it's funny!