"Big ol' Cassidy is our first love at the Ranch ...
Now our Alpha male, who currently "rules the roost", "Cass" was about 4 years old when this great picture was taken by friend, Shelley Ames. He was, however, just a fist sized fuzz ball the night he was handed to me in the middle of a rainstorm in a restaurant parking lot. I was on my way back from LA where I had recorded a Voice Over for a commercial and it was absolutely storming ... Tired from the difficult drive, I had stopped to get a cup of coffee and some pie to get my bearings. Driving in the rain, especially at night, was something I've always hated. As I approached my car, a wet, shadowy figure stepped toward me in the night. I was startled, but as I listened to the voice I heard ... "Lady, please take this puppy ... I can't afford to feed it and I think it's in trouble ..." I know, I know ... maybe not a smart thing for me to do, but I felt no fear as this tired, worried man moved closer. The obviously homeless young man tenderly pulled the limp pup from under his soaking coat and pressed it into my receptive arms. I quickly tucked it under my jacket close to my heart ... baby animals need reassurance and I knew my heartbeat would be a primal sound that this little fellow would recognize.
"Thomas" didn't want the $20.00 I insisted he take that night ... he didn't want to "sell" his puppy ... he just wanted it "safe". Assuring him that the Angels had definitely gotten his pup to the "right place", he thanked me and shyly shuffled away into the night as "Cassidy" and I drove as quickly as I could to a fast food place. There I bought him a hamburger patty with cheese and a small cup of water with no ice. Certainly not the best food for a puppy but probably tasty enough to get him to eat if he really was "in trouble" as "Thomas" had feared.
By this time, the hum of the motor and the warmth of the heater and my lap had awakened him. Bright little button eyes shone up at me curiously as he gingerly took tiny pieces of the meat from my hand ... finally, the warm meat and tasty cheese seemed to be doing the trick and he ate it enthusiastically. I remember thinking as I sat there, rain still beating ferociously down on the car and a tiny satisfied pup now washing his little paws on my lap, that this was some auspicious beginning for such a little fellow. I knew then that he would be a very special friend for someone ... I just didn't know at that point that it would be me ...
Six and a half years later, "Cassidy" stands tall as my favorite male canine of all time ... huge, huggable and sweet, he takes care of his "family"... Two people, many other doggie "sisters and brothers" and several fat cats that sleep with him nightly. He is the first to check the ranch in morning and the last to watch thru the night ... And finally, thank you "Thomas" wherever you are. I just hope your kindness has brought you as good a life and as much love as you gave one little puppy that terrible stormy night. You are forever in our prayers ..." Kate Porter
The
Critter Coalition
PO Box 1841, Joshua Tree, Calif. 92252