Annie the dog was "having so much fun that she just wanted to keep living life," her foster dog owner said.
Lauren Siler/Instagram
When Annie, a 19-year-old black Lab, was put up for adoption in June 2022, she was given just a month or so to live. Her former owner had surrendered her to the shelter Pawerful Rescue in Dallas, Texas, and said she wouldn't eat or drink.
Enter Lauren Siler, who came across Annie's photo and immediately knew she had to help.
"I had recently gone through that heartache and saw firsthand when a dog was telling you it's time to go," Siler told USA Today. "I felt mentally and emotionally prepared to take on a dog that wasn't going to have long."
But instead of holding on for a month or two, Annie lived for an entire year after being fostered by Siler and her roommate, Lisa Flores — and she got to live out a bucket list that any human or dog would be lucky to experience.
Annie celebrated her 20th birthday, enjoyed Christmas in July and Valentine's Day in August, appeared on a billboard, created paintings with her paws, and more.
Annie also "visited" all 50 states. Even though she didn't actually fly to every state, her fans printed out photos of Annie, Flat Stanley-style, so she could be pictured in locations all over the country.
She also got to eat some of the best meals out there, including steak, In-N-Out, doughnuts, and more.
Annie ended up gaining over 36,000 followers on Instagram, all of whom were invested in helping Annie live out her days in the best way possible.
"It ended up being a full year of adventures for Annie," Siler told USA Today. "People kept telling us she was having so much fun and enjoying life and that kept her going, and I hope that was the case," she continued. "I hope she was having so much fun that she just wanted to keep living life."
Annie lived almost another year to the day after getting adopted by Siler and Flores. After attending a party celebrating her foster anniversary, "her body decided she was done," Siler wrote on Instagram on June 25.
Even though Annie is gone, that doesn't mean Siler is done helping out with foster dogs.
"I can't help but think that Annie would be so proud. She was one special dog that's legacy will live on through those who foster and adopt seniors," Siler wrote on Instagram.
"She left a giant, giant hole in my heart … but times where everyone who loved her can come together in her honor will help start mending my broken heart."
