Monday, October 1, 2012

My Teacher, My Friend

My beloved art partner Cassie collapsed on the stairs on July 23 when we were coming up at bedtime.  Since then I learned that she had a huge mass in her spleen in addition to the hematoma that we'd already found, plus other major problems that were contributing to her increasing weakness. Being a stoic and stubborn Airedale, she bounced back from four episodes of internal bleeding, but she finally got so weak she couldn't stand and I had to let her go.
 
Cassie went to sleep peacefully in my arms on Saturday, September 22, right here at home after a late lunch of her favorite stuff, including chicken, Cheerios, graham cracker, Goldfish, canteloupe (yep!) and apple. Her favorite "Dawn Treader" CD (Celtic music by our friend Jane Pope) was playing - it always soothed her during thunderstorms, and we played it a lot while she was sick too. She was surrounded by friends and family - there was so much love around her, I know she felt it. One more friend joined us about 5 PM - Dr. Jennifer Hawthorne from Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice. She made one of the most difficult days in my life a little easier, by allowing Cassie to leave this life in the place where she lived for so long. 

Cassie lives on in her art and in my heart.  She was a great teacher and my best friend. In loving memory of Cassie (a.k.a. "Cassandra, Queen of the Universe") - April 12, 1999 - September 22, 2012 


3 comments:

The Black and Tans. said...

We were so very sad when we read Cassie had to make her final journey.
We send you loads of Airedale and Welshie kisses and hope they help just a little bit.

Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie.

Lydia C said...

I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Cassie's death. I bought one of her pendants a few years ago from Pam Rackliff and loved reading about your painting process. My Airedale, Rosie, sends kisses you way.
Sincerely,
Lydia Cassatt and Rosie

Blue said...

Sorry I'm late here!
I treasure my PiCassieO works.
Cassie is a great loss to you, to us her friends, we will never forget her, her art.

Love Diane