The night before, I knew the end was near. I tried to feed you and give you water but you were not interested until I gave you an Oreo cookie. You did enjoy that! but I knew your body no longer needed earthly nourishment and your soul was preparing for your new life. I couldn't sleep and cried by your side-looking up phone numbers to call in the morning. And when the sun rose, I let you outside while I found the Lap of love network, where vets came to the home to do euthanasia. It was the hardest call to make and I barely got through it, but a time was set. I took you outside and we walked a little in the yard. I cleaned up up and got your blanket that gramma sewed for you, and your favorite toy, a stuffed seal that was chewed and played with for years. What a silly toy you picked as somedays you could barely lift it! We sat on the glider together and when the vet arrived, she looked at you and said, yes, it is time. I tried to hold you without crying but looking over at daddy just made me cry harder. The vet was nice enough to give me tissues, and she was consoling me and explaining to me what she was going to do. You didn't like the needle and I can't blame you but it made you sleepy. I keep rubbing your head and behind your ears but it was not easy for me. The next injection brought you your last breath and my most painful tears. I held you as the angels led you into paradise, far from pain and suffering. We buried you under the pine tree in the big yard that you loved so much. Your stuffed animal and blanket are with you, and when I sit outside, I can see your special place. I put chimes above you so I can hear them with the wind,and you know you are not alone.A little bird feeder above you, so the little creatures can be your companions. If you could hear all our friends and family that talked about how many things you have seen and done in your 17 years with us. You were quite the celebrity! And Sophia just has the cutest stories about you in heaven...I can only dream and hope and pray that you are in a better place, and that we will be able to spend time together again. And if I should decide it is time to have another companion, I want you to know that it will never take your place. My love for you will never diminish and your presence will forever be missed. I couldn't bear to see you suffer, but my heart wanted you with me. I'll do the best I can to go on in this world without you but please wait for me should there be that special place where you and I can be together again. I miss you Cassie girl.