Over the Rainbow…

Mama Cass’s Obituary
Mama Cass’s born ? Died October 18, 2003

In April 2001, a passerby discovered Cass beside I-540 at the Chester exit. She was believed to be an injured wolf hit by the traffic but upon closer examination, she was found to be a husky/wolf mix delivering puppies. The discoverer kindly constructed a shelter where she and the puppies would be protected from the weather. The next day, several people halted to watch and protect Mama Cass (as she would be later named) and her seven babies. Later that evening, Cass and the puppies were transferred to an empty house where they grew rapidly. She cared for them tirelessly with few respites each day and they loved her dearly in return.

When it was time for the puppies to leave the nest, some very special people who love them like family adopted two. Unfortunately, the remaining five were not adopted and remained with Cass. Still, as these puppies became full-grown, she never ceased being a good mother (unlike many others). There was a time when her best friend, Elmer (who was recently shot, but has recovered), would baby-sit the puppies while she played with another friend (husky) who lived on Cartright Mountain but who has since also disappeared.

Some of her favorite pastimes, in addition to playing with her puppies, included riding with me in the truck to run errands (she loved the peace and quiet of the truck cab), going for ice cream at the Dairy Dream (we figured that if she was given a medium cup, it would give me time to eat
my small cone before she started begging for more), breakfasting at the Truck Stop (since was where she would get a biscuit), and greeting new friends visiting my barn during sales. She loved children but, because of her size, frightened many of them as well as some adults. But there never was a gentler dog or a more loving one.

She was probably witness to the shooting of two of her puppies (one of which did survive) and the disappearance of two other puppies and friends. She watched as her canine circle of family dwindled down to her two puppies and Elmer.

One Thursday night she didn’t come home, but since a storm was brewing and she would usually run to her safe place during storms, I was not concerned. Friday morning when I left my house, Elmer and the puppies were barking frantically in the carport of the house across the driveway. When I reached there, I found Cass still alive (barely) and raced her to the vet. They worked frantically to get her heartbeat and breathing stabilized, drew blood to test for anti-freeze poisoning and I raced (once again) to Little Rock where testing was done. Anti-freeze was ruled out as a possible cause so fluids were continued Friday night and early Saturday morning in hopes that her system would flush whatever poison was taken. We can almost pinpoint the time she died since, around 6 a.m., Elmer and all of my dogs began howling telling her goodbye.

Cass’s courage and selflessness during all the time I knew her was exemplary and should be a lesson to us all. She loved unconditionally (as most dogs will), expected very little in return and appreciated the love she received. She touched many people, in addition to the rest of my dogs, and will be sorely missed by us all. Elmer, as well her puppies and my fenced-in dogs, still look down the road for her. I know that they will never see her again, but we will all remember her in our hearts forever.

There are additional messages to this obituary that I feel compelled to add. “The vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord” and I am content for Him to mete out any punishments needed for maliciousness relating to Cass, her friends and family. However, if her poisoning was due to irresponsibility, there is another message.

Many products used every day are poisonous to animals, wildlife, pets and small children. The user should be aware of how and where chemicals are to be used and how they are to be properly disposed. Anti-freeze tastes good to most animals and is lethal. Chemicals used to kill rats, snails, slugs, moles, insects and other pests are lethal (that’s why they kill), but in some cases when discovered in time and when the product is known, an antidote might be available which will prevent death. For Cass, if she had been discovered in time to be taken to the vet immediately and if the toxin had been determined, she might be alive today. Even items we would never think of as toxic such as some plants (poinsettia for example), some mushrooms and chocolate can kill.

Proper disposal of toxic materials is most important. When anti-freeze is allowed to drain onto the ground, it presents a welcomed treat for most animals. When pesticides are stored in the open, the powders, pellets, peanuts or whatever make interesting little tidbits to nibble by any animal or human. When toxic plants are part of a home decor, they are also fatal munchies for pets. When medications and other medical wastes are not disposed of safely, they, too, can be fatal to any passerby, animal or human.

I believe that these are the stories and messages Cass would want delivered to everyone in hopes that her life as well as her death might make a difference.
 

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