A 19-year-old Labrador retriever mix, surrendered to a Texas shelter in poor health, has found a new lease on life thanks to her devoted foster guardians, who shower her with love and endless pampering.
Annie, the senior dog, was initially given only a month to live by her veterinarian. However, four months later, she continues to thrive, enjoying bucket-list adventures with her foster parents.
A Second Chance for Annie
Annie’s journey hasn’t always been filled with joy. She was surrendered to Dallas Animal Services in the summer, arriving weak and unwell. Veterinarians feared she wouldn’t make it past a month. Determined to give Annie a loving farewell, Dallas Animal Services shared her story online, hoping to find someone willing to foster her.
Lauren Siler came across the post and felt an instant connection. “I knew I had to find out how to get her,” the business analyst told PEOPLE. She shared Annie’s story with her best friend and roommate, Lisa Flores, who immediately agreed, saying, “We have to get her.”
A Bucket List Full of Love
Siler and Flores reached out to Dallas Animal Services, who directed them to The Pawerful Rescue, the organization overseeing Annie’s care. The rescue team was upfront about Annie’s condition and the vet’s grim prognosis, but that didn’t deter the friends. They resolved to make Annie’s final days the best she had ever known.
Determined to give her the “best dang month of her life,” Siler and Flores created a bucket list to fill Annie’s days with joy and adventure.
“When we brought her home at the end of June, we thought we had only a month,” Siler recalled. “That’s when we decided to start a bucket list.”
The list started with simple joys: a car ride, a swim, a birthday party, and even Christmas in July. But as the days passed, it became clear Annie wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.
A Community of Supporters
As Annie continued to defy expectations, her story gained traction. Siler and Flores documented her bucket-list journey on Instagram (@dallasanimalfoster), where over 19,000 followers now offer ideas for Annie’s next adventure.
“She’s had over 500 Valentines sent to her, painted pictures, made homemade dog treats, hosted baby showers, gone on a hamburger tour, and so much more,” Siler shared.
Annie, who was once given just weeks to live, is still going strong, soaking up every moment with her devoted foster family.
“I think she quickly realized she was living ‘the good life,’” Siler said. “We spoil her rotten, say ‘yes’ to every treat, take her places, and give her a full, happy life for as long as she’s with us.”
Living Life to the Fullest
When Annie isn’t checking off bucket-list adventures, she enjoys napping, snoring, and receiving mail—one of her favorite activities. “She lights up when fan mail arrives. She genuinely smiles—it’s hilarious!” Siler said. Fans have come to love her signature smile, which they follow closely on Instagram.
She also adores mealtime and performs a “happy dance” whenever her food is served.
Siler and Flores hope Annie’s story encourages others to consider fostering senior rescue dogs.
“We absolutely encourage others to foster,” Siler emphasized. “Without foster homes, many of these dogs are being put down simply because shelters are overwhelmed. Annie is special to us, but she’s not a unicorn—there are hundreds of Annies in shelters right now, waiting for someone to step up.”
For now, Annie’s bucket list remains active, with new adventures planned for as long as she has the energy and enthusiasm to enjoy them. Fans can continue following her journey on Instagram @dallasanimalfoster.
