More: Anika changed my life. I was going through a difficult time in my life and I began volunteering at my local animal shelter and walking the dogs there. Anika was one of a large litter of pups all named after racing drivers - her name was originally Danika! She was such a tiny thing on her first walks with me and super smart. I became besotted but was nervous about adopting a dog and the responsibility. But I took the plunge and I didn’t just rescue her she rescued me. Living with bipolar disorder is challenging and some days it’s difficult getting up but with Ani I had a reason and a responsibility on the most difficult of days. She is the sweetest of dogs and I spoil her rotten with long hikes in the State Parks, along canals, fields, shoreline and she’s even got used to sleeping in the tent with me (with all the night sounds I’m sure she’d love to track down). Her joy brings me so much joy. She loves to have her tummy rubbed, especially when it’s time for last pees before bed!! She is a true hound sniffing something out well before she sees it. Recently I haven’t been able to walk far and I cannot take Ani on her usual adventures. So with me she visits the nearby small outdoor shopping center that she walks me around - we visit the hardware store to sniff for the store cat, we visit the pet store where she steels the occasional treat from the boxes, and we visit the Orvis store where somehow we always leave with a new toy!! Hopefully we will soon get back out on the trails. I love you Ani