Category Archives: cancer in dogs

Loving You 101…

07 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Florida, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge

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  Dear Mommy,

This picture is one of my favorites because I had never been on a boat before this particular day and it was so much fun to feel the wind in my fur and to smell the air and the salt water in Florida. I loved seeing the other boats whiz by and just feel so free on our boat.

Since Valentine’s Day is approaching, I wanted to tell you that I am leading a class which I sort of named with you in mind. It’s called Loving You 101. Since arriving here in Hyfryd I’ve become a role model to some other doggies. Of course I think this happened too because I am writing this book with you and everyone thinks I am sort of a celebrity or something. I still just think I am Bailey Maddick, but I remember how you sometimes thought I was a diva. And Wes, at the dog park, always called me “the movie star.” I secretly loved when he called me that!

The class is how to love even though your true family is on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge and you cannot see them. In my class, I have talked about how writing can be very helpful, even if you are not a good writer – I mean you are teaching me more and more as the time goes on and I love it. I just started the class, that is why it took me almost a week to write you back, because I was busy preparing and I wanted to write and tell you the news! I have held two classes this week; each were 1 hour-long. The first class had 22 “students” and when word got out about it, the second class had nearly 50! I was so happy that people enjoyed the class.

Being a Border Collie, I am a natural-born leader right? Of course you know that! haha! However, YOU taught me so much about true love. I got to observe it every day with you, daddy & Safari and when you adopted me, it was like I never lived anywhere else. Just like you knew the instant we met, I did too. So my class is all about love, the signs of love and for us on this side, how we can maintain love now that our family cannot pet us, hear us bark with happiness or wag our tails with joy at them. This is an adjustment. Sure it is beautiful here. We are all healthy and free of illness of any kind and we look and feel young and strong, which is wonderful – but the hard part is that we cannot share that with the people we loved so very much and writing these letters with you has made me think more deeply about love and spirituality and how we continue on.

For those of us who are still very connected in a deeply personal way, like you and I, it’s more difficult I think. Those are the types of folks who came to the classes so far. They need a reason here to exist and excel with a purpose; not just live every day to play and simply have fun. Mommy, you know I am a working breed. I need to do something and I think I have found my niche! I am sort of a new doggie philosopher and honestly it’s because of all the unconditional love you gave me right back.

So I wanted you to know about the class and my new job and I know you will be so proud of me. And I am proud to have left that side of the Bridge as your furry daughter – I have learned much and wish to teach others now who might need a loving paw on their shoulder. You always said that love is all that really matters and you are so right but I knew that as soon as we met. Our time was not as long as we wanted, but oh, what a great time we shared because we learned so much from each other.

That brings me to the next point. Joy. Yes, I know all about her. Petfinder and my face led you to come and see me and I wanted to make sure that Petfinder would lead you down the next path as well. Think about it, if it were not for www.petfinder.com we would have never found each other! They should know that! I see you sit at your computer and think about missing me and wanting another doggie girl, so I made sure your little hands typed on the page that led you to see Joy’s picture. Of course she is beautiful like me and I must say I am just a teeny bit jealous cause she is so young too, but that will be a good thing I am sure. I know you cannot meet her until May since you are in Florida, but I just know you will hit it off. She has that face that called to you just like me. I knew you would print out her picture and write to Miss Victoria. In May, when you go to meet Joy, I will be beside you. I will plan a class around this topic, for those of us over here, we just want to love and have our families feel love again as well. With you, I know your love for me has never stopped for even one second. I feel that in the moon and trees and wind and stars, everyday. I will teach the other doggies all about this and how the strong ones can continue their connection and help those they love like I help you. I will never leave your heart or mind mommy because we will always be one.

All My Love and Millions of Kisses,

Your Sweet Bailey Girl

 

Loving Laps….

30 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge

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MOMMY!

Good Monday Morning to you…I am SOOO sorry for not writing sooner since my last letter, but Onwen and I took a little trip to see his cousin Taffy who is an older Border Collie and he lives in the town of Seren. I suspect you might have been outside last night because I felt you looking up at the stars – it was a very clear night, wasn’t it? The sky was so clear that I thought I saw you sitting on the chair outside in the cool air last night. Were you looking up? I thought you were. Did you notice that the belly of the moon’s smile shape made a larger smile? I saw that I am sure you did too.

I think that happened because were in Seren and guess what Seren means? STAR! Like you always told me, everything happens for a reason, we just cannot figure out one thing and that is why we have to be separated from our loved ones. When someone figures that out, let me know cause they will probably get the Nobel Prize or something.

I wanted to send you this picture I have up in my den. I LOVE this picture of us. I really always wished I was a lap-sized dog, cause I was always trying to cuddle up with you, but somehow you always made it work; see how happy you look holding me in this picture? We look so content together. Laps are so good for love. They are cuddly and comforting and who would not want to be huddled in a lap?I LOVED YOURS, but of course I would since you loved to hug and squeeze me and I must admit I enjoyed that so much. That is another thing I miss here in Hyfryd. I do not have YOUR lap, but I have carried on your tradition and let Barkley get into my lap when she wants. I know I really do not have much of lap like you do, but I let her snuggle up to me really close, she is so funny. She loves love like I do. It must be a girl thing, right mom? We are all girly girls like you always said – especially ME!!!!

So Onwen’s cousin Taffy is a handsome lad. He’s a black and white boy and he’s 12 now, but here over the Rainbow Bridge, age does not matter. You always feel good – that is one positive thing I can tell you. Onwen and Taffy grew up as little pups together but then his parents wanted to be closer to their sibs who lives in Seren. It’s a pretty cute town, not as nice as Hyfryd. We have more open space and rolling hills. Seren is a bit more condensed with den after den. It’s in a an older section, so there are more doggies and kitties there. The other thing I noticed is that they have TONS of squirrels there, which are really fun and playful. I talked to a couple named Lisquit and Bisquit! How funny is ?  They are twins!  Did you know that squirrels are the 7th smartest animal? They told me that. Is that true? Can you look that up for me? I think us Border Collies and many dogs are WAY smarter!! (of course!). I told them they can come visit anytime. Barkley did not come with us on the trip since it was about a 15 mile walk and she is too small for such a long haul, so I told the twin squirrels they need to come meet her because Jack Russell terriers LOVE squirrels and she would have a lot of fun with those two comedians!

I promise to write back much faster after I get your letter, okay? At least I had some adventures to tell you! I have to go clean my den and go doggie food shopping – my FAVORITE ACTIVITY. Well, my favorite was always loving you and I always will mommy!

Missing your kisses, your lap and your smile,

Your Sweet Bailey – just look toward the stars and they will light your way to see me….xoxooxoxoxo

The 44th Day Rainbow…

20 Tuesday Dec 2011

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, The Rainbow Bridge

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My Dearest Bailey,

You never disappoint me. You said you would be with me and of course, you were. After two days at sea, as we travelled South in the Caribbean Sea, there was the rainbow I hoping to see someday. It took only 44 days to appear after you crossed over that Bridge that, I am sure, leads to many rainbows which light the sky beautifully for all the wonderful furry children that people like me, your mommy, miss so dearly.

As I sat on our balcony I thought of you many times. I thought how much you would love to go on a big ship and see lots of people and be near water and beaches, pools and sun. This trip was not that sunny really, we actually had a lot of cloud cover, but it was still warm and partly sunny. Aside from seeing the 8th wonder of the world, the rainbow was the very best thing I could have seen because once again, I knew you truly were there with us. As sure as I know my own name, you are with me every step of the way and for those that do not believe in a another place, I feel sorry.  It’s like you said, we can’t be together physically, but we can be spiritually and you and I have always had a mental interaction that I do not feel with most people, so now it just presents itself in a stronger way.

I wear the Ruby heart necklace and earrings daddy had made in your honor and I love them, as I love you. Aruba was our first stop and it’s where your rainbow appeared.  Daddy bought me a beautiful ring made of Hawaiian Topaz there. It’s gorgeous like you. I wore it out of the store, so I never looked inside the little bag until we got back on the ship. Of course, you sent yet another sign that you were with me. The little ring box was red. How that made me smile. Saw several doggies on the trip in various counties, but they all looked like they had a hard life and I felt sorry for them. I take so much solace in the fact that I was able to give you everything you needed or wanted. Safari too. I cannot tell you how much he missed us – like never before. He was just squealing with delight upon our return. He slept in bed with us last night all cuddled up and he was so happy to have company again. That was his first time being alone without us and without you and I knew it was going to be difficult but he did okay. I had two different friends watch him so he would get extra attention. He misses you so much like I do.

What can I tell you my Sweet Girl? You are missed because you are so loved. We see things that remind us of you always and I know it will always be that way because you are special. I put up the Christmas tree and tonight we lit the Chanukkah candles. It’s that spiritual time of the year, but I do not need a holiday to bring on that feeling because you brought it into our world from the day we met, June 20, 2008 at 6:30pm. – exactly 3 years and six months ago today, when life would change for the better because of you Sweet Bailey. I cannot wait to hear of your holiday plans in Hyfryd. Write me tomorrow. I know you want to!

With All My Heart and Love,

Mommy xoxooxoxox

Not a Merry Christmas….

05 Monday Dec 2011

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, Thanksgiving, The Rainbow Bridge, vacation

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Dear Bailey,

My screen saver seems to be a never-ending kaleidoscope of your many faces, actions and antics. I see you not only in my heart everyday, but in pictures everywhere. With Christmas approaching, I am further reminded that you will be having your own party over the Rainbow Bridge with your friends and that I will be here without you by my side at the Christmas tree which you loved to dig your toy presents out from under. I am going to miss that.

We are leaving on our cruise this Friday. Daddy and I need a vacation after this difficult year, so I won’t be able to write until I get back, but I will have lots of adventures to write about afterwards.  Of course I am taking yours and Safari’s picture with as I always did. I feel bad for him too since you are not there to watch over him like you did so well, but I have two people doing so! I loved the way you protected him always.

You remember Rodeo right? I took him for a walk the other day. He was so happy to go but he was wondering where you were and so were Lola and Courage. EVERYONE around here misses you so much – you were everyone’s favorite girl, especially mine of course! I wish people would stop telling me to “get another dog.”  No one understands that my Bailey set VERY HIGH standards and I keep telling everyone that I am awaiting your decision about that at the right time and the way you have been communicating with me, I know that you will send me a clear sign.

It was nice of you to meet Gracie at the Bridge. I appreciate that. It was a bad day for me and I knew that you would! When daddy was watching football yesterday, I was talking about you and all of a sudden I see the back of the Dallas Cowboy named what else–BAILEY! I just happened to walk in at the very second he appeared on-screen, so I imagined that you were playing ball in Hyfryd. Were you? I wish I was playing ball with you. I miss that so much.

I really don’t want to bother with the tree since this is a longer trip and Christmas will be soon after we return, but I have to for Safari. He loves a tree and knocking down those ornaments. Everytime I go into Petsmart without you it’s just so weird. All the people there asked about you and miss you. Everything is a constant reminder that you are not with me and it’s just very difficult. I wonder if you miss me as much? I know we are still connected in many spiritual ways, but how I long to touch your beautiful, long fur and brush you after I bath you.  Your constant kisses are a lack that I cannot stop thinking about. You are just so adorable and your love is so unique.

Anyway, sorry I sound like this. I do not mean to. I just miss you. I will write after the trip. If you want to write before I leave, please do I LOVE to hear from you my Sweet Girl! I know you will….

Nose to Nose,  xoxoxoxooxoxox

mommy

My Side of Thanksgiving….

24 Thursday Nov 2011

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, Thanksgiving, The Rainbow Bridge

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Dear Mommy,

That last letter you sent was so beautiful and it made me cry thinking about how much you miss me. I feel exactly the same you know but I don’t want you to be sad. You have to celebrate the love we shared everyday from now on, okay? I mean, it’s okay to msis me and cry too, but I rather you be smiling like in this picture, which I love of us. You are holding me so sweetly, like you always did – like a mom who loves their furry child the VERY MOST!!! – YES! That would be be ME!

Let me tell you why I am thankful, since this is my favorite holidaytoo especially cause it involves my favorite food- Turkey!

I am thankful for you finding me and giving me the BEST home in the whole universe.

 I am thankful that you helped me get rid of a lot of different health problems from the very start.

 I am thankful that our cat, Safari liked me so much and let me herd him around.

I am thankful that you worked at home and got to be with me 24/7!

I am VERY thankful for getting to have two big houses with lots of room.

I am thankful for everytime you brought hom new food, you were thoughtful and brought me some new veggie bones and a new toy.

Can you imagine how thankful I am for all the turkey you gave me – not the deli stuff either – you only gave me the real cooked stuff – so delicious!

I am thankful that you never got mad at me when I gobbled down Safari’s food when I first came to love with you and daddy. I LOVE cat food!

You mentioned all the zillions of miles we logged on foot and by car; SO TRUE! I am so thankful for that – not to mention the doggie parks in PA and Florida AND OUR FAVORITE PLACE TO WALK – BUHL PARK!!!!

I am thankful you always took me shopping in FL – Those gals at Bath and Body Works and Dillards really loved me!

I am thankful for my very special Red Maple tree in Buhl Park and the beautiful dedication that honors me – I am sure I am the ONLY dog in the 400 plus acres that has their own tree!!!

Mommy, I could go on and on and on and my list would probably never end because our family was the BEST family. You could be a dog because you are such a loyal person. I see how you treat daddy too and how much you love and care for him and of course Safari too! That is just who you are, as your friend Jennifer likes to say. Loyality is very important to us dogs and it’s nice to see that some people have that too – it’s just that you go above and beyond – And, by the way, I KNOW this is true, cause I read all the cards you got after I crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and EVERYONE said that in their cards about you and how well you took care of me! You never put yourself first and you are a very thoughtful person and I love that about you. I knew it the minute we met and THAT is why I kissed you immediately so you would take me home and see, you did! I knew right then you loved kisses too!

Today Mommy, I want you to think of all the things you and I have to be thankful for. I’m thankful for www.Petfinder.com  who helped you find me! Had you never been searching for Border Collies on there, we would have never met, so I have to say I AM VERY thankful for that. Remember that we have much MORE to be thankful for than not and most of all I am simply thankful for US!

Barkley, Bingo and I are having Thanksgiving with Caru and Onwen. I am so excited. There is PLENTY of turkey up here for everyone. We are having it at my doggie den. I am making a beautiful table like you enjoy making- you taught me everything! 

I love you so much. Write me back soon because I love your letters and I know you love mine. What’s not to love because they are from each other!!!

Your Loving, Smiling, Sweet, Bailey Girl (kisses! nose to nose!)

 

 

 

 

The Two Sides of Thankfulness…

21 Monday Nov 2011

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, New Year's Eve, parks, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, Thanksgiving

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My Sweet Girl,

Oh, how I miss you. With Thanksgiving coming up I am conjuring up images of you and the pleasure you derived from Turkey. Of course you ate your turkey everyday, but you always knew it was my favorite holiday and for the first time in many years, and perhaps in protest, I am not making my favorite dinner this year.  Instead we having it with friends at their club. Perhaps it was fortuitous that Ronna asked us this year to join them; I am not feeling in the holiday spirit by any means. It just does not seem like the holiday season without you and I am thinking of skipping the tree as well because without you here to search under it for a new ball, bone or toy, what fun would it be?

I know I should go through it all for Safari, he loves the Christmas tree and knocking off the ornaments, so maybe I will, but I am not feeling the seasonal glow, let’s say. Then there is New Year’s Eve and I will be thinking about how I really hate 2011 because of losing you and then it will be 2012 – a new year without you in it. I am not sure this will ever get any easier for me, Bailey. We were just so joined at the hip and so perfect for each other – I cannot imagine another doggie bearing your greatness. My friend Jeff told me not to think of it that way and I know he is right. he said, just like people, doggies are all different and no two will ever be the same. I understand that logically, but mentally I am not there. He just went through it with Marlowe and now he has Harper and they are very different and he loves her very much, but I still think he has an extra soft spot for Marlowe that will always be there. I never even met Marlowe and I can just feel it from talking to him about it. I think Marlowe was much like you – tenacious and feisty, smart and beautiful and attached at the hip.

So the question is to give thanks or not? I cannot give thanks for you getting cancer. I cannot thank God or whomever is in charge of taking you from me at your young, senior age of only 10. I guess I can think of some things to be thankful for. I am thankful that you still ate like a horse to the very end! I am thankful you NEVER looked sick- EVER! You are the most beautiful dog on or above the planet.  I am thankful that I got more than a year of fun with you after your diagnosis. I am thankful for your Red Maple Tree we have dedicated to you in Buhl Park. I am thankful for the thousands of miles we logged on foot and by car. I am thankful for all the doggie friends we made and the people that we met along the way. I am thankful for all the fun we had going shopping together at our many stores in Coconut Point. Most of all I am thankful that we found each other through Petfinder, kissed each other literally thousands of times and shared a love that most people never feel as strongly. We were lucky for sure, just not for long enough, but as you said, Bailey, we had a lot of quality time together and that is more important that quantity.

I still cannot help but miss you so don’t ask me to. I do love hearing about all of your adventures and I am VERY thankful for your letters and I am thankful you are having a blast in Hyfryd and have met good dog friends and that you are taking care of little Barkley – who I miss as well as Bingo. So keep those letters coming my sweet girl. Know that you are are very much missed in so many ways, but I carry you with me in the Ruby heart necklace and earrings Russell had made for me in honor of you. Your leash stays with us always in the car so you travel with us in spirit and we celebrate you everyday in our thoughts, pictures, magnets on the car – you name it – we are still attached maybe not within physical reach, but in the most spiritual way, in our hearts and especially mine.

Thankful for your love always – Mommy

Hello From Hyfryd!

17 Thursday Nov 2011

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, Uncategorized

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Dear Mommy,

Did you know that Hyfryd means lovely in Welsh? I think you probably looked that up by now, knowing you. Turns out that I met some of my ancestors here from Wales.

 I know you know that us Border Collies originated from the borders of Wales and Scotland, so it seems, that as I was exploring Hyfryd a lot more I was meeting a lot of Border Collies, including a couple of my cousins,  Caru (pronounced like kayroo) and Anwen (like Onwhen). I asked them why they had such unusual names and they said because they are Welsh names. Caru means love and Anwen means “very beautiful,” not JUST beautiful but VERY beautiful! Let me just say that Caru is a boy and Anwen is a girly girl like me, so we get along great! I am so happy to have met my cousins from Wales. Anwen is so gorgeous – like you always told me I was and Caru is a great , handsome guy.

Caru really thinks Barkley is so much fun. I think that little Jack Russell must have some collie in her, because she just loves to be with me. It’s like she is my little side kick. She never leaves my side, just like I never left you. Barkley is always making me laugh, zipping around in her bullet-like manner. She has met of  named Tobie and Cyria that she likes, but she prefers to hang with me and my crowd.

Turns out that when you cross the Rainbow Bridge, you wind up living where you are most “related to,” so that is why there are a lot of Border Collies here in Hyfryd. Since we descend from Wales, there are many of us here. I think they do that to make it easier to find your relatives because it’s so vast and it’s beautiful everywhere, but I have to say I am happy with my neighborhood and I think Barkley wound up with me because we knew each other and lived as neighbors in New Bedford and I am happy to have her with me – always loved how she smelled!

I have not found that dog Bagels. Like I said, it’s pretty vast up here and he was from Chicago, so I do not know if I will, but I have the word out. They group like 3 neighboring states together, so I think Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin animal people  all live in the same vicinity and I have not met a lot of people from there yet. We might need to do a tour over there on Air Floatie.

I bet you just said, what is Air Floatie? It’s like a oblong shaped thing that flys around and takes you to other areas if it’s too far to walk. It’s always busy! Sort of like those airplanes you are not so fond of.  Since us animal folk are smart enough not to care about possessions, we have no baggage and can just pick up and go, so that is why The Floaties, as they call them, are always packed. I have not taken it yet, but I hear they give you very cold (yum) water and ask you if want liver or beef treats that part I LIKE!  You know me, I rather be on the ground like you – who liked to go in the car MORE THAN ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, Caru and Anwen loved cars too. There are no cars here which I miss, but then there is no pollution either! The air floatie thing runs on wind power only…

Speaking of Anwen and Caru, don’t you have a good friend who is part  Welsh named Emlyn? I bring it up because A) I never got to meet him and you like him a lot I know because I could tell when you talked to him on the phone all the time and B) Caru has a friend named Emlyn – that name is from an ancient city!

So I am learning all about names, but guess what? There is one name that is my VERY favorite: MOMMY!!! That is what I told everyone. MY MOMMY has the best name: Sherri! I know you said several times that I probably never knew what your name was, but I would hear daddy calling you by that, so I knew!

I love you mommy and I cannot wait till you write your next letter. I love letters and I know you love real letters too. It’s a lost art, but we will keep it alive.

My Love is With You Always,

Your Gorgeous Bailey Girl!

 

Miss You Too…

13 Sunday Nov 2011

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, parks, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs

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Mommy! I miss you too! I know you were crying when you were alone in the car today – I always see you – just know that. Well, the first two weeks here in Hyfryd have been a ton of fun. I am always busy – and as you know us Border Collies LOVE to be busy; especially me! BUT, I have to say that during your drive to FL I was thinking how I wish I could have been with you. It kind of all hit me that I will have to settle for these letters. I too wish you could reach out and kiss me and hug me and stroke my fur like you always did so sweetly. I keep thinking that our 3 years, 4 months and 8 days were the best years of my life EVER and TRULY. As I told you I do not even remember what my life was like before the year I spent in the shelter. I think I have blocked it out of my head. Whoever had me first were jerks because who would want to give me up to a shelter? YOU Never would have even when I did not listen as well as I should have.

When I look back at those pictures you took when I first came to live with you, I was so scrawny and I had nolong  hair cause they shaved me stupidly! You know I HATED having any hair cut! You took such good care of me – you really did. I always felt that there was nothing you would not do for me. I knew that and as a senior dog when we met, that was so important to me – you must know that.  Our senior years are never as easy as our youthful ones, so having someone love you so much and take such great care is truly such a gift you gave me. I know you loved me (and STILL DO I MAY ADD!) more than anything and I felt the same from minute I kissed you at the shelter. I kissed you because I knew I was supposed to be with you. I remember how fast you made your decision and the folks at the shelter said, “you’re really taking her tonight?” You said, “Yes I am!”  It’s funny, I entered your life on a Friday and I left our life together on a Friday – We came full circle at least, even though it would have never been enough time, Mommy. You put more love and energy into that time then ANY doggie could have ever asked for, and for that I am so very grateful and proud to call you mine. I will always be with you like you said. I know everyone is telling you to get another dog to make you feel better – but do not listen to them. I will let you know, I promise I will. You would not feel any better just because you had another dog and you know that and I know that. The reason you have all these feelings is that you do carry me in your heart and we will never be apart – even when you get another dog – cause I will be giving you some of my sage advice – hehehe.

I want you to know that no matter how much fun it is here in Hyfryd over the Rainbow Bridge, I miss your touch and scent and all the love you bestowed on me every second of the day, but you are with me too, because I carry you inside me as well. True love stories Mommy, never really end and ours never will. I really wanted just to tell you all this tonight instead of writing about what is going on. But, I can tell you that Cocoa, Ginger and Barkley and I had lunch again yesterday under a RED MAPLE tree that was way bigger than the one you bought me at Buhl Park, since here it has been growing for years. It’s Fall here too. yes the colors change here, but then you get summer again – you would love that right! We get the changing colors to the Fall colors but then they turn green after a month – the leaves never fall off they just change magically somehow back to Green – it sounds very interesting. Hyfryd has a lot of gorgeous trees just like at Buhl Park, so here I am with my very beautiful red Coach Collar you got me, the most stylish girl in town! You have the leash and we will always be attached.

With all my love 4ever and ever and ever, Your Sweet Bailey Girl xoxoxoox

So Many Reminders…

13 Sunday Nov 2011

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, parks, rescue dogs, talking dogs, vacation, Vacation by car

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Dear Bailey,

I am so glad that you won your agility contest. I knew you would. Bailey ALWAYS wins! haha. You love winning, because you are competitive like me!

Well, we are in Florida now. Every rest stop reminded me of how much you loved to sniff around and meet other dogs, but oddly, this trip saw the least amount of dogs. There were not as many as usual, which did not help me any, I was still sad.  Today is Sunday and we just got here late Friday afternoon. I have not seen Kevin’s golf cart yet, but when I see Zoe and Angel riding around in it, it will yet be another reminder that you are not here to borrow it and take you for rides. How you loved that golf cart with your tail hanging off the side, blowing in the light breeze. Everywhere I go, I see you; where we would drive. I saw an ad for Dillard’s in today’s paper and thought how you loved to go inside and meet the sales people. They all loved you and offered you treats because you were so nice.

We spent so much time together that nothing does not remind me of you, which makes this very hard. Safari went out on the lead today in the yard. he’ll probably puke up the grass later, but I am not sure what he wants to do about a new buddy. There is a new VERY friendly stray gray cat hanging around. She is big fluff ball, but who knows if she is healthy or not. I am sure Safari would like a new doggie friend, but I feel there has to be a sign from you and you already told me NOT YET!  (I really hope you send me a nice Border Collie or Collie). We are going on a couple of cruises; the first one for 10 days next month. We really need a vacation badly. I am just concerned about Safari being lonely, but the neighbors will take good care of him. We really only not see him for 8 days, since we see him the first day we leave and the day we get back… I think how much he will appreciate me when I return. You both always did but then you had Lu or Bev to stay with you the last few times. I just don’t want him to think that we left him too. I know you are saying he will be fine and I am sure that you are correct.

Everyone down here misses you too. I am going to see Mai this morning – you know she moved her business into the Flamingo Flea Market and wants me to start working on her stuff PR stuff again. She is doing very well now, and I am happy for her. Well, Russell is ready to head over there. I love you Bailey – write me later – I have not heard from you in days and you said you would write me with all your new adventures – so I expect to hear from you later today! Sending you 10,000 nose to nose kisses…..Mommy

Bailey Wins! Bailey Wins!

08 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, parks, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs

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Mommy! You know how when we would run down the path in our forest and I would run past you, you would always yell,  Bailey Wins! Bailey Wins! I really won this time, cause I know how when I was not able to run as fast you would go slow and let me win – I KNEW you were doing that you know! The contest was fun we had these small hurdles to jump over and I did all of them in the fastest time. I wasn;t even tired! It was so great! You should have heard Barkley barking her head off, encouraging me! She is too funny.

I see you were having bad day with those stupid people at Comcast. They ARE ineffcient! Do you think it was coincidence that after you hung with them all discouraged that Garrison Keillor came on reading Aaron Kramer’s beautiful poems called Dogs? I TOLD Garrison to do that. I know you love his voice so I knew it would be a good choice for today’s Writer’s Almanac on NPR. Yet, you cried your eyes out missing me – I heard you. I know you are struggling with us being apart, but I do not want you to be sad that is not who you are and it certianly is not me! I am miss cheerful you know that! So, I thought I would write you real quick before your internet service gets put on vacation too (even though you did not want it to go on today!) I want you to stay away from the computer today and do other things, okay. You can write me when you get to Florida- you have a lot to do. I am sorry I won’t be riding with you down there in the car, but I am with you in your heart no matter where you go. I am not EVER leaving you – you should know that since we were attached at the hip. If you counted the hours we were ever apart in would not be very many that is for sure. I love you mommy, we make the best team even in spirit….I will save up all my adventures for a big letter when you get to FL, okay? I love you so very much….Big Wet Kisses, Your Bailey Girl