Surprising Empathy

From the moment she became part of our family, Cassie was never shy, never intimidated by the other larger dogs and never one to back down from anything. She became a playmate for Cody and an annoyance to Candy. Remember, Candy's health was not good but you wouldn't know it to look at her. Candy was the princess of our house. Cody knew it and followed Candy's rules. Cassie tried desperately to break those rules. If Candy wanted to be left alone, she let Cody know it right away and he backed off. She also let Cassie know when she was annoyed with her...but, of course, Cassie was never convinced she meant it. Candy would growl at Cassie; Cassie would playfully bounce away and then slowly crawl back to be close to her. It was a challenge to Cassie to get close to Candy. And Cassie has never backed down from a challenge.

Her most memorable attempt is captured in this picture...Candy laying protectively at the feet of my husband's chair and Cassie sneaking up behind her and laying her head across Candy's tail. Candy's face provides all the reaction needed. I imagine her thinking, "Oh my gosh! Is this what I have to put up with from now on?"  She's looking at her knowing she must tolerate her like a big sister must tolerate the annoying little sister who always has to be involved. 

Cassie, being the smart little thing she is, learned quickly.  And, as good parents, under watchful eyes, we let them work it out themselves. Cassie began to understand that Candy was the oldest and in charge; Cody was the middle child and could sometimes be manipulated; and she was the baby; spoiled and protected because she was small and had to be tolerated while she learned the rules. She learned quickly that she could lay close to Cody, even lay on his legs and sleep...but Candy was to be kept at a distance.....until that fateful day when we had to say goodbye to Candy.....

Candy's cancer began to make it extremely difficult for her to get up and down. After two surgeries within 4 months, the tumor grew back faster and larger. She was 11 years old and nothing more could be done. The time had come. This is the last picture of Candy. Our Veterinarian would arrive shortly. What amazed me about this scene and why I took this picture is the behavior of the other two. All afternoon...as Candy lay quietly on her pallet, Cody and Cassie did not play, they did not run, they did not make a sound...it was as if they knew...and I think they did. They lay like this, beside her for at least an hour...quiet, calm...saying goodbye. Cassie, 5 months old, knew something was not right in our house this day. Cassie, 5 months old, my rambunctious, full of wild energy, always wanting to play puppy knew instinctively, even at her young age, that our family dynamic was about to change. At this moment, I knew she would be something special. I knew she would become a spark of joy in our home. Not to replace Candy, but to help us through our grief and help us and Cody fill the void left behind. It's been proven that pets provide comfort during grief. And I must say, she has done that and more. She fills our home with fun, laughter, adventure and surprises. She irritates and aggravates Cody to no end...but I know he loves every minute of it! She is the spark that always keeps us guessing and surprises us every day. God knew she would be just what we needed...mischief and all! Especially for me...you see, one month before losing Candy, I lost my mother. My sorrow was just beginning. There have been times when the stories to come in Cassie-isms have lifted my spirits and made me laugh when I thought there was no laughter...so, you see, God knew I would need this wonderful puppy with boundless energy...He knew her mischievous personality would be just what this family needed. 

And so, the stories begin.....