Cassius by Justin and Adrienne Indihar / Cassius Clay Indihar

Dearest Cassie,

Goodbye Smiley Joe…Mr. Pink. Your life with us was so short, just 6 short months and you changed us. We nursed you at 3 days, bathed you every day in the sink, then the tub, then outside. You grew. You began to love. You began to hate. You never knew how it could have been. You never understood our love for you. Your brother brought you angst. We won’t forget that part. We will never blame you for wanting the love you deserved; the love you didn’t know you already had. I won’t forget coming home to you. A white dog that suddenly turned red. Blood red. You fought your way through our hearts just as you fought your way through this life. It wasn’t meant for you Cassius. We know that. We won’t forget. We will always love our Smiley Joe.

I will miss you so much. You smiled when you saw me. You smiled to see your Daddy. Frazier won’t be the same. You two were meant to be…named FOR each other. We loved you so much Cassius Clay. I won’ t forget your pink mouth; I won’t forget that same morning, waking up with you. Your big pink mouth licking my eyes, beckoning a wake-up. It is hard. I hated to let you go. But please remember my intent. You don’t have to fight. You have everything you need. Your tail, wagging in the sun, is signal for a petting. You won’t want. You never have to. Flossie is there to guide you, Jack is your Good Friend. Gina, her small self,
is there to direct you.

You won’t forget us. We won’t forget you. You taught us love in its absolute basis. Nothing is more substantial than the need of an animal. You needed us when we most needed to be needed. You were heaven-sent and heaven-taken. Your brother will belong to us. TO US. Both of us. A testament to our love for one another. Any time we think we don’t belong together, your brother will be there. You will be there. You taught us so very much. Midnight and 3 am feedings…belly rubs, quick growth, speedy love. We loved you Cassie, we love you still. Our love never grows old, we always remember you. You, OUR CASSIE, OUR CASSIUS. OUR BOY. We wish you Peace. Peace Be With You. As You Walk Through The Valley of Shadow and Death, You Fear No Evil, for HE is with you. We know, we remember, we know.

God’s Speed Cassius Clay,

GOD’S SPEED.

 

I have known no other love than that of an infant or of a dog. Neither needing neither wanting both loving back without knowledge of suffering. We love you. Cassius.