A wretched life of disparity led a dog to tragedy. But that tragedy led to the happiest of endings.
Annie lived just about the saddest life one could imagine for a dog. Homeless on the streets of Bosnia, this blind and deaf senior dog stood little chance at an easy life.
Her saving grace was her daughter, Sandy. Sandy guided Annie around, provided her companionship, and protected her from harm.
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But one day, it all came crashing down when Sandy was caught by dog catchers, and Annie was suddenly left all alone. Annie’s days were perilous, and they culminated in a tragic situation. One day, she fell straight down into a 10-foot space between two walls, and became lodged between them. She was trapped, stuck, and utterly terrified.
But luck was on Annie’s side, because this tragedy quickly turned into a fairytale.
Someone saw the dog and called Bojan Veselica, a local dog rescuer. He called on two other men to help him get Annie out. Together, the men compressed Annie’s body, and were able to move her in such a way where she could be safely dislodged without being hurt.
Upon freeing the dog, the men were shocked to see that she was unharmed. And then they realized something about Annie – she was entirely feral. She had never been touched by humans until then. The men saw that she was incredibly frightened, and in shock.
At first, Bojan had no other choice than to take Annie to a public shelter in Prnjavor, where he attempts to provide care to almost 150 other dogs. This pound is neglectful, and Bojan is one of the few people who tries to make life more tolerable for the dogs who must be there. This pound was not capable of accommodating a dog like Annie, but Bojan had no other immediate option.
But what he did have was a special surprise for Annie.
Waiting for Annie at the pound was her daughter Sandy. The two were finally going to be reunited, after spending almost one year apart. Although Annie is blind and couldn’t see her daughter, she immediately smelled her. Upon getting to Sandy, Annie hid behind her, and probably rejoiced in the disbelief at being with her daughter once more.
Bojan knew he had to find a better place for the dogs. If he could, he knew this would be one of the greatest rescues he had ever accomplished.
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His prayers were answered.
Lesley Watkins runs a rescue in the UK, and agreed to take Sandy and Annie in and to give them a private “cottage” to accommodate their more feral needs. Lesley only asked for some financial help to fly the dogs from Bosnia to the UK. She received that help. International rescue charity Harmony Fund sponsored the flight costs, and the mom and daughter doggies were promptly flown to safety.
Today, Annie and Sandy are happy in their peaceful new home. They no longer need to starve, or wander the dangerous streets, or become involved in dog fights. They no longer need to fear humans.
Although Annie sees only darkness and hears only silence, she knows the love and friendship of her sweet daughter Sandy, and this pair can now live happily ever after. No one deserves it more.
