My Cassidy is at Rainbow Bridge

She was a rescue, a pup my son found on one of his many journeys. He was in Taos, NM for the winter, skiing, trying to figure out what he was going to do with the rest of his life, he was fresh out of college. It was too warm to ski that day, so he went hiking and there she was, down in a canyon, drinking mud. She couldn't have been more than a few months old, just a pup. He gave her what he had left of his lunch, an orange and she ate it, peel and all. she followed him back to his truck, and the rest is history. He brought her back to Chicago about 5 months later and left her here, while he went off to San Diego to law school. We had a Golden at the time very close in age to Cass and they had become fast friends. That was over 15 + years ago.

Lately, I have had her at the vet at least once a week, for one thing or another, nothing serious but always questioning is it time. We are of the belief that our animals deserve quality of life, they don't deserve to suffer and all I wanted to know was "when". The vet kept telling me "you will know" which honestly, was making me crazy. Cass had bad hips, yet still managed the stairs. She had cataracts. She had doggie dementia and would get confused and "lost" within the house she had lived in for over 15 years. Thankfully, I work at home, so I was always with her when she needed someone to "find" her and bring her back to my office. She began falling down the stairs. They were carpeted and she didn't even seem to be fazed by it, just shook herself off and started up again. I just kept watching, and waiting. Our vet did tell us to think of at least two things that bring her joy and that was food and her daily walk. Her walks were becoming shorter and shorter, she didn't have the strength to go far, yet she was there when I took out her leash, tail wagging and always ready. Yesterday was different. The vet was right. I knew. I won't go into it all, but by 10p last night, I woke my husband and told him it's time. He got up and we took her in. As much as I know we did everything we could for her and gave her the best possible home she could have and made the right decision I still feel like my heart is breaking. It's so painful...

Miriam

Oh, Miriam :( :(

{{{{{{{{{{{{so many hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know how much animals mean to us. Just remember you gave her the best life a doggie could ask for. She is at peace now, though I know that can only be a small consolation.

Miriam, I am so sorry and those who have never loved a pet with all their heart don't know what they are missing.  They are family members and our best friends.  I happen to be on 'watch' at the moment with our 18 year old dalmation, so I know exactly what you are going through.  I have a feeling she will be joining your Cassidy very soon...they can frolic among the clouds together!

Sleep soft, dear Cassidy....

many hugs

Donna

Miriam, I'm sooo sorry.  I'm sitting here in tears because I've had to do that on several occasions and it truly is heartbreaking.  But you gave Cassidy a wonderful home for over 15 years and I do believe we will be with our beloved pets again.  I can't imagine being totally happy in heaven without them.  Cassidy was truly blessed the day your son found her.

Sherrine

 

Thank you everyone. It is a comfort to read your kind words, really it is. I am so sad, so very sad. I am having trouble functioning today. My job is at this computer. I do medical transcription, work at home and I'm finding it nearly impossible to sit here. All I do is think of Cassidy and cry. Well it hasn't even been 24 hours so I guess this too shall pass. I have been through this so many times before. It never gets any easier. We just went through this in December, a couple days before Christmas. Had to put down our K.C., and she too was almost 17, a little black cat.
On the bright side, the weather here today is awesome, 66 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. I did get out, forced myself, to take a walk. Of course, I cried because that reminded me of Cassidy too. I know, it will get better, in time. Time really does heal.
thanks again
Miriam

So very sorry on the loss of your beloved pet, it is hard, I lost my cat maximillion last year after having him for 17 1/2 years,
it was hard to make that decision to put him down, but he'd stopped eating and drinking and looking in his eye's you
could tell he was gone.........
lots and lots of soft hugz
((((((((((((((Miriam))))))))))))))))))))))

I am
sorry for your loss.

donnaeil

I am so sorry for your loss Miriam- 

And the story on how you ended up with her, was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time.

GamJill

sorry to hear of the loss of cassidy, i know your pain, their is no way i could live without the love of an animal, and their is nothing quite as devastating as the loss of one, but arent we lucky to know and experience their undying loyalty, devotion, and their built-in ability to comfort us without even having to say a word, i know the emptiness seems overwelming right now, as it did for me when i lost my dutchess, but i can tell you for sure, that your heart will feel that warmth again.