Annie
- Gregory Cellars
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 19
We are soul-crushed as we lost our beloved Annie this week. She was just two years old. Even though her time with us was far too short, the love she gave—and the love she received—was infinite. Annie was more than just our dog; she was the heart of everything we did. From dominating swimming pool games to bringing joy to Best Buddies and Special Olympics events, from welcoming travelers at the airport to exploring places like Huntington Beach Dog Park and Zion National Park, Annie lived every moment with enthusiasm and grace. She was also the shining star of our WineBlogWithADog.com posts and our Bark and Barrels podcast, traveling with me to wineries in Napa Valley, the Sierra Foothills, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, and Temecula. Our dream was to explore all fifty states together—visiting vineyards, meeting winemakers and their dogs, and sharing those stories with you. She touched everyone she met and without a doubt, Annie’s pawprints will guide every step when Lucy and I return to trail.
Annie was a truly exceptional emotional-support dog with outstanding training and a heart full of joy. In addition to completing advanced obedience classes as a puppy, she received expert guidance from Jodi Notch at Top Notch Training and Matthew Fike at Michael’s Angel Paws, which helped shape her calm, confident demeanor. Annie thrived on travel, adored meeting new people, and never missed her favorite part of the day—mid-afternoon swims in the pool with her dog friends. Her AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and emotional-support dog training made her a remarkable co-pilot and warm ambassador wherever we went, whether visiting new places, engaging with strangers, or simply spreading happiness with her ambiance.
Meg and I held Annie’s soft golden head in our hands as the light left her eyes, and I felt something inside me break beyond repair. She was only two years old—still full of tail wags, muddy paw prints, and the innocent joy that only a golden retriever can bring. But hemangiosarcoma stole her from us before we even got to grow old together. According to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer of the blood vessels that often strikes without warning, especially in breeds like golden retrievers, where it is heartbreakingly common. Nearly one in five goldens will develop this cancer in their lifetime, though in young dogs like Annie, it's tragically rare and utterly unexpected. There was really no time to fight—paralysis in her left hind leg and visible growths on her spine and lung left us with a grim and sudden diagnosis, and the only thing left was a final act of love. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Sanchez, Pebble and Maryland Animal Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada, whose compassion and gentle care helped Annie pass with the dignity, peace, and love she deserved. Thank you for treating our girl with such tenderness in her final moments.
I can’t stop thinking about what research might have done—how early detection or genetic studies could someday prevent others from facing this heartbreak. Annie had so much more to give, and it’s unbearable to think of all the dogs and families this disease continues to take without warning. Organizations like the Morris Animal Foundation are leading the charge in funding critical studies on canine cancer. Advocate for awareness. Because no one—no matter how strong or prepared—should have to say goodbye to their best friend this soon.
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