Sweetheart, I am just shocked to read about your sweet Annie. It hit me hard when I read she was gone. She just got here; we barely got the chance to get to know her, and now she is gone. I am just stunned and can barely imagine what you are going thru.
In your shoes, I would be blaming myself a great deal, saying things like, "I should have _______" or "I should never have ________" - I am the Queen of Guilt and can find a way to be responsible for anything. But you didn't fail your sweet girl. You did all you could to find out what was wrong and how to help her. So many parents wouldn't have even noticed something was off but you did from the beginning and went to work on Annie's behalf. But, sadly, events were out of your control and she was called Home.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Our deepest sympathies,
Leslie, Trinket, Brick, Sophie, Fox, Redd, and all our Angels
"Lend Me a Pup"
I will lend to you for awhile a puppy, God said,
For you to love her while she lives
and to mourn for her when she is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe for two or three.
But will you, till I call her back
take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you
and should her stay be brief
you'll always have her memories
as solace for your grief .
I cannot promise that she will stay,
since all from Earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.
I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life's land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love
Nor think the labor vain
Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again.
I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief you'll run.
Will you shelter her with tenderness
Will you love her while you may
And for the happiness you'll know, forever grateful stay.
But should I call her back
much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
If, by your love, you've managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of her that you've loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,
and know she loved you too.
— Author Unknown