Cashmere

Cashmere came to us after being passed around many times because her companion could no longer care for her. She was eventually brought to a vet clinic to be euthanized because no one wanted her, but the vet refused to end her life because she was basically healthy. Instead he called ODH and we were the lucky recipients of this 13 year-old, four pound Yorkie dynamo.

Of course there are issues—there always are: dragon’s breath teeth, she hasn’t been spayed, she has luxating patellas, and she isn’t housebroken. Soon she’ll have a dental and will be spayed, which should allow her to continue her reign as the Cashmere Queen in style and good health.

The Queen is very particular and so her minions (dog and human) have learned to cater to her likes and dislikes: “not that food; the other kind; chicken only please; that smells icky; this spot on the bed, not near the brown dog; laps are ok, but only certain ones …”  And so it goes. She’s living proof that cute dogs are spoiled. As it should be.

Our little queen is charming, smart, adorable, energetic and snuggly (when she feels like it). We hope she’s able to stay with us for a long time. Thanks to ODH her physical needs will be taken care of and we’ll happily provide a loving family.

Update:  After a year of gracing us with her presence we had to say goodbye to our little queen Cashmere. Her health finally declined drastically and it became too much for her to struggle to be well. Even though we weren’t ready to send her off on her next expression of spirit (Are we ever ready?) she told us that it was time and she needed to go.

When we think about what we learned from this little dog the lessons are there on many levels and we thank her for all of them:

• It’s good to be in charge.
• Looking for positive experiences (like lap sitting, eating good food, enjoying cuddles and kisses, and always insisting on being in the front of the line) are important.
• Being loved is wonderful and it’s good to share the love.
• Being little doesn’t matter in terms of the size of your heart.
• The joy of belonging is really necessary.

Thank you Cashmere for staying as long as you could and for everything you taught us. We really miss your physical presence, but we’ll always love you and know your spirit is with us. Our hearts are bigger because you shared yours with us.