Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend.

I know I should be posting about the events of this week, like how we went to Hampton Court, went on the Jack Ripper tour, saw "Great Expectations" and the opera "Carmen"... but I got some rather depressing news from back home today and I'd really rather talk about that.  My parents skyped me this afternoon and told me that our dog, Annie, died yesterday.  I've had Annie since I was two years old.  It was clearly her time; she's been struggling for a while... but I guess I was just counting on being there for her when she died.  Secretly, I guess I thought she would pull through until I came back from this trip.  It's okay. She was eighteen years old.

I've only ever owned three animals:  Annie and my two cats (who are still at home).  Annie is the first animal I've had to part with.  Like I said, I got Annie when I was two... my family was moving from Kentucky to Virginia and my parents thought it was a good idea to pick up a puppy from the shelter on the trip to Virginia.  My very first memory of Annie describes our ridiculous relationship:  I remember that she stole my cheeseburger.  We were in the car and had just stopped for lunch.  I had meticulously laid out my happy meal on my car-seat tray, when, LIKE A COBRA, Annie jumped out from under the front seat of the car, snatched away my burger, and retreated with amazing Flash-like speed.  I was distraught. I wanted that dog gone! But ever since then, that stupid dog helped me learn to laugh at myself, to forgive others for making silly mistakes, and to be a good friend.

Begging for food, as always!

I love that stupid dog so much.  This dog dragged me (literally, dragged) on many a walk, ate all of my leftovers, learned many ridiculous tricks for my entertainment, and played with me for countless hours of my life.  This dog ate everything but swiss cheese and bananas.  She ate bubbles. She ate extension cords and table legs.  Just not bananas.  This dog barked so much in her youth that she lost her voice in her older years.  She barked so much that we taught her how to do a muted bark... she would look like she was barking but no sound would come out.  Annie was never very good at following commands, but she sure was fun to have around.

She was always the best at singing "Happy Birthday!"

I loved it when she would make this face. 

Christmastime was will not be the same, that's for sure. 

These last few years have been tough on her, I know.  I didn't want her to be in any pain.  It was her time, and I don't deny it.  I'll really miss her.

I don't know if I realized how much Annie had been a part of my life.  She was the best dog for me.  Goodbye, old girl.  I'm sorry I wasn't there to see you off.