Annabel & Pat Hairr
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This month, we offer an especially fun Featured Pet (and Pet Owner) story.  “Annabel” is a beautiful Shih Tzu owned by our Pat Hairr, who has been with Replacements, Ltd. since 1995 and is currently a supervisor on our telephone sales team.  The story of how Pat came to get “Annabel” is quite interesting. On July 4, 2005 she lost her long time friend, “Precious,” a 15 year old Shih Tzu. Pat said that the passing of Precious left a tremendous void in her life. She thought about looking for another Shih Tzu but decided against it since she thought she would never be able to replace her Precious. In 2006, Pat’s daughter convinced her to look for another Shih Tzu. Pat didn’t think she was ready but decided to give it a shot anyway. Pat’s daughter found a breeder nearby and they drove to see what was available. The attendants brought in little Shih Tzu’s of every color combination and size – puppies were everywhere! While they were all simply darling, Pat just couldn’t find one that appealed to her. Just before she gave up, an attendant brought in one tiny white and gold female, no larger than Pat’s hand. When Pat held her close, the little dog licked her face. Pat said this is what sealed their fate together. Pat knew that the little puppy would become her beautiful “Annabel.”

Annabel was too young to come home with Pat that day but when she did finally arrive, she made an immediate impact. Pat says her house has not been the same since Annabel arrived. Pat’s daughter, who lives next door, owns three very large Labradors Retrievers, “Indiana Oakley”, “Newman” and “Emmy.” Her daughter also has a Bassett Hound, “Artemis.” Pat’s younger daughter also has two larger dogs, “Skye” a German Shepherd, and “Gracie Lou,” a boxer-mix. Although the larger dogs seem to view Annabel as a “toy,” Pat says she doesn’t think Annabel has ever considered that she might not be as large as her friends. When Annabel’s groomer asks, “How does she get so dirty?” Pat whispers to her, “Annabel thinks she’s a Lab.” Annabel loves to run in the fields around Pat’s house and chase birds. Pat says that Annabel’s small stature keeps the birds safe.

When asked what she liked most about Replacements pet-friendly policy, Pat had this to say, “Annabel loves to come to Replacements, Ltd. to visit her canine and human friends. Break times are very popular with Annabel since lots of people get to hold, pet, and talk to her. On the days she doesn't come to work with me, family members tell me that she goes to my door around 5 o’clock and waits for me to come home. She is one of the many, wonderful joys of my life and I love having her with me at work.”

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