<html><head><style type="text/css"><!-- DIV {margin:0px;} --></style></head><body><div style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10pt"><DIV>It is with much sadness that I write through my tears to let you know that Cassie made her way to the bridge this morning. She died in my arms in our kitchen within seconds. I think she went into cardiac arrest. I don't know if the cancer caused this or if it was her heart only. </DIV>
<DIV>She started having her panting spells off and on over the last week and a half. She quit eating her food, but would gladly eat any table scraps we would give her. Little stinker until the end.</DIV>
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<DIV>Last night, my husband carried her to bed and I laid there with her until she was able to catch her breath and then I went to bed. I got up this morning and we all went about our normal routine. She was slowly trying to make her way to the kitchen door to go outside when it started. She was panting hard and then she leaned into me and her back legs gave out. I tried holding them up so she could get her footing and then I noticed her front legs going stiff and her paws were completely sprawled out. So I sat down on the floor and placed her in my lap and put my arms around her. I sat there and felt her go limp. I ran upstairs to get my husband and when I got back she had peed and I cradled her again. She took 2 last gasps of air and then she was gone. Just like that. </DIV>
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<DIV>I guess I have to be thankful that she died in my arms surrounded by me, Jeff, Schroeder, Sohie and Maya. But it still doesn't ease the pain. She was my heart dog.</DIV>
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<DIV>I love you Cassers, you were the sunshine in my day, the smile on my face and I hope you know that you were the best dog, the best friend, the best of everything and I miss you terribly and I always will. Life will never be the same without you, but I will see you again.</DIV>
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<DIV>You are free of all pain and all sickness. Godspeed my sweet, sweet Cassie G. I love you my baby girl.</DIV>
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<DIV>We send our love and drool to all in need.</DIV>
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<DIV>Annette, Maya, Schroeder and Sophie</DIV>
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