The Story Behind Dolce and Her Beloved Felt Ball ™
Dolce’s journey began with a rescue of sorts. I bought her from a pet store, unaware at the time of the horrors happening behind closed doors. That store was abusing puppies, and, alongside the Attorney General's office, I helped shut it down. As other pet owners came forward, I realized just how lucky I was to have saved Dolce when I did.
But our journey wasn’t without challenges. Only a few weeks after bringing her home, Dolce lost all feeling in her hind legs. She went limp, unable to move, and I was frantic with worry. Multiple vet visits brought no answers, no relief. Eventually, she was diagnosed with Perthese Disease, a condition that threatened her mobility—and her future.
Thankfully, surgery gave her a second chance. Just two weeks later, Dolce bounced back, stronger than ever. But recovery wasn’t easy. That’s when a simple felt ball became a lifesaving tool. I used it to rebuild her strength and confidence. With patience, love, and countless hours of training, Dolce not only recovered but thrived. Her tricks, agility, and sheer joy for life became an inspiration.
The felt ball became more than a toy—it was a symbol of resilience, love, and the bond we share. Today, it’s the heart of AnnattoPup, a testament to her strength and spirit.™
Dolce’s Fight for Wellness and the Birth of AnnattoPup
Dolce’s journey has been one of resilience, love, and survival. After nearly fully recovering from her Perthes Disease, she faced yet another health scare. This time, the cause wasn’t immediately clear.
I had been feeding her chicken strips—seemingly harmless treats that were easy to break apart. But what I didn’t realize was how sharp the edges could become when broken. The strips caused serious digestive issues, and one terrifying day, I had to rush her to the hospital. The vets worked tirelessly, but they weren’t sure what her outcome would be.
After stabilizing her, they suspected pancreatitis. It was a difficult diagnosis that left me unsure of how to manage her digestive health. Even today, she continues to struggle with it. Feeding her became a challenge, both emotionally and physically. She would turn away from food, refusing to eat, and I had to find creative ways to coax her into taking a bite.
Dolce, as always, proved to be a quick learner. One of her favorite tricks—what I call a “French kiss”—was a playful moment where she would turn her cheek for a kiss on her neck and then switch sides. But to my surprise, she used this trick against me, turning her head when she didn’t want to eat. Her cleverness was both endearing and frustrating as I tried everything to entice her.
This ongoing struggle inspired me to create AnnattoPup—it’s a reflection of my journey with Dolce and the love and determination that helped her overcome so much.
Now, AnnattoPup will bring a solution for picky eaters everywhere, born from the unique bond between Dolce and me and our shared resilience. ™
