THE 4-LEGGED CHIEF Remembering Cassique, the Best Boy
My long-standing joke is that my four children are my pets and I don’t have any energy left for any real ones. But every joke has some truth behind it, too! I love animals — especially dogs. When my wife and I were first married, I mentioned that I wanted a big dog, and just after we bought our first house, that dream came true. While we were on vacation in Kiawah, South Carolina, with no plans or hope for a pet, we decided to visit an English Labrador Retriever breeder our friend had recommended. The moment my wife picked one of the adorable puppies up, he laid his head on her shoulder and that was it — we weren’t leaving without this dog. Thus, Cassique (named after the chief of the Kiawah Indians), became a part of our family — our firstborn! He had an enormous head and weighed roughly 110 pounds. He had the most friendly personality and never showed a tooth
and, just like the mayor, he had to greet everyone. He was truly one amazing pup. As our family grew, it was difficult to offer him the care he deserved, and after our second son had some breathing complications and an allergy test revealed that dog dander was one of his triggers, we made the very difficult decision to gift him to my dad as his wedding gift. While this broke our hearts, it truly was a match made in heaven. My dad and his wife love him immensely, and that love was certainly reciprocated! The best part was that we were able to visit Cassique often and watch him live a long and happy life. Dogs and pets are an essential part of every family, and although Cassique was no longer under our roof, my dad gave him the best life; he was the best pup. In honor of National Pet Week this month, we remember Cassique — truly the most perfect dog!
INSPIRATION
TODAY’S SIP
Baldassarre Tuscan Blend Red Wine
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
“Life is too short to drink bad wine.”
Over in Italy, my wife and I had the opportunity to sip on some of the best wine. Baldassarre Tuscan Blend Red Wine is bold, smooth, and structured all at the same time. With notes of oak, vanilla, and chocolate, you may also taste flavors of cherry and raspberry. It pairs well with beef, poultry, and venison but is extremely versatile! This red blend was so amazing that we brought some home with us, and this month, we will be drinking some as we toast our son’s graduation!
–Theodore Roosevelt
–Dr. Mike
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