Category Archives: adopting a new dog

Baileys Everywhere

05 Friday Feb 2021

Posted by in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, amazon.com, animal companions, animal families, birds, dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, faith, letters, missing your dog, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Dear Bailey,

We must try to keep up with our letters! We have been been bad, although we talk and talk, don’t we? In the park, at the sky and the moon. There is currently a commercial on lately with a dog that reminds me of you. I see “Baileys” everywhere.

Your loving sister Joy says woof/hello. Today I have to take in Sabie for his echo on his little heart. Yes, he is still a little biter and yes, I have tried and tried, it’s just who he is, though he has gotten better but he is only 5, coming up on 6 in the summer. Here are some current pics for you.

How are things up in Hyfryd? We have this crazy thing called a pandemic all over the world. It’s a very bad virus that is highly contagious and because of that we cannot travel. Someday, we will be able to do that again and it is my goal to get to Wales especially Aberystwyth which is on the ocean. Border Collies descend from there as you well know, and I would like to visit some while there and see them herding on the vast farms that are there. Joy just herds Sabie all over the places. She likes to herd ducks in Pennsylvania and birds no matter where we are. And she now barks constantly at the postwoman and all delivery trucks. Yes, we are still snowbirds ourselves. I want to hear more about how you are doing and please let me know about all my other kids, especially Tarzan Cheetah, Jane, Freedom and Lucky. I thank you for taking care of them over the Rainbow Bridge.

Well, you write me back as soon as possible and I will watch for your letter. Recently a few people bought our book, I get notices from Amazon each time someone does. It’s nice to know because I feel our book helps people!

I love and miss you my Sweet Bailey and just like when you and I walked the planet together, everywhere I go without fail, someone tells me what a beautiful girl Joy is, which always reminds me that the same comments were always made with you as well. I know you are with us on every walk in every motion in every micro atom in which we exist. xoxoox, Mommy

Happy Birthday Bailey

20 Wednesday Jun 2018

Posted by in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, animal companions, animal families, birthday kisses, Birthdays, border collies, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, joy, love, loving dogs, loving life, parks, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, Senior Dogs, spirituality, trees, Uncategorized

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bailey buhl fall 420180525_132618

Dear Bailey,

Today is your 15th Birthday, How much do I wish you would have lived past age 10? There is not a day that goes by when Joy and I don’t talk about you. Here we are a few days ago visiting your dedicated tree in Buhl Park. We could not go today due to the rain, but we will get there tomorrow, it’s supposed to be a nice day. How you loved Buhl Park! Look at you sitting like the beauty you always were. I love you so very much and I know part of you is inside of Joy.

I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have both you and Joy together, what a fun pairing that would have been.  Joy would have loved you and you would have loved her too. I do not know what it is about you Border Collies but it is special. I actually cannot imagine not sharing life without that energy that surrounds me. I still feel yours and Joy has enough for 10 BC’s.

I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday and hope all is well in beautiful Hyfryd and that you are taking care of Safari, Tarzan, Cheetah, Jane, Freedom, Luck, Angel, and all the rest of our friends. You owe me a letter and I suspect I will get one this week. It’s been much too long since our last letters and I know you are thinking, okay Mom, I will write to you this week! I love you beautiful and always will. Someone just bought a copy of our book the other day. I hope that they enjoy it. You have fun today little lady. I love you so much and always will. Love, Mommy xxoo

The Joy Beneath Your Tree

01 Friday Sep 2017

Posted by in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, border collies, coincidence, death, dog/human relationships, dogs, missing your dog, rescue dogs, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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Screen Shot 2017-09-01 at 8.08.58 PM.pngJoy always stands beneath your tree, the second we arrive at your  special place in the park. There, she rolls in the grass each time with such glee, Part of you is part of her. I just know it.

I was thinking about how your personalities differ and how they are similar. Both Border Collies, you love intensely and you were very smart, just as Joy is. There is a strength in Border Collies that I much admire but their intense drive to love is what I love the most.  You were the kindest dog to everyone you met. Joy loves meeting new people but she is more choosey than you were. I think of you everyday Bailey, Joy and I have never been to the park without visiting your tree. I continue to feel your love fro the heavens above and envelopes me in a beautiful way that allows me to see you through Joy. I love you and am so thankful I was the one that got to rescue you and give you the senior life you deserved. We are only passing through this earth but I am sure glad that you were my daughter. I will love you always. Write Soon Bailey!

 

The Purpose of A Dog is Love

19 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, books, border collies, dog adoption., dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, joy, love, loving dogs, missing your dog, rescue dogs, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs

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Dear Bailey,

Tomorrow is the day 5 years ago you left us in physical spirit but not a day goes by without your life beating in a large space in my heart and I am sure part of you in inside Ms. Joy. When I was walking her today at the park and visiting your tree I thought about the book, A Dog’s Purpose, which I read after you went over the Rainbow Bridge. Well, they are making a movie of the book and I will be the first one in line on January 26th. Of course the book begins with a dog names Bailey.

I remember thinking after I read that book not only do I totally agree that every animal we rescue takes on the spirit of the former fur child, but that a dog’s purpose is simply love and you and I loved each other so much even though you were a senior when I found you and we did not have as much time together as we would have liked, but I think I crammed at least 15 years of fun and love into the 3-1/2 years we enjoyed together. You were such a pleasure to be with and you shared your love so freely.  Joy is learning to do that more and more with others and I am certain you are helping out with that, and I am proud of her and you for caring so much about Joy, who is, like you a special girl who I am madly in love with.

I just wanted to say that you missed physically every day Bailey but you are with me and I am with you always and forever in our hearts and souls.

With all my love,

Mommy

A New Year’s Wish of Remembrence

01 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, love, loving dogs, loving life, memories, missing your dog, rescue dogs, second chances, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Dear Mommy,

I keep this picture in my den right next to my bed. We have so MANY great pics together but this is a favorite because it’s the day you brought me home and we both were so very happy. Every year at this time I do get a little sad because it does not seem fair that I only had 3-1/2 years by your side. I am SO grateful you adopted me as a BEAUTIFUL senior, but I wish you  were mine since I was a puppy. However, I still squeezed SO much LOVE into those years with you, Safari and Daddy and so did you of course. When I think of all the adventures I had in both the FL and PA houses it’s amazing!

Mommy, I just want you to know that I always miss you when the New Year turns because it sort of ticks off another year that we have been physically apart and it makes me sad. But, I get happy when I think how the last part of my life was the BEST part and I think even for old people that is important because it is what you remember the most. You are the best Mommy ever and when I talk about you everyone is jealous! Ha!

Please tell Safari, Daddy and of course Joy, whom I hand picked for you, that I love and miss them too. By the way, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky send their love as well – they miss you so much too. We all do, but we know that our pictures are all OVER those houses and most of all in your heart.

Happy New Year Sweet Mommy,

Love your Daughter, Bailey with all my paws and heart. xoxoxoox

Your Kiss in the Sky….

02 Thursday May 2013

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cats, coincidence, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, joy, letters, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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Kiss in the Sky

Dear Bailey,

Did you know the book was about to be finished? This must have been your kiss in the sky for me and I really loved it. I am sorry I have been sooooooooo remiss in getting back to you but you know I have been frantically working to get our book done and to the publisher. I have also been working to create a website for it too and like, you I am always so busy working!

What has been interesting is the editing. I have read it over and over and  hope I have caught all the misspellings but what has moved me the most is how connected we remain and yes, always will be. I have to admit that during this book process I have cried – a lot. Sorry. You know me, I am just a big mushball and perhaps I am too sentimental, but I think it’s one of my good qualities. I am empathetic and I think MORE people should be! Having to read our work over and over brings up so many memories. Also yesterday I got some bad news. Remember when you told me that only very special human people get to cross over the Rainbow Bridge? Well, I learned that my ffriend and former vet Marla, from Chicago, is not doing well and that her cancer has taken over her beautiful person. It has not however, taken her soul, which is one of the sweetest ones I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. When we first adopted you and you were having all sorts of problems with your tummy, I called her to discuss them. Even though I did not even live in Chicago anymore, she was always willing to chat about the problems fur kids face. I mention her in our book, if you recall. She was the one who always told me, “Sherri, I know you love cats, but having a dog is a different relationship.” I have always remembered that and I will always remember her. Always. I want you tell everyone out there to look out for Marla Menuskin. She is a special one, alright. No one ever hugged me harder and longer than her. She is genuine love. Keep an eye out for her, please.

We will be heading up north soon and you know I will anxious to see your tree and see how much bigger it has gotten. I miss you so much and cannot believe how much time has passed. At this time last year we were planning on meeting Joy. This year her birthday will land exactly on Mother’s Day. How perfect is that? Did you have anything to do with the calendar this year? Somehow I think you all have magical powers in Hyfryd, but no one more than you.

Write me soon sweet girl and I will look forward to your letter. Thank you again for your sky kiss. It was a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or any other day….

Loving you all the time,

me

Another Little Birthday Note….

20 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, coincidence, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, missing your dog, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge

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744 PS I LOVE this picture of us!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO You!

I just had to write ON the day. My note last night was very short, I know, but I told you that I would write today as well and I am keeping that promise.

Since the first fo the year, classes have been very busy. There seems to be a lot of bad things going on down on earth with animal abuse and we find it very sad here in Hyfryd. We have seen too many of our animal friends coming to the classes, especially Loving You 101, to find about why they were harmed there. I have had to enlist Onwen and Telwyn to assistant teach and Barkley of course. Tarzan, Cheetah and Freedom and Lucky have taken over the cat version of the class and actually rewrote some of the lesson plans to be more fitting for cats specifically. They are doing an excellent job – all of them, but of course they would because they were your babies!!

When are they going to pass some real legislation on earth to prosecute the criminals who perpetrate these evil acts against harmless creatures? I mean these are the lowest of the low, right? I know you agree but it is very hard to get the abused to realize that is had nothing to do with them. The good news is that they are all happy they are here because they have fun all day and have lots of friends and all the food they want and no one is hurting. Their bodies are “PUUURFECT!”

It’s just all so sad. So I have really been working hard on that class in particular and I wish it did not have as many participants as it does!

Enough with all the sad stuff though. I wanted to say that I know it was just 9 months on the 12th that Joy came to live with you and I see she is doing well and is VERY happy and playful. I wish she would stop the itching, as I know you want to help her and you have done so many different things. I do think you will find that it’s the just the environment; plants and things in nature. She will be fine. Joy si a tough one I can tell. She has a real spirit to her. She reminds me of you SO MUCH! I knew she was perfect for you and that is why I led her to you. This is your first birthday with her in your life too! I cannot believe that you are 54. You look good though!

My wish for you mommy is to always have good health because if you have it then you can take care of everyone because they need you to and you are SO GOOD at it!!!

So I wish you a very, happy year ahead and this is OUR year for the book! YAY! I am so excited. You have GOT to finish the editing already! I know, that is your least favorite part, but it is work that needs to be done so get busy! You are almost done but I am thinking you are scared to be done with it. Don’t be. We are already working on book 2 in the series. We will never lose this EVER! I will always be next to you, near you and in communication and so will you. It is just us and part of who we are.

I love you so much. I hear you talk about me all the time and I do the same here in Hyfryd. I hope that you had a great day. Write me soon.Nose to Nose Kisses from your Sweet Bailey Girl! xoxoxo

 

 

Holiday Thoughts…..

03 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, Journaling, joy, loving dogs, missing your dog, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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Bailey's Santa Look!Dearest Bailey,

Last year we did not celebrate the holidays. I tried for Safari’s sake, but your crossing over the Rainbow Bridge took a lot out of me. Sometimes I still call Joy, “Bailey.” She hears me talk about you all the time. I know Safari gets what I am saying, but I often think that Joy is wondering, “Who is the Bailey I keep hearing about? I know we walk by her tree up North at the park!”

Joy had big paws to fill upon her adoption, but the funny thing is, you did such a great job in helping me find her on www.petfinder.com  she is perfect. I will show you a picture of her in the Santa hat at the end of this note. I cannot help but think how playful the two of you would have been together. True, Joy is a young one and you were my senior girl, but you both have equally sweet dispositions. Look at your face in this picture. It is so precious you should hang it in your den when you get my letter and show Onwen and all your friends.

I hope that you will write to be when you get your Christmas break next week. I think you said you would be off school for a long break – and I am sure much-deserved. Here is the thing though, we only have a few more letters before it’s time to get the blogs together for the book! I know you are so excited and so am I. It’s going to be lots of work but you and I do not mind that, do we?

I hope you will put up a tree and decorate it with some cute stuff. I put one of your pictures with Santa out in the living room – so cute. Miss Joy would NEVER pose with Santa! I think that she would bark at him! haha! I might try it next year though! I started going to the dog park again. The first day was hard since you loved to go there and Joy REALLY loves to go – we were there today and people talk about how they miss you but they love Joy. It’s funny I was not sure that she would like it there and I could not have been more off-base. She loves it and I am very happy about that. She plays so well with the other dogs and they all love her. She is very gentle just like you.

The holidays are bittersweet for me. It’s only our second Christmas without you but I am focused on the book and getting that done and I am so thankful that we have worked on this project together and we will continue and make a whole series of books with the hope of helping others come to terms with the loss of their animal companions. Work to do!

Here is a picture of Joy with her Santa Hat for your den: She was not too thrilled with having anything on her head but I did it while she was sort of sleepy and would not mind as much! haha! Oh how I love you both.

Write to me soon my sweet Bailey girl. Let me know how you and your friends  are celebrating the holiday. I hope that you will also be with Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky and whomever else you love.

With all my love always and forever……

IMG_1881IMG_1877  PS – Safari wanted me to send you his picture as well. He was half alseep – I will work on new ones!

Day 365…Two Letters Today

28 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Fall, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, rememberence, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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My Sweetest Bailey,

I have 1000’s of pictures of you and each one is cuter than the next. It is hard to fathom that today, 365 ago, you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge into Hyfryd.

I have been privileged to share my life with so many wonderful furry children and you were one of them – a stand-out by all accounts.

We taught each other much, but you taught me more and you still do, each and everyday. I love hearing of your teaching and work in Hyfryd and I am so glad that you found Onwen right away upon your arrival because he is truly your best companion and working pal.

All the leaves on the tree are gone, save for a few browns ones ready to fall. I am sure by now they are all gone as we are having cold and rainy weather. I am sure it is beautiful by you and I was hoping that you would write today as well and I know that you will.

I miss you so much everyday. I can only thank you for finding us the perfect girl to carry on those specific Border Collie antics that only Border Collies are capable of!  We honored you by rescuing Joy, another girl in search of a forever home which we have provided. Like you, she is so grateful.

Although this day is so very bittersweet for me especially, I feel good that we gave you the best three years of your 10 year-old life, which, I know was never easy until I found you and got you out of the shelter and I could not have been happier to share life, love, cuddles and kisses with you. In my heart I still do.

I will love you forever and always…..xoxooxoxoxox

Dear Mommy,

Thank you for your sweet letter. On this day a year ago, I think you cried the entire day and for months afterwards. What makes it better is that you were able to get through your grief, like I did and get back to work like a good Border Collie! I always told you that if you were a dog, you would be a Border Collie! You have high energy, you love to be loved and give love and you have a long nose – not as long as mine..but in the genre…haha. People always said you and I were like two of a kind and I think that was true and always will.

I really, really did not want to get cancer and leave our beautiful home but my body felt so sick and the second I walked over the Rainbow Bridge my body felt great, but I do have to say I was sad. I walked over the bridge and knew that I could go back to work and teach others how to cope. You had such a hard time with my passing and so did I because I only had three years with you, but like you said, they were just the best. We were hardly ever apart and very hyper-attached except for when you guys went on your vacations.

I knew that others around here could benefit from learning how to deal with a best friend’s passing and it turned out just like I thought.

As for Joy, I knew you needed another girl. We are princess girls and Joy fits in perfectly. I know you love furry kids more than anything and the ones that have graced your life will always be grateful. Oddly, I can tell you that it is true.

I wanted to wait to tell you this, but today seems like the right time. Tarzan Freedom, Cheetah, Jane and Lucky are all living together in Hyfryd! I was doing some shopping at the Doggie Depot for some food and I overheard these cats talking about a Sherri. I had heard you mention their names before so I just went up to them and asked if they would possibly be talking about “my sherri!” Tarzan spoke up first and said, where is she?”

So we sat down with some treats and water and talked for hours. Cheetah misses you so much as does Freedom and of course your Tarzan, who told me that he was the King of the house! He is pretty funny. I told them about your life and that not much has changed since they last saw you and that you and Russell were still married – 22 years!

It turns out that they only live around the block from me two streets over. They asked me about my classes and if they could help. I know you loved them so very much. They are lucky that they all spent so many years with you. SO now we have made good friends and they are all helping in my Fall classes. They send their love and I am so happy that we found each other. Hyfryd is truly a magical place.

The Finding Joy class is actually overcrowded! There were so many people that needed the help I had Onwen teach a few extra classes to meet the needs of everyone. In my next letter I will tell you some interesting stories about our students. Today I only really wanted to say that you are in my heart. I carry you with me everywhere and could not love you more. I miss you so much, but I never feel like you are that far away. It’s like if I had a pocket, you would be in it all the time. I feel your presence here with me and I know you feel mine as well. It will always be that way. Always. I love you forever and ever.

Your Sweet Bailey Girl…..xoxoxoox

A Tree-Blushed Kiss…

21 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Fall, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Poetry, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs

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 Dear Bailey,

You blushed in full bloom. You are a stand-out amongst the hundreds of other trees at Buhl Park, so red and full like a woman’s lips searching for a kiss. And who kissed you more than me?

Today is October 21 and week from now will be one year since you went to Hyfryd and it seems so much longer.  So much longer, yet I am so proud of all you have taught me and all you continue to do there. Our spirits are so aligned and I feel you everywhere. Russell talks about you all the time and you know I talk to Joy & Safari about you everyday. To be honest I still feel sad some days when I think about how much I miss you.  That is how I am. n Cheetah and Freedom and Lucky are always at the top of my mind. Sharing your life with an animal companion is very special because of its very nature and relationship. There is nothing else like it and it is different from humans. Animals of all kinds love without condition – something that some humans have not learned to do with each other. There is just a special sweetness that is unbridled. I know so many people like us too who feel compelled to be part of an animal’ s life, be it a dog or cat, horse or bird. It’s simply part of who you are or not but I am glad I=it’s always been part of me and when we met you became entwined into my soul as I have with you.

Joy reminds me of you in a lot of ways but she truly is a puppy. She is still discovering the world and she has much to learn. She is a lot of fun and she literally makes all of us laugh everyday. Safari and her play so sweetly and truly like each other a lot.  I have to say my working girl, you certainly kept your promise and found us the perfect girl for all of us. She will never take your place, please know that. She simply has her own and thanks to you – with help from Victoria – she found her way here, where she belongs.

I just wanted to say hello after seeing your tree today. I wanted to say I love you, I am with you and thinking of you daily. Your pictures are in front of me and your spirit surrounds us.