Barbara

by Barbara
(Fairfax, VA)

We were lucky enough to adopt a Carolina dog 16 years ago from our local animal shelter. My son was drawn to this very shy dog who was the only one there who wasn't clamoring to be petted. She sat in her cage with her back to the door, way at the back of the cage and showed no sign of enthusiasm when we called to her. She glanced over her shoulder and then back to the wall again. I felt an immediate connection to her and apparently so did my son, who insisted that we take her home with us.

Cassie is her name and she has been the heart and soul of our home ever since that day. Shy, introverted, funny, smart, she won't beg, won't allow others to pet her, tends to look out a window for hours and think her own thoughts, she is exactly like me. I can feel what she needs and she seems to be able to feel what I am feeling and reacts to it.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer before my 40th BD I had to undergo a radical mastectomy and chemotherapy. Very sick in bed after a "treatment", my husband and son were leaving for a short time and I was left on my own with Cassie. After a few minutes and in my weakened state I felt myself start to throw up violently, as I did often after the chemo, but could not raise myself up off the pillows to either sit or get to the bathroom. I was starting to choke on my own vomit (gross, right?). Before I knew what was happening, Cassie had slithered behind me, between me and my pillows, pushing me forward just enough that I stopped choking and was able to breathe again. She, who pays no attention to anything or so we thought, had literally and totally saved my life. She weighs only 30 pounds, but it was enough.

I have always been highly sensitive and somewhat try to block out knowing what people are thinking and feeling, but it doesn't do any good. I am thrilled to find there are other people out there who are the same. Please contact me, any of you, as I'd so love to connect.