Cassie was my heart healer. On November 5, 1990 I lost my beloved cocker Samantha. Cassie was born on November 6, just 12 hours after Samantha died. My best friend decided the best cure for a broken heart was another cocker. Cassie was just 6 weeks old when she put her into my arms for the first time. It was love at first sight and the beginning of a wonderful 16 years.
She grew from a demanding pup to a gorgeous and regal princess who loved nothing more than being by my side. She loved to sing along with songs on the TV and radio, loved her stuffed babies, loved spending time outside with me in the garden and mostly she loved me. As the years went by and the beautiful red and while coat faded mostly to white, nothing seemed to slow her down. Even when she went deaf around the age of 10 her sparkle didn’t dim. She finally started slowing down a couple of years ago when she was diagnosed with a heart murmer.
Then last year, the dreaded news of congestive heart failure. For a while she showed no symptoms, but then she started with a cough that steadily worsened until spells would leave her gasping for breath. That last night when she was having so much trouble breathing, I could see her eyes pleading with me to make it better, to make it stop. After seeing the vet and talking over treatment alternatives sounded more like torture and in the end, wouldn’t have done anything to help her, I decided it was time. I held her in my arms as the vet started the IV and gave her the medicine that would end her life. As she took her last breaths, I kissed her sweet face and told her I loved her. Then it was over.
One week later I brought her home for the last time. That day a presence filled my house again and I could feel her near to me again. Run free at the Bridge with your sister of the heart Samantha, my sweet Princess. We will be together again.