From the first moment I saw Annabelle, which was interestingly in my classroom, I fell in love with her. She was a tiny tan bundle of fluffy fur with a little red collar. When my friend and colleague Emily walked into my classroom with Annabelle, I knew this little puppy would have to come home with me. At that moment Annabelle was too young to be separated from her mother, so we made trips to North Carolina to visit. Finally the day came and we brought Annabelle home to meet her sister Savannah Jane. It was a perfect match. Savannah Jane guided Annabelle and Annabelle adored Savannah Jane. She followed Savannah Jane around everywhere. From that moment on, they never spent a night away from each other. Usually both would accompany the other to checkups with Dr. Fisher. Savannah Jane was a wonderful teacher for Annabelle. Both of them were always together even up to the moment Annabelle passed away.

Annabelle was a challenging puppy. She chewed holes in our carpet, chewed the wooded peg covers on our stairs, any wooden trim she could find and demolished three comforters. My husband gave her the nickname “hell dog” due to her mischievous behavior. We completed puppy obedience school twice. Even Dr. Fisher kidded me that Annabelle was my rambunctious child. So true. Then when she was about a year and a half, it was like some flipped a switch. Annabelle became the most wonderfully behaved dog. We were all very grateful.

She loved to chase squirrels in our back yard, luckily she never caught one. She loved to talk. Annabelle's yodel we called it. She loved to tell you what was on her mind. She was also a cuddle bug. Annabelle loved to be close and always seemed to know if you were not feeling well. So gentle and concerned. She would always stay close, guard and nuzzle. Such a sweetie. One of her antics that I couldn't break or truthfully didn't have the heart to, was steal the dish towel Everyday she would steal the dish towel hanging on the oven and prance around the house with it. A great prize. Then she would take it and hide it behind her favorite chair. until I came to get it. We washed a lot of dish towels. It was one of her favorite games, along with hide and seek.

Annabelle was a beautiful bright star in our lives. Without warning she took her leave of this world. She left us way too early. I think about her everyday. I still look for her and try to prepare her food for her. We will always cherish and hold dear all the many wonderful memories we have of Annabelle. She will forever have a special part of my heart. The pain of her loss is not quite as biting, though I know I will never completely get over her loss. Annabelle loved Savannah Jane and would want her to be happy. I was worried at first because Savannah Jane was present when Annabelle passed. My very wise and kind friend Carol told me that it was probably better that Savannah Jane was there, so she knew Annabelle had passed and she could start the grieving process. Savannah Jane is doing better, though she still looks for her sister daily. We cannot thank everyone enough at Pet Care Veterinary Hospital for all the love and support they have shown us through this very difficult time.

We will always love you Annabelle Moore. We miss you terribly. You will forever be my “Baby Dog”.

Kelly & Mary-Beth