Cassie

February 13, 2009

Our old Cassie girl had quite a life. She came to us at two years old, skinny, rib bones sticking out, not really looking like the Irish Setter that she was supposed to be. But, we adopted her and gave her a home and she gave us so much in return. She taught me unconditional love and the true spirit of an Irish Setter. She also showed me how to love someone so much that you can let them go.

She flourished over the years, and became a sweet, kind, gentle soul who loved everyone at a distance, she was friendly, but not an "in your face" kind of dog. She was just always there. To love us, to help us through tough times, to remind us that cookies were always in the cupboard, and that, in her mind, table scraps were to be shared with her. To the end of her life, she taught us lessons.

Today ended her beautiful life. She picked up a virus about 3 weeks ago, which, for most normal dogs, would have killed them. Not Cass ... we nursed her back to health, with the help of our vets and plain determination and love. We spoon fed her yogurt and bought her the "bad" kind of dog food, to make sure that she'd eat ... and she did ... for 3 weeks. Then, in her own subtle ways she was telling us that she knew she wasn't really going to get better. She slept more than normal, she didn't come to the door when we came in, and the last indicator was that she refused to eat. Joe slept beside her so that if she needed out in the night, he'd hear her and be able to help her old bones up. We squirted water into her mouth with a baster to try to keep her hydrated, but slowly, but surely, her age took over and she knew, and we knew, it was all to no avail, and we were, at some point, keeping her alive for us. We couldn't let her suffer.

Now, you have to know this dog. She didn't just eat to sustain herself, or because she liked food. She LOVED food !! She loved all kinds of food. We always said that if Cassie wouldn't eat, then we'd know it was "time" ... which is all well and good, "knowing" and "believing" are different things. She was a stubborn girl, who would get something in her pretty red head and there was no stopping her. She'd get into a bag of garbage if we left her alone with it for 5 minutes. She'd run away from us on a whim or sneak up on the couch cause it was way more comfy than her big pillow bed. Her determination was what kept her with us for her 14 years and what gave us 3 more weeks with her, to say good-bye.

Today was the hardest day of my life and the easiest. In my 54 years I've never been present when a dog was "put to sleep". Today, I was. Cass lay in my arms and it was all over very quickly. I believe in my heart that she knew and she was ready. She was a lady to the end, she had her front legs crossed and her beautiful head was in my hands. She was still taking care of us, making this "thing" easier for us. I felt truly honored to be able to share her last moments on earth with this special old soul, who never hurt anyone and only ever gave us unconditional love.

Cassie shared a birthday with our Grandson Zach, and it was hard to tell him that Cass was gone. Our grandkids have only known their Gramma and Poppy's home that included the old dog. Zach and Cass had a special bond. She was a part of all of us and has left a huge hole in our hearts and our family.

Run free my sweet girl. We've loved you for most of your life on earth and hope that you find your brother B.J., and the rest of your brothers and sisters in heaven. Sheaba, Blue, Tabbly, Cayla, and even Levin's Dad, Matt were probably there to meet you and now you're all running through green fields with your beautiful red hair blowing in the wind and your floppy early swinging in the breeze. I will always love you and always miss your kind and gentle spirit. You taught me lessons in life that only an Irish Setter can. Good bye our faithful friend. (shown here with "brother" Levin)

Kate Thibaudeau