A Tribute to Annie: Our Beloved Mascot

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news of Annie’s passing during the December holidays of 2024. Annie was not just our mascot at the AWARE Foundation; she was our daily companion at EarthPet. Her life brought us joy and love and helped to cushion us from the toil of dealing with the sadness of death daily.

Annie’s journey began in 2015 when she joined the De Beer family as an eight-month-old puppy on their farm, Pellmeadow, near Paarl.

A cross between a Great Dane and a Pointer, Annie was unique in both appearance and spirit. From the start, her social, gentle nature made her beloved by everyone she met, whether it was her furry family of Great Danes and Bassets or the many people and animals she encountered on the farm.

She especially cherished her great friendship with our horses, loving every opportunity to interact with and greet them daily. The mares even trusted her enough to allow her near their newborn foals.

Annie’s bond with Dr. Deon de Beer was extraordinary. She was his constant companion, faithfully waiting outside the practice doors or quietly lying on her bed during meetings being a constant source of comfort and joy. She greeted every visitor with her gentle charm, leaving a kind impression on everyone she met.

We believe Annie’s gift for empathy extended beyond the ordinary. At EarthPet Vet, our practice specialising in animal euthanasia, Annie displayed an uncanny awareness of when an animal’s time had come. Her quiet, comforting presence brought solace in the most challenging moments, offering a kind of support that only an animal can provide.

In 2022, Annie faced a life-threatening battle with spleen cancer. Thanks to swift action and the family’s unwavering dedication, she underwent surgery and was given a second chance.

In her final days, Annie continued to shine, even attending the GAWS Golf Day in Strand with her characteristic grace and poise. Though she had been quietly battling cancer, she showed few signs of discomfort until her last moments. Having the care of two vets on the farm plus her specialist vet, we could ensure she had a quality remainer of her life. Annie was a big dog with an equally big heart. For those who knew her, she wasn’t just a pet, she was one of those rare, special dogs who form an unbreakable bond with their owner.

Annie’s memory will forever be cherished, and her spirit will live on through the work of the AWARE Foundation NPC. To everyone who met Annie, thank you for being part of her life. Her legacy reminds us all of the profound impact animals can have on our lives and the importance of giving back to them the love they so freely give to us.