Author: Lucia

It had been about 2 weeks after my last chemo treatment for breast cancer when we set out to the boxer rescue to adopt 2 boxers. It was a surprise for the kids and daddy thought we could use some cheer after all we’d been
through in the past months.

We didn’t choose you, you and Brandon chose us. You two were the first boxers they brought out and it was love at first sight. We were told that you were found on the street and that Brandon was given up because his owner had lost his home. The rescue volunteers had put you two together because of your temperament and they weren’t wrong. We took you both home and our new life began. All the sadness seemed to evaporate and all that was left was wiggly butts and lots of slobbery kisses.

You were such a sweet, patient and obetient girl from the beginning, even after we found out you were deaf all we had to do was give you a hand gesture and you did exactly as you were told. You loved to give “Cassie kisses” where you would continuously lick the air and us. Your passion was playing with balls. You used to get them under the furniture and then go head first to get them sticking
your butt up into the air.

You loved our daughters and were more like their sister than their pet. My favorite memory is of you sitting between them and playing barbies. You were such a joy to watch.

When we got our new house, you seemed so happy to run around the yard with Brandon. I loved to watch the two of you explore the yard and run around together. When little Snoopy came along, you welcomed him into the family too. You never lost your patience with his puppy ways even when he would climb all over you and chew on your ears.

You had a special bond with daddy, maybe because you reminded him of his first boxer but I think it was because of how you would rest your head on his knee and look lovingly into his eyes, especially when you wanted some of what he was eating.

It has been 2 days that you have been gone and I can’t stop crying. The pain is almost unbearable. You brought so much joy into our lives and to watch you die such a painful death was scaring to me. You didn’t deserve it. I wish I had known more about bloat and stomach torsion. I should have been more informed and attentive. I should have let you and Brandon sleep in the house that night but you were so restless and I didn’t know it was a symptom, I thought you just wanted to be outside and chase rats or possums or jack rabbits like you so frequently did.

When we saw you the next morning, you were already in shock and you could barely breath because your stomach was so bloated. You took your last steps towards me and collapsed at my feet. We rushed you to the hospital and they worked feverishly on you. They did everything they could. We had to leave you there and go home as there was nothing we could do. I gave you a last kiss on your head and i looked into your eyes. I wonder if you saw me. You were sedated and in shock.

When they called a few hours later and they told me they couldn’t operate and there was nothing more they could do for you I told them that we would come down to be with you. We never did spend your last moments with you. We just couldn’t do it. We were howling and screaming and mourning you from home. Poor Brandon and Snoopy were doing their best to comfort us.

I am so very thankful that nonna Miriam and nonna Aida were there with you, stroking you and telling you how much you are loved. I know you will wait for us at rainbow bridge healthy once again and making new friends and someday we will all cross that bridge together
as a family once again.

Always remember that we love you and we know that you love us. You will always be our sweet girl.