Dogiversary? Cassiversary? Cassiusanniversary? Whatever I want to call it happened this weekend! 2 years ago today I spent my first full day post-Team Training with Cassius. I remember being a bit overwhelmed with the magnificent dog entrusted to me and the responsibility that comes with it.
Our first outing was down the street to Peer’s, so of course I repeated that… this time at Starbucks, and with an additional Puppaccino for the dog (tiny bit of whipped cream!) Cassius, being the food lover that he is, enjoyed this immensely:
We went on a nice leisurely walk around my new neighborhood (stopping at not one but 2 pet stores, one to weigh Cassius and one to buy him an anniversary gift – a Hurley from West Paw Design!) and I thought a bit about our partnership. Cassius has seen me through 3 apartments, 3 different jobs (yeah, sounding a bit like the Liberty Mutual commercial…), each time with an inquisitive demeanor and willingness to adapt.
He’s as happy to go out as he is to spend the day in bed (although he is a great motivator to go out! I’m in better shape thanks to him)! I love his love for me (obviously!), but also for the people who he knows love him… he just knows. His personality is the perfect mixture of calm and a latent bit of goofiness that emerges seemingly when I most need it.
Cassius just radiates his personality… I’m continually told how “kind” and “sweet” he looks, and my response is always “Yes!” He is not an effusive dog (usually, unless you’re meeting after being apart for a bit!) yet just radiates a “ok, I got this!” attitude. I appreciate that. He helps me channel my own”ok, I got this!”
The outward things he does are obvious, he is quite the expert at picking up keys and loves getting and carrying the mail. He helps me walk and not fall. Hr makes me get up and do things even when I hurt. People give me a second chance (and don’t honk at me for walking too slow!) Those things are invaluable, too.
So thank you, Cassius! Much love and thanks to my serious silly boy. I hope he knows how much I love him. I am sure he does.
Natalie Abbott 