Cassie crossed the Rainbow Bridge

It has been a month but I'm still getting used to the fact that Cassie is no longer around. She passed away on July 11, 2007 with Gene & I holding her at the vet's office. I always knew that she was going to lose her battle with lymphoma; it is a nasty disease that hides but never fully goes away. Her last few days were a struggle for her as her breathing became very shallow and she no longer was willing to take her pain medication that she had been on the last few weeks of her life. When we could get the pain meds down, it was obvious it was only making a dent in her pain. She had had a vet visit on July 3 and at that point there had been little change in the size of the lymph nodes since early June. A week later, they went from nickel size to nearly golf ball size. She was helped across the bridge by her oncologist, just before her oncologist left to start her new practice after her residency. I miss Cassie a great deal but I'm glad that the struggle is over and that she isn't in pain. Miss Cassandra Scylla is now at peace at the age of 7 years and 4 months. Chemo gave me 2 good years and I don't regret it at all. It was worth every moment and every penny.

Cassie was treated at the University of Illinois Small Animal Clinic in the oncology department. She loved going there and loved the people she encountered.

Just in case you don't know what the Rainbow Bridge is, the following is a poem describing it.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown... (http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm)