Fannie

Fannie came to us in September of 1998. We had a 2 year old male Basset (Willie) who was ready for a running buddy so we began looking. Fannie was part of a litter born to our male’s brother who just happened to live in our neighborhood as well. As a puppy Fannie loved to use Willie’s nose as a chew toy – he never objected but did have to suffer through a swollen pincushion of a nose for about 2 months.    As they grew together they became the truest of Basset buddies. They loved going on walks and some hikes, wading in creeks, playing hide and seek with their Daddy, hogging the couch, playing with their kitty sisters, opening Christmas presents and of course, following those noses. They were a loving, inseparable pair but always competing for the cute award for the day.   Fannie was a case study for our vet since she would always manifest the strangest ailments. He constantly commented, “Well, I’ve never seen that before.” Never anything serious, just weird. She was always a very healthily dog and she never refused food or treats. Looking back at all her photos one of our favorites is the time she was stung by a bee on the head. Her face blew up like a balloon – it was the cutest misery ever.   In December of 2011 we had to say goodbye to Willie at age 15 (and 4 months!). Our hearts were shattered and remain so still. Now it was solely up to Fannie to be our “welcome home” joy when our work day was done. She showed us that she could rise to the challenge of giving out twice the love in Willie’s absence. Over the next 2 years she became Granny Fannie but remained very active and healthy. She loved belly rubs and kisses, laying on her back and “bucking” her back legs when she wanted attention, sunning in the back yard on summer days, and “patiently” waiting for her Mama to wake up.    On February 15th, at 15 years (and 6 months!) after a very sudden, spiraling downturn we had to make that horrible, world shattering decision again. Fannie never liked vet visits so we knew we wanted to provide her with the least anxiety and most comfort possible. We found Dr. Cooney’s amazing service and she was so reassuring to speak to over the phone. She sent Dr. Amanda Burdette to us that afternoon to assist in our decision making and to help Fannie pass peacefully in the comfort of her own bed. Thank you so much Amanda for dedicating yourself to this service of comfort. You are forever in our hearts.   So now our “Doodle Bug” is running again in the tall grass with her buddy “Hound Dog”. To all who got to spend time with Fannie – enjoy the memories of our sweet girl.   We miss you madly, Baby Girl but thank you so much for being ours and sharing all those wonderful years with us.   Love, Mama and Daddy (and your kitty sisters Sweetie and Neko) February 23, 2014