Cassie was a Shetland Sheepdog, born 1982 and died 1996. She was given to my mom when Cassie was just 1 years old and I was 10 years old. My mom always had dogs but no dog was ever considered either me or my sister’s dog until Cassie. For whatever reason, Cassie chose me. She always slept in my bed, even when it was my sister’s turn to have her because Cassie would whine and scratch at the door until my sister let her out so she could come to my room. I trained her, I helped her get through a dog disease called distemper. And I was almost always the one to bathe her, brush her, and feed her. I believe that Cassie was truly a gift from God. I had a troubled childhood and Cassie was just what I needed to get through it. I could talk to her and tell her all my troubles and she would lay her head on my lap or give me a tender lick on the hand. She loved to lay by me and she loved to be hugged. Cassie depended on me so much that when I considered suicide during my turbulent teenage years, Cassie was there to remind me that I had a reason to live. I have so many wonderful memories of Cassie. I don’t know where I would be today if it wasn’t for her. She gave me not only purpose in life, but confidence and hope as well. Thank you, God, for the gift of Cassie.