RIP Cass - the one who got me started

[mistwalker 0]

1995 was the year I bought my first lurcher - Cass. The advert read saluki/ collie x greyhound pups and I thought "That's the one for me" So, off I went with my cash in hand, ready to buy my first proper lurcher (having previously been accompanied on my ferreting trips with whatever dogs were in my family at the time)

I had a choice of three bitches, but , as we all know - Cass chose me White, with a few wee patches of brindle, she was often mistaken for a JRT when I had her inside my jacket - then the legs came out!

A gangly wee white thing grew quickly into a 26" running machine who, despite my many mistakes when training her, turned out to be a decent rabbiting dog although she was happiest when they were a bit longer in the ear department. She also did quite well at shows and absolutely loved racing (it wouldn't be the first time I heard the cries of "get that F&*king dog off the track!" as I looked down only to discover she had slipped her lead and decided that she wanted another race - even against the terriers!) She had a great personality - superb with children (more patience than I had) and always smiling (you know what I mean) when she saw you.

In 1999 she lost a toe and I thought that was her done for working - but she had other plans. She continued to hunt and although her turning was sometimes not as good as before, she did better than I expected. In 2000, we went to the Scottish Working Dog Millenium show in Balarno (I think that was the name of the place, I'm sure someone will be able to correct this) and, as she was goin nuts watching the lure at the first race, I thought "sod it, give her a run if she wants" Three races later and the last one winning by two lengths saw her lift the first place trophy!!! I lifted her in my arms, but all she wanted to do was have another bloody run!

A few years ago, I retired her to my mothers house (only two doors along) so I could still see her but she didn't get upset when I went hunting without her. And there she lead the life of luxury - her own sofa, which she gave up for no-one, eating the best of food and generally having a right good time as she moved into old age. A happy, contented, pampered old lady - no better than she deserved.

Sadly, in the last few days, she went downhill quickly (I won't go into details as I feel she deserves a little dignity) and this morning we decided that we owed her one last kindness. The vet was called and an appointment was made for tonight at 6.30 (I have to point out that she was in no pain, but couldn't get herself around any more despite everything that had been done - the vet agreed she was not suffering when he saw her)

Unfortunately, my big girl had a plan of her own. At 3.10pm she died in my mothers arms, looking up at her and giving three deep breaths, then she was away.

When I got the call at work, I came straight home (still stupidly hoping that she would maybe be asleep and that I'd get a chance to say goodbye) to take her to the vets for cremation.

So, here I sit - crying more than I ever have in my life for anyone, stopping every few words as the memories come flooding through my mind, hurting like I never knew possible. If there's a heaven, and everything ends up there - the hares better watch out.

RIP Cass, you taught me more than I ever taught you. You loved unconditionally, brought more happiness into this world than you will ever know - and for these, and so many other reasons - I will always love you, big skinny girl.

Cass 1995 - 2007

Edited May 14, 2007 by mistwalker

[fitch 0]

my heart goes out to you mate ,lost mine at 13 two year ago

[IanB 0]

So sorry to hear of your loss mate, its hard when it comes...you still have the memories, time is a good healer.....RIP Cass..

[Guest Bunny Basher]

What a wonderful tribute

[Guest Lurcherbitch]

My sincere thoughts go out to you. A better tribute to your dog nobody could expect. I am in tears with you now. She was a very lucky girl to have you and your family to look after her, also it sounds like you was very lucky she came into your life too. xx

 

RIP CASS. You was obviously loved very much.xx

[luke 2]

ITS NEVER EASY MATE EVERY ONE THAT GOES

IS LIKE A PUNCH IN THE GUT BUT WE JUST KEEP

GOING FOR THE LOVE OF THE SPORT

[chester 147]

r.i.p cass

[coyote 0]

sorry to hear that,good luck for the future

[Guest peter]

r.i.p cass

my heart gos out to you and your family. r.i.p cass

[mistwalker 0]

Thanks folks. Only true dog people understand the feelings we go through when we lose a companion.

[Guest gypo joe]

Know how you feel mate time is a great healer

but the memories will always be with you and

you will find yourself smiling somtimes when you

remember the good times you had with her

 

regards

[Guest wex]

RIP CASS.

[jembo 0]

shed a few tears reading that - r.i.p cass

[the fezz 44]

chin up mate

r.i.p cass

[tiny tim 22]

Thanks folks. Only true dog people understand the feelings we go through when we lose a companion.

never a truer word said

r.i.p cass