Annie the Scottish Terrier was a rescue. We got her as a one-year-old in 2005 from a rescue group here in the Dallas area after she'd been found wandering the streets in Little Rock. She was wild at first after having to fend for herself, but was smart as a whip and with a lot of training, she turned into a great dog. We thought she had potential as a therapy dog, and she passed the 14-stage Therapy Dogs International test the very first time.

We got a second rescue Scottie a year later and named him Troon, after Royal Troon Golf Club. Jet black Annie and nearly snow white Troon were quite a pair.

Last fall, Annie started feeling her 14 years. She was having rear leg problems and wasn't able to run and chase squirrels like she used to.

On the morning of MLK day last week, she had a stroke. We got her to the vet, and they felt that the stroke was mild enough that she might recover enough to have fairly good function and a good quality of life. They gave her a huge injection and steroid pills.

But after a week, she was still struggling to walk and kept falling over. Worse---and more telling---there was no return of any spark or real level of activity other than eating, and she needed assistance from us to go outside. The vet looked at videos we'd taken, asked several questions, and at that point concluded that prospects of any real improvement were slim and none.

Yesterday morning, my wife and I made the hard decision. Annie was a shadow of what she had been, and would not have wanted to live a miserable existence.

This afternoon, I was able to get off work early so Pam and I could go to the vet together. We took Troon along because we'd been told by friends and trainers that it would help him understand that Annie wasn't coming home. We know that eventually Troon will pass as well, but for now he's doing well---heart failure meds and all.

She was such a good girl. See you at the Rainbow Bridge, Annie.

Sorry to hear about your loss.

Annie sounds like a special girl. I sorry you had to make this decision, it’s one of the worst feelings I’ve ever had. Thanks for being the kind of person who would take in a rescue.

So very sorry for this tremendous loss. Prayers for healing are up for you and your family.

So sorry to hear about your Annie. She sounds like she was a wonderful dog.

Rest assured our Bud & Wendy will welcome her on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Annie sounded like a wonderful friend. I'm sure Fritz, Mickey and Lucky will welcome her with wagging tails. She will be in good company.

Sorry to hear of loss it’s never easy.

I am very sorry for your loss.

Your words reveal her place in your life, and yours in her's.

God speed Annie. May your human pets find peace amid your passing.

H&K-Guy

My condolences. Good girl, Annie.

My condolences, snoris

It's never easy. I have wonderful memories of Daisy, Mac, Barney, Willie, Molly and Skip.

While they're gone, but certainly not forgotten, I enjoy the company of Bailey and Murphy.

So sorry for your loss.

Sorry for your loss. She sounded like one of life’s special blessings.

Very sorry to your family Snoris.
Lost, but never forgotten.

Sorry for your loss. The pain gradually subsides but the wonderful memories remain.

So sorry to hear of Annie’s passing. While it definitely hurts, it sounds like you did right by her, from the beginning until the very end. Rest In Peace, Annie.

I'm sorry snoris.

snoris, our thoughts are with you.

“Acquiring a dog may be the only time a person gets to choose a relative.” – Mordecai Siegal

Very sorry for your heartbreaking loss.