Jill was my 1st dog, but not my first shelter rescue. The most memorable part of meeting her was that she had a "CAUTION!" sign on her kennel. The sign also said she was an "Owner Surrender". The combination probably meant one of 2 things for a CAUTION warning: she was surrendered because she hurt someone in her home, or that she was reacting to strangers at the shelter simply out of fear, being in a strange environment and all. I chose to believe it was probably the latter. And I am so glad that I did, because Jill was such a gentle, soulful pet and friend for 7 yrs. First, it was just me and my boyfriend, and a year later, a 6 yr old girl came to live with us and was like a sister to Jill until Jill's passing in April 2011. 
Jill was a fast learner and very willing to please. She trained me in many ways, such as how to have patience, how to overlook the inconvenience of dog hair to sweep, dog baths she didn't like, vet trips, and all the other responsibilities that come with being a responsible pet owner. None of it even phased me with Jill, because I loved her so much. Jill also taught me that dogs really DO have emotions, and not just the obvious happy tail-wagging, or scared tail-tuck. I am convinced of the "refined" emotions, like embarrassment and shame, which I saw so many times as Jill started losing control of her urine, as part of her kidney failure. Sometimes, she would sit in her bed, head down, eyes up, hiding wet "leaks" rather than have me see it when I came to pet her. She never got in trouble for these accidents, so I know it was not fear; she was ashamed of her loss of control. She taught us all that she would protect us, and the home, if a stranger came to the door or garage. She taught us love, patience, forgiveness, and loyalty.
Because I loved Jill so much, and never having had to put a pet to sleep before, I was wrought with vacillation of "when". With sick animals, I was told, "you just know". But I didn't "just know", and nobody could make the decision for me - not even the vet. This was mine, between me and Jill, and that kind of responsibility is enormous, and heartbreaking.
Dr. Annie was a referral from my neighbor, who'd had her own dog put to sleep recently. It was the best discovery to me: I would not have to go through what so many owners struggle with: the "last" trip to the "scary" vet...having our last memories together in a scary place. I first looked at her website and it showed so much depth in the matter that I knew I'd gone to the right place. Making the decision, memorials, everything is on there...even prices. So I was prepared in that regard to call Dr. Annie. Dr. Annie was immediately compassionate on the phone. She was not only empathetic but also extremely knowledgeable about animal conditions, so I felt both an emotional comfort with her as well as trusting confidence. She was even better in person, if that was possible. She was comforting to not just me, but to my boyfriend, my (now) 12 yr old, and especially, to Jill. She sat and introduced herself to Jill, who melted under her petting and soothing voice! Later, we all said goodbye to Jill, as she laid in her bed, with all of us around talking to her and petting her, while she enjoyed a favorite: smoked, meaty beef rib! As hard as it was on us, it was (or appear to be, anyway) amazingly easy on Jill. I miss that girl. We all do, but having Dr. Annie in our home, doing what she is so talented at with humans and animals, made this daunting, heartbreaking decision bearable.
I would (and have) recommended Dr. Annie to many others who will someday need to make such a decision. The company she works with for cremation was also compassionate, helpful, and though we didn't work as closely with them, they had a big responsibility that they fulfilled, too: they brought Jill's remains to us in a pretty cedar box presentation that gave us a sense of closure. Many thanks to them.
Dr. Annie is "present", and not just before, and during, but after, with a compassionate ear and referrals if needed for the family. At the very least, and it's big, I do what I can to create an awareness to others that this is an option.
Rest in Peace, Jill. We feel you around us, and someday, we will hug you and run with you again!
Angela D. Hollen
Ray
Amber
Cypress