Open letter to Grannie Annie Raker
In 1992, Joan and I purchased our dream home. It was our dream home for a few reasons, not all of which include our inability to agree on a particular house, or even a particular style. We would know it when we saw it. And we did -finally- in a very cold January in New England. It was also my dream house because it meant that I could finally fulfill another lifelong dream -- owning an Old English Sheepdog. Years before we actually bought our home, Joan had heard of a sheepdog rescue program located in Massachusetts. She had seen an ad running in the Boston Globe. A month of so before we closed on our home we began the search for a dog and Joan looked up the ad and called the number. She spoke with a woman who did everything in her power to dissuade her from pursuing an Old English Sheepdog as a pet. Way too much grooming for a yuppie couple, very stubborn dogs, no fenced in yard, and on and on. But "we" persisted, as only Joan can. Finally our application was accepted and about 5 months after we bought our home a call came from Grannie Annie, and Jake (NEOESC '92), perfectly matched to our wants and needs, took over our lives. Yes, NEOESC not NEOESR. Back then, the New England Old English Sheepdog Club, a chartered AKC group going back a long long time had a rescue program headed up by Grannie Annie Raker. It wasn't until a few years later that NEOESR (New England Old English Sheepdog Rescue, Inc.) was formed and incorporated as a separate 501(c)(3) organization. Grannie Annie's efforts in OES Rescue began in 1964 with the placement of Charlie with Sandy Ingmanson. That's right; 1964. That's 45 years ago. NEOESR had a bit of a rocky start at first, but Grannie Annie's rock solid dedication to the cause helped navigate those turbulent waters and hold together this fledgling rescue organization of volunteers. A few years later, I joined the Board of Directors and served 4 years and Joan took over as the Merchandise Chair, serving 3 years. In 2000 oes.org was the home for the NEOESR Merchandise website, and in 2004 I left the Board and Joan then ran for and was elected as a Board member, serving 2 years. 5 different Presidents, many Board Members and the dogs. Lots and lots of dogs. All this time there was one constant: Grannie Annie as Placement Director and the heart and soul of the organization. Not only did Annie guide this organization of volunteers, finding and guiding foster homes, raising funds, screening potential adopters and turn ins, not only did she place these dogs making perfect matches between the owner and their human, she also fostered many of the dogs herself; feeding and walking and grooming and vetting included. All while answering the phone and answering emails some begging for help with behavioral issues, trying to prevent the need for placement. And don't forget her grooming lessons! Last October at NEOESR's annual auction, Grannie Annie announced that she would be reducing her workload as NEOESR's Placement Director, and yesterday at NEOESR's January Board Meeting, Annie announced that she was stepping down as New England Rescue's Placement Director, ending nearly 45 years in that function. She will continue on as NEOESR's elected Vice President, and act as an advisor during the transition of responsibility. I suppose when most people think of the lifetime of dedication that Annie has given with love to her favorite breed, they can imagine the 1,500 or more dogs that she has saved from frequently dire circumstances. But what they probably don't realize is the countless thousands of dreams that she has made come true and the thousands of lives that she has made richer by her endeavors. Like ours. Thank you Grannie Annie. You've been a huge part of our lives and we are and will be forever grateful to you. Joan and Ron Schnaper Jake (NEOESC '92) Mulligan (NEOESR '04) |
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| WOW Ron. VERY nice letter. I hope she gets to see it. What a wonderful person she is. Thank You for writing it. |
WOW. What a lot of years of tireless work. Thank you for sharing the letter with us. That is true love, dedication and devotion and we should all be grateful to Annie for setting a fantastic example of selflessness.
 I am honored to have been able to have met her at the NEOESR Picnic last year...
Thanks Ron for sharing. |
| Ron well said! I know she was the first contact I ever had with an OES group and I can't believe what a big part of my life it has become! I have never met Grannie in person,but I know the contribution she has made is so vital to this breed. She has guided me in good times and in bad and never has a lady deserved so many thanks. Thank you for writing this wonderful letter! |
| Ron your open letter brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful that through her efforts, Grannie Annie made such big difference not only in the lives of all those sheepdogs, but also in the people that would come to be thier care givers! |
| Wonderful letter Ron. I've had the honor of talking with Annie on several occassions re: rescues. After each conversation I came away thinking, "Thank God for Annie and her helpers."
I know some rescues resent NEOESR's reach across the country as playing in another's sandbox. Not me. I always put the dog before my ego. In return I was richly rewarded for having talked with, worked with Annie. I'm sorry I don't have her energy, commitment and resources as I much enjoyed our conversations, though her rapid fire New England manner left me huffing and puffing at the end. How can anyone have that much energy and talk so fast at midnight?? As you said, over a thousand sheepdogs are alive today due to NEOESR's and especially Grannie Annie....and Ted's....devotion to the breed. With her retiring, does this mean the white couch will finally get uncovered? |
| Grannie Annies name will always be one of the most admired and respected names worldwide in OES. Her dedication to rescue and a new life for all those OES that have crossed her path is truly inspirational.
Lovely letter Ron and Joan and what a great honour to know such a great and wonderfull lady in person who has done such wonderfull things for all OES with no judgement on where they came from, just where they end up for a happy future. 
Happy retirement Grannie Annie, god bless you for all OES that have crossed your path to a new life. |
| That was very nice. Very special people. |
| Wonderful letter, Ron and Joan, and one very much deserved. Grannie Annie is truly a special soul. |
| Wonderful letter Ron and Joan.
Often rescue is a thankless job, long hours, heartbreaking decisions, hard work but the result touches the lives of many animals who would not have had a second chance. Granny Annie is a hero and her name is synonomous with Sheepdog Rescue. Because of her, many sheepies lived out their lives in loving homes. Thank you Grannie Annie! When this forum was discussing Panda's rescue she wrote me and offered advice - although he was not part of NEOESR - but still part of the "flock". She did it because she cared. What an amazing lady and how lucky you have both been to have worked along side of her. Your letter is what many of us feel about her and thank you for writing it. Marianne |
I have worked with Annie on many occasions  Enjoyed meeting her at the Rescue Picnic. She indeed has made a difference in many life's. |
God Bless you Grannie for all you have done
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