Cassidy's Story

Dear Friends,

This page is dedicated to my beloved feline friend, Cassidy, who passed away peacefully in my arms on March 22, 2000, the very day I finished writing my first book: All for Animals: Tips and Inspiration for Living a More Compassionate Life. He was 16 years old. It was a beautiful, spring day in Southern California and Cassidy was at home surrounded by candles, flowers, music, and his favorite human companions.

I rescued Cassidy from a life on the streets in 1994. When we visited a veterinarian for the first time, he estimated that Cassidy was about 10 years old (imagine my disappointment to learn I would have only a few short years with my new friend!) As it turned out, we had exactly six years together.

I was determined to make every day special and apparently Cassidy felt the same way. He came to me at a time when I really needed the unconditional love he offered so freely and he inspired me and changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. I have no doubt he was brought to me to help fulfill my purpose of sharing the message of compassion toward all animals.

I will miss this very special animal angel. Cassidy, you were my inspiration and my best friend. I am honored that you chose me to be your guardian here on Earth.

Until we meet again across the Rainbow Bridge...

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Excerpt from "All For Animals: Tips and Inspiration for Living
a More Compassionate Life"
by Karen Lee Stevens
Copyright © 2001-2002 ALL FOR ANIMALS®. All rights reserved.
Learn more about the book

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"It was a run-down warehouse, the kind of building which you could envision housing old cars or greasy machinery at one point in its history. I looked toward the warehouse and spied a cat sitting on the cold, hard steps at the entrance to what once was the front doors of the structure. As I approached the cat and sat down on the step, he trotted over and promptly jumped onto my lap and started purring.

I didn't know it at the time, but I had just met my destiny.

I could see two old pet food and water dishes off in the corner, long crusted over from disuse. This cat had to be starving and thirsty. I washed a bowl as best as I could with water from an old faucet and filled it with water. I have never seen a cat drink so long and with such enjoyment. With that done and feeling pretty good about myself for helping this poor critter, I said good-bye and promised to be back to see him again soon.

The next day was Saturday and a rain storm hit the city with force. As I snuggled contentedly under the covers, my mind went to the kitty I had met the day before. What if he were out in all this rain? What if he were shivering, lonely, and scared? I had to do something! I got up and immediately drove to the warehouse where I had seen the kitty the day before, and, sure enough, there he was, huddled under the eaves of the old building. I strode over, scooped him up, and, without a backward glance, placed him on my lap in the car and drove home. He made no effort at protesting; it was as if he knew I had only the best of intentions.

I didn't really notice it when he was outside, but as I took a closer look at him at home, I saw that he had the most beautiful, big blues eyes I had ever seen on a cat. With the color of highly-polished sapphires and the depths of the deepest ocean, this cat drew me in with his gaze and we made a deep connection.

As the months and years passed, Cassidy and I continued to share a special relationship. He was there as I began mulling over the idea of starting an organization to help animals. He was there as I began researching animal rights and animal testing issues. Every time I learned about another atrocity by a human against an animal, I would sit with Cassidy and gaze into those soulful blue eyes and ask, "Why? Why, in this highly advanced society, is animal abuse happening?" Cassidy's unwavering gaze and quiet, dignified demeanor helped me to continue my research, to dig deeper, to find answers, and ultimately, to educate others.

Just as I completed this book, Cassidy, while nestled on his favorite blanket, passed away peacefully in my arms. He was 16 years old. I firmly believe he was brought to me to help fulfill my purpose of sharing the message of compassion toward all animals. I hope he realizes how important he has been in my journey to help other animals in need.

After all, it was our destiny."