Annie the Black Lab.Photo: Lauren Siler
Annie, the black Labrador retriever mix whowent viral after she was surrendered to a Texas shelter with one month to live, has died. She died one day after her 20th birthday.
Annie the Black Lab.Lauren Siler
Siler and Flores announced Annie’s death onInstagramin tandem withThe Pawerful Rescue, the organization the pair fostered the dog through.
“We don’t want this to be a sad post,” they wrote. “Annie had the life we pray every senior dog we rescue gets to experience. Annie didn’t just live out this past year… she THRIVED!”
The friends also provided insight into Annie’s health condition before her death: “Annie had bloat, and her stomach had done a complete 360 flip. Surgical intervention was her only option, and that was never something we would put Annie through. Collectively we made the hardest decision for us but kindest for Annie.”
In November, the foster parents chatted with PEOPLE about caring for Annie and how the loving senior pet had changed their lives.
The Pawerful Rescue was “very transparent about Annie’s condition and that the vets estimated we would have a month with her,” the pair said, but that didn’t deter Siler and Flores. After taking in Annie, the duo thought about how to make the rest of the dog’s life sparkle.
Annie the Black Lab with owners Lauren Siler and Lisa Flores.Lauren Siler
“When Lisa and I got her at the end of June, we were prepared for her to be with us for only a month. That’s when it sparked the idea, do a bucket list,” Siler told PEOPLE.
“We started with just a few things like a car ride, swimming, birthday party, Christmas in July, and it took off from there,” she added.
“I think she quickly learned that living here was ‘the good life.’ We were going to spoil her rotten, say ‘Yes’ every time she asked for a treat, take her places, and give her a full life for however long she is with us,” Siler shared.
Annie the Black Lab with her Valentines.Lauren Siler
Annie’s story and perseverance inspired thousands on her Instagram@dallasanimalfosterand led to loads of fan mail, not just on Valentine’s Day.
“The BEST way to honor Annie is to foster or adopt a senior dog. Trust me… you won’t regret it,” Annier’s foster parents wrote on Instagram.
source: people.com
