Joseph & Annie Mae: Beating the Odds Together
Story and Photos by Mac Becco, People & Pets Together
Joseph Menkevich isn’t supposed to be alive today. Thirty years ago—at a time when stigma was its own pandemic—Joseph was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and given two years to live. Afraid society would ostracize his family, he contemplated suicide for the first and only time. Fortunately, his spiritual intuition sparked a new outlook and with the help of his dog, Annie Mae, Joseph has embraced his new life, survived its challenges, and never looked back.
FINDING ANNIE MAE
After a series of health setbacks—including pneumonia, avascular necrosis, and the first of three hip replacements—Joseph started having dreams about a small, energetic dog. While hesitant to be a pet owner because of his fixed-income, he considered it a spiritual sign when his mom called, asking if he wanted a dog in need of a home.
Unbeknownst to him, Joseph agreed to adopt the same dog that had been visiting his dreams—a small Avon Terrier with a big, loving personality.
It didn’t take long for Joseph to realize that little Annie Mae was meant to be in his life. “I had no idea that getting a dog was the best thing that could have happened. The benefits outweigh any concerns I once had,” he says.
Joseph helped Annie Mae adjust to new surroundings, overcome ingrained fears, and learn tricks for the first time. As a classically trained musician, he patiently acclimated her to the sound of instruments until she didn’t feel the need to hide. Now, when Joseph plays music, Annie howls along beside him. She also learned commands in French, which—to the untrained ear—seems like they have their own special language.
Joseph’s attentiveness to Annie’s needs alleviated his own preoccupation with life’s challenges. It kept him buoyant, gave him meaning, and cultivated an unconditional love between the two of them. She has also helped Joseph recover from repeated hip surgeries by keeping him physically active and emotionally resilient.
“With Annie, I have to get out to walk her. I can’t be a shut-in. Regardless of whether I’m feeling depressed or fatigued, I have to get out. It’s a vital thing, particularly for people like me living with disabilities and/or mental illness,” he explains.
Joseph estimates that they know 75% of the neighbors within a six-block radius because Annie is such a charming conversation starter. She’s also a star within his close-knit family and apartment community, who are almost too eager to assist when needed. Once, when Joseph was in the hospital, Annie Mae was pleasantly surprised to receive three dinners in one night.
“It is, without a doubt, important for both Annie and I to have each other… Before PPT, I would have sacrificed whatever I had to keep her just because she’s part of my life…”
SUPPORTING PET FAMILIES
The calculus clearly favors Joseph and Annie Mae being together, but financial constraints remain. With a fixed income, Joseph doesn’t have much flexibility for life essentials beyond monthly bills. Tradeoffs need to be made and he often prioritizes Annie’s needs before his own, which is common among pet families struggling to make ends meet.
When People and Pets Together (PPT) opened in 2009, Joseph was one of the first guests to welcome them to the neighborhood. Since then, he hasn’t had to worry about basic pet supplies. Monthly food for a small dog isn’t much, but emotionally, it makes a big difference.
“It is, without a doubt, important for both Annie and I to have each other… Before PPT, I would have sacrificed whatever I had to keep her just because she’s part of my life and I would never want to take the chance of losing her. But with PPT, any fear of that has gone away. I have no fear of losing her,” Joseph explains.
PPT also provides treats, toys, and other pet supplies—which helps Joseph spoil Annie Mae like the queen she is.
SURVIVORS
Joseph and Annie Mae are both survivors with a strong appetite for life. Like her human companion, Annie Mae has defied medical odds to survive longer than expected. Given her spunky stride and chatter—which also seem to mirror Joseph— she doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
“Nobody believes me when I tell them she’s 15. I think it has a lot to do with love. If you really love them and they know it, they tend to soak it up and exude it themselves,” Joseph says.
Undoubtedly, Annie Mae would say the same thing about her human, Joseph. In fact, she probably did—I just don’t understand French.
Guest Profiles is an ongoing series spotlighting PPT guests and their beloved pets. Stories and photos by Mac Becco, People & Pets Together.