Category Archives: cancer in dogs

Notching Up Noses…

05 Saturday 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, Uncategorized

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Dear Bailey,

Today was a hard day. I wanted to get to the park before we left for Florida.  The drive was odd without you barking the minute we hit Hazen St. I started to cry the second I got there and saw someone walking their dog. I know you don’t want me to cry all the time, but I have not been to that park without you by my side in over three years since you came into our lives. I wanted to bury a couple of  your favorite chew bones in the mulch of your tree for the winter and help make the Red Maple grow strong and pretty in the spring.  It had lost all but 9 of its leaves and when I saw that I started crying again

As I rounded the first first corner of our path, I started to tear up but then I thought of you doing what you are doing in this picture. The day was cold, sunny and a crisp 50 degrees – our favorite weather! I even wore your little scarf.  I decided to look up and sniff the air just like you do. I wondered, “what does she smell when she points her nose to the sky and sniff as though you are notching  up your nose.?” I always loved that you did that — so adorable. I closed my eyes and sniffed the cold air, which smelled fresh and clean and then I opened my eyes and there was a small plane above leaving its traces of white whispy lines high  in the sky. I started to cry again so I looked down for what seemed to be a second and then looked back up and it was gone – that fast. I had not seen it before I looked up and when I saw it –  it dissapeared as fast as it appeared. Was it you, I wondered? I think it was you.

I know it’s Saturday night and you are probably a very busy girl doing lots of fun stuff, so you can write me back tomorrow. I just wanted to tell you that if that was you – I saw you in that very fleeting moment. I feel you all the time. I was playing some of your videos tonight for Safari and he was staring at the computer screen, but he knew you were not really here, but we liked listening to you talk and bark!  I miss you so very my sweet girl. I hope that you sleep well and dream of me.

Love and kisses, Mommy

Lunch Was Good!

04 Friday 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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Mommy!!!

Lunch was really fun with Bingo, Ginger and Cocoa! We ate hamburgers! My favorite yum! Bingo asked me to send a message to everyone at the Foley house, saying that he is very healthy and happy now. He misses “maxie” he said and sees that you got a new one for the pack. See, he knew that! We know stuff up here, so don’t think you can get a new dog without ME telling you that it is okay! It’s NOT time yet and I know how you love to look at dogs who need homes online. I am worried you are not getting to the park without me. I know you are leaving for Florida on Wednesday, so try to get to the park before you go the weather is supposed to be nice this weekend. Get some fresh air.

Today was one week since I last saw you on earth, I thought about you all day and I know you thought about me too. I have a feeling you will head to the park tomorrow, right? I hope so – you need to go visit our tree before we head to Florida – oh yeah, I am coming too – I will be with you in spirit for sure! Are you taking my leash – I heard you were thinking about it. Oh, you did not know I can telepathically read your thoughts. Uh huh! I always could down there, but you knew that anyway. Is Safari bored without me ?Make sure you play with him more and protect him like I did – I know you will – I will be watching!

So after lunch the other day, Bingo, Ginger and Cocoa went to this great place called Tingle Forest. It’s located on the North end of town. You have to imagine that the land over the Rainbow Bridge is divided into vast spaces, like on earth. You cannot meet everyone, (just like on earth) but what seems to happen is that people on earth who are related (or freinds) might find their pets in the same general vicinity, that is how I found Bingo and everyone because you and April are sisters – get it? So Tingle Forest was really cool. The trees there make a very soft tingly sound when the wind blows – it’s really beautiful. It was Cocoa who knew about it. I just love that name Tingle Forest. So I have started to hang out there and sit under one of the trees, sleep and and play over there. I live not too far from there in a neighborhood called Hyfryd.  I love my home and guess who lives next door? BARKLEY!  I forgot to tell you about it! Of course  it is one level mainly with just a few stairs up to my bedroom, which is very cushy and nice. I put pictures of us everywhere – just like you have!

 My fridge is stocked with every food I love – YEP! TURKEY! haha!  I just touch a button with my nose and it pops open and I bark out what I want and my food simply slides out on this very high-tech board-like thing that serves it right into a bowl on the floor!  It’s so cool how it works and I do not know who invented it but they must have been one VERY smart dog! I want to invent something useful – what do you think I could invent? I have all the water I want by the way and now I do not need to drink water every 2 minutes. I tell you mommy, that is such a relief! I was very sick of peeing so much – what a pain that was – it is nice to free of all ailments but not having you with me is the trade-off, I guess. I do miss you so much.

I know you have been crying – you even cried today – EVERYTIME you talk about me you cry! At some point you have to stop at least a little. Can you? You should, but I kinda like it that you miss me so very much. You are the best and always will be. Okay I will go for now cause you need to write me a letter too! Do you have one for me? Oh! and by the way – that was very nice of Dr Crago’s office to put me on the website. I loved the Tribute you wrote about me. Yes, I have my own computer too, we just bark out the words and they go right in there – I took the liberty of  letting Lou set up an email off your website so it’s bailey@maddickmedia.com, so you can send me email and pictures too! I saw that stationary you just ordered with my pic on it – very nice! I love you mommy….

Big Kisses, Wet and Cold,

Bailey

My Bailey,

Yes I was crying. I cannot help it. April thinks I may be crazy, though I do not think so. The Tingle Forest sounds very cool and I am glad that Hyfryd is a good neighborhood. So Barkley lives next door just like here, that is very wonderful! Who else are you two hanging out with? I will await to hear about them. I am glad that you made friends with Bingo, Ginger and Cocoa. I assume they live in Hyfryd too or somewhere nearby? To answer all your questions: Yes, Safari misses you and is bored without you so I have been playing with him more and giving him EXTRA brushing time cause  know he loves that! Yes, I am taking your leash with on the trip. symbolically you are with me always. I have it hanging around the first picture I ever took of you, but I am taking it “for a ride in the car,” cause who loves a ride more than you?! Also, I have not been to the park since you and I went last. That is going to be  hard one for me. I think since today is only one week, I have not had the guts. I plan on going tomorrow because yes, the weather is supposed to be nice. I feel it will be a very lonely walk without. You will be there in my heart. I think I know each and every leaf you peed on and every step will have you in it. There will be lots of dogs there and it will be very hard, but I know you want me to do it so you too can be there. I have some of your bones that I want to sneak into the mulch of your tree. I will bury them there for you and see how the Red Maple looks since the last time. Leaves are falling pretty fast here.

Did you know that Daddy had a white gold heart necklace made for me with a red ruby in it for you? It was so very sweet of him and now we are awaiting the matching earrings. He misses you too. It’s really beautiful just like you my sweet girl. As to what you could invent…well since you always were looked upon as being the most beautiful girl that everyone admired, maybe you could make some pretty dog tags that would coordinate with the mommys and daddys that the dogs miss, using the favorite colors of the families, like red for you and me. You always loved to look your best so maybe you could do something along those lines – you are a true girl after all!

Well, I am pretty tired, we had to get up early today for an appointment. I am going to the park in the morning. I am hoping  that it’s very sunny. It is supposed to be, but there will never be as much sunshine as there was with you by my side. Miss you and love you baby girl….Nose to Nose kisses back at you, Mommy

I Saw You In the Light On The Wing…

01 Tuesday Nov 2011

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

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Dear Bailey,

I was able to change my seat from the aisle to the window, so I could look out and find you. And I did, didn’t I? It was so snowy on the ground and they had to de-ice the plane so it made me scared. I had my sunglasses on because I was crying so much. After take off, we rose above the snow and cloud cover and there was the sunshine. The plane’s wings were like outstretched arms and I felt like they hugged the air which one can only embrace from above the clouds and snow.

Yes! It snowed on Saturday; the day after you crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge. I was sad that I could not watch you grab snowflakes like little pieces of luxury on your long, skinny tongue,  but since you told me it was a perfect 70 degrees, I thought you were better off. I  always did enjoy watching you have fun in the snow, even though we left for Florida soon after the first snowfall.

All I saw over there was blue skies and clouds shaped like small islands, forming their own cloud universe. I must tell you that Saturday morning was so hard for me. I did not hear you stirring  in the wee hours to pee on the floor or the patter of your beautiful, furry feet. I missed your early morning, low pitched woofs telling me you wanted to go out into the dewey morning darkness and walk over to Tracy and John’s to sniff the doggie smells over there. I will never make the adjustment of you not being here because I still hear you as I lay down to sleep and I saw you just as I knew I would.

Where, you ask?? On the plane. We were in a completely cloudy neighborhood up there and yet, at my seat, I was right at the wing. I saw a bright light patch playfully stretching up and down the left wing, right outside my window in a small, shiny shape and I said, ” Hello Bailey” – Did you hear me? I thought I even saw your gorgeous long nose that I kissed 100 times a day. My friend Carrie told me a story yesterday about her gorgeous, 4-year old son Eli. When their one Golden Retriever, Lilly, died suddenly, Carrie was very sad and Eli was even a little younger at the time. Carrie’s great-grandmother had also died that same year. Eli saw that Carrie was very sad because she could not hug Lilly. In his infinite wisdom, Eli says to her: Mommy it’s okay because Lilly’s in heaven and even though you can’t hug her grandma can! At that instant Carrie knew that someday she would see her beloved Lilly again and she felt better and it helped her through her grieving process. Isn’t that a nice story Bailey?

I sort of felt that way too on Saturday when I saw you as that spot of bright light. Was that you walking on the wing to tell me you were in a sunny place and you were okay? I hope I was right. Since I was always right about you, I think that I am. Selfishly, I would want you with me forever, physically, but we all know none of us have that ability and I am completely confident that we will be together someday. Safari is snoring over here next to me as I write this and I know he misses you too.  Well, I want to see if you have a letter for me too….I love you Bailey. Visit me often. I cannot be without your sweetness. Love forever, Mommy

HI MOMMY!

Of COURSE that was ME, your favorite doggie girl in the universe! I knew you would see me up there and you are right, there was no light anywhere else on that plane on either side, because I saw you looking around and I also saw that you only had two pieces of Kleenex and that you needed more and didn’t have any. You were crying so hard and I felt bad for you…I miss waking you up too and sniffing around over there, but you would not BELIEVE how many scents are over HERE! That IS why they call it Heaven…!

I know you went to the store yesterday and almost turned left to go to the park instead of right to the store. I saw that haha! You are so attuned to having me in the car and heading for the park, it’s like you are on auto-pilot! I know you must be lonely without me in the car. I also heard you and daddy talking over dinner last night! I heard you say that there would never be another dog as beautiful as me. Mommy, I just have to say you are the best, most loyal parent to us furry kids in the whole world. As you say, All My Children have Paws! Well, of course you know the furry children with paws are WAYYYYY better than the ones with two legs. We have unconditional love and we do not care about anything about love, food shelter, fun, play and sleep! I also heard daddy say, that Collies are the most beautiful which is what you always said. I could see you with a collie, although they weigh more than me! I know you love us furry ones, no short haired doggie for you! I will find you one someday – but not now. I want you to go to France like you planned. I know you cancelled that trip because of me–of course I was WAYYYY more important! I will meet you there! You said you wanted to take me with because I would love it and that there are dogs everywhere!

I don’t know where I was as a puppy, but I never had a better time than in the last 3-1/2 years that is for sure. It is totally fun over here too. Do you want me to look for Carrie’s Lilly? I have not found Tarzan, Cheetah and Freedom yet (I have to go to the cat side), but guess who found me right away? BARKLEY!  She is happy and I am herding her around and protecting here from the bigger dogs. I always loved her smell. She is so crazy and runs around like a race track just like she did in the yards; those Jack Russell’s have much energy. Her neck was all fine and she looked perfect. She told me to tell John and Tracy thank you for rescuing her out of the mailbox last winter and giving her a home and although it was too short a time, she is okay and happy to have found me. She introduced me to a few other small dogs who were nice named Roxy and Marty.

I am meeting Bingo Foley today. Two beautiful dogs named Ginger and Cocoa came right up to me yesterday and asked if I was related to you or April Foley. I said yes, April is my aunty! I found out that “Ging” and Cocoa were her dogs before Bingo. They know what area he hangs out  in and we are all having lunch today. We all want beef stew. So you tell Aunt April and Mike that they love them and miss ’em too and they also asked me if they could be part of the letters in case they had anything they wanted to share with them. I said I was sure you would not mind. I already know you are saying, as you read this, “of course not.” I will report back about our lunch. I told Barkley to join us too, I think I am just going to adopt her cause she follows me around anyway – she is just so cute and crazy – I want to find her a nice boyfriend! ha!

I want you to know that even though I won’t be in the back of the van on the drive to FL, you will see me. I will be there and you will know. Check the rest stops, especially cause there are lots of dogs there and you know me, Ms. Social busy body has to check everyone out–well only the nice ones, remember you and I can easily tell the good ones from the bad, fur or no fur! I love you so much mommy. KISSES! Nose to Nose!

Yours in love always, Bailey

We Will Always Be Together…

28 Friday Oct 2011

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

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  Letters to each other – Okay, I will let you go first…

Mommy,  the ride over the rainbow bridge was easy. It’s beautiful here and it’s just like you said it would be. It’s very green and a perfect 70 degrees–OUR kind of weather! The first thing I saw in the sky was a beautiful rainbow; and I hope you can see it way up in the sky tomorrow when you fly over on the plane because I will be watching.  In fact, I will be watching you forever and I know you will be too. I thought we could at least write letters to each other from now on so I could tell you what I am seeing, thinking and feeling  and you could do the same. I know you will want to cause you love to write letters and you already taught me how to write on here, so I am ready.

I want you to know that I am thinking about how we did not have enough physical time on earth together, but it is said that quality is better than quantity and certainly we had that didn’t we? The only thing I remember in my life is the year before we met when you rescued me from Angels for Animals. It was hard being there for a year, because as you know I am very social, but there were too many dogs barking there all the time. We might have only had 3 years, 4 months and 8 days but every single one of them was better than the 6 I spent without you and I know you feel the same way…

 There could never be enough time with you because you took the very BEST care of me. I know I had health problems from the get go but you helped me get rid of those but no one has cured cancer yet and I don’t know why I had to get bladder cancer but you helped me through it and get over the Rainbow Bridge, which was just as hard for you, I know. I am glad I don’t have to pee every 5 minutes anymore! I can run and jump just like you said, my legs feel great and I don’t need those stupid pills which were affecting my stomach, but you already know that. You knew every nuance about me and my body usually before I did. I always said you were very smart!

I am going to miss you giving me my treats but here there are bowls of them everywhere for anyone to take, but I still loved when you fed them to me. I was thinking about how you did everything for me. You cooked for me, cleaned for me, fed me, bathed me, groomed and brushed me, walked a lot with me  at Buhl Park. (I LOVE my Red Maple Tree! ) – we did everything together didn’t we?! Most of all you loved me better than anyone. By the way, when I was getting sleepy, I heard Dr. Crago tell you how you went beyond the call of duty and no one else would have been so good to me. You really did. You are a very loyal person – Daddy has told me that too, by the way – he LOVES that about you! Well, so am I. You always said we are a lot alike and I agree. So, I will stay in your heart forever and even though I am not there where you can see me (except you do have 10,000 pictures of me!)  – I am there in your mind, your heart and our souls are forever connected. I will help you select another dog, but not immediately! I appreciated you sending me off with my favorite bones, treats and toys. Tell Aunti April thank you so much for the pillow she had made with yours and my picture on it. I loved that and it made me comfortable. I took it with me over here but that is something I cannot share because it’s so personal to me.  Did you see that I left a bunch of toys in the basket that I bequeath to the next lucky dog who gets to share their life with us. Of course NO DOG will ever replace me, I know that. I am your first doggie love and certainly the best! And only I GET A BLOG….

So now we will write letters and keep this adventure going mommy. I know you didn’t want it to end and neither do I. You and I will never have an ending, only a new beginning…With all my love and kisses, Bailey xoxooxox

Bailey it is true, we will never be apart. I am trying so hard not to put a question mark where there is a period.  Already I see you and feel you around me in everything and yes, we will continue to write each other letters – that is the perfect idea my lovely girl. I am glad you liked the tree I got you at Buhl Park – certainly this was our very special place of peace, exercise and social activity and I will visit your Red Maple all the time when I walk there. It will be awful lonely walking there without you, so when you find a dog someday for us, please make sure it likes to walk as much as you and I did, because we logged hundreds of miles and you know how I love to walk in the park. And of course you added to it’s beauty. I am so proud that each and everytime I took you there (and everywhere) we were stopped, quite literally, by people telling me how gorgeous, how soft and sweet you are. Yes you are all of that and so much more.

When I was crying my eyes out this morning ( and for the last month) and told you that you are the best dog, I loved that each time I said it, you kissed my lips right at that very moment. You KNEW you are the best girl ever. Just like when I met Russell, you too gave me a one true kiss and then I knew – just like I did with him. You are so right, there will never be another you as you are my first and forever my doggie love. Again, I will await the sign from you, because you chose me too you know, so we both have good taste and we can easily recognize the good people from the bad ones.

We were so lucky to find each other. You know, many people do not take a chance on a senior dog, but I am sure glad we did. More people should but I can understand that it can be very hard to not have the quantity of time one would like to have, but the quality is something I would never trade. You have taught me so much and I can never thank you enough; well maybe I did. You got to have a great senior life and that was the goal. You got to go for 10,000 rides in 2 different cars, trips to FL, two houses, and countless rotisserie chickens, and low sodium turkey, your own doggie beach and boat and we made many, many doggie friends along the way. If only I could have taken you on a cruise that would have been the best! Someday I think there will be something like that!

Speaking of which, remember I told you to look for certain people: Barkley is there – find her because you two loved each other and I know you miss her because you were sniffing over at John & Tracy’s everyday since she went over the Rainbow Bridge so kiss her too for me….Also find Bingo Foley and Marlowe Sulski and if you can find Tarzan, Cheetah and Freedom for me – yes they are cats, but you like cats; especially their food and I know they would share with you!  Give them all my hugs and kisses okay?  You never got to meet Bingo or Marlowe, but I know you would love them. Bingo is a boy and Marlowe is obviously a girl, like you. And according to her also-very-devoted and very special Daddy Jeff, much like you! Feisty, tenacious, beautiful, loyal and loving – one rarely experiences all those great qualities in people – but those of us in the know – realize that you all have it going on way better than humans do. No one loves unconditionally like a dog; especially you, my perfect one.

It’s been a long day for both of us my sweet girl. I will look for you as I fly the sky tomorrow. I will be wearing red, just like you, so look for me and we will send a sign to each other. Goodnight for now my Bailey. Here is to our new beginning..

 We both love you so very much xxxoxoox

PS:  Safari is sitting here next to me on the desk as I write to you. He wants me to tell you that he did not eat much of his dinner cause he is not sure where you went; it might take him a while. You know, as I like to say, a cat is and dog does.

An Adoption Anniversary…

19 Tuesday Jul 2011

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dogs, Florida, second chances, Uncategorized

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 Tomorrow is July 20th. Three years ago it was a Friday and my husband and I were in the middle of getting a screened in porch added on to our home and we were planning to adopt a dog. I had a picture from Petfinder sitting on my desk with two Border Collie mixes, one named Bailey with a wonderful smile, who was estimated to be 7 and a young one, whose name I now cannot recall.

I got in my Honda CRV late in the afternoon to head out to Angels for Animals in Columbiana, Ohio, where these two dogs seeking homes were living. Arriving by myself, I asked to see the young one first but immediately they told me that she was going to be a very large dog, so I asked to see Bailey instead. I told them that she had to get along with cats because I had a 7 year old cat whom I loved with all my heart.

I could not know then, what I know now, of course. I truly believe that Bailey could have only wound up in my care. She has not been the easiest of dogs. She was slightly incontinent when we got her, leaking a drop here or there, but not a big deal. She’s IS a Border Collie, so she is on the hyper side of hyper, but from the moment that girl jumped into the back of my CRV with such exuberance, she has been happy – sometimes a whiner, but happy to have people who work from home and can take of her and love her.

This past November she had her surgery for bladder cancer. Lucky for her and us, that it was located not at the neck of the bladder, (where it is commonly found) but far at the other end, making her a great candidate for Dr. Larry to operate at Estero Animal Hospital in Estero, Fl.  His compassion, patience and skilled hands made us a little less crazy and her recovery quicker. She takes her peroxicam daily, although some days we skip it if I feel her tummy is upset.  A smaller bladder equals more urination and the disease makes her so thirsty, so it’s hard to withhold water. Kind of a vicious cycle.

I’m a Pisces. It is said that my sign is the most compassionate and that we make the best mothers of all the signs. Since all my children have had paws and fur, I can only go by my experience, but I am like that. A recent visit from my dear college friend, named Catherine, told my husband that I was always taking such good care of my cats – even when I worked 2 jobs and went to school full-time. Somehow my personality allows me to juggle a lot, well. Bailey commands that time and attention as well as Safari because they are both sweet seniors.

So as tomorrow approaches, I can hardly imagine only 3 years have passed by. Today when we went to see Kari at Petsmart for a nice sanitary cut, she could not believe it was only 3 years since Bailey graced our lives. Bailey just leaves an impression on everyone – that she does.

Another Year to Say I Love You, Bailey…

31 Friday Dec 2010

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, New Year's Eve, rescue dogs, talking dogs, Uncategorized, vacation, Vacation by car

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Dear Bailey,

I thought for the new year, I would just write you a letter for your blog. July marked our second year together, although I feel as though you have always been a part of my life, that is just the kind of girl that you are. You fill up each day with endless amounts of energy and love for me, Russell and Safari.

You consistently remind me of a man I once did public relations for.  He always said “leave a little piece of you wherever you go.” What he meant by that is that something as simple a grocery store clerk should be acknowledged by her badge name. “Hello Susan, how are you today? My name is Max and I hope that you are having a great day!” That was the kind of guy he was.

You remind me of him because you do that. There is so much Bailey all over Western, PA, Northern OH, and Southwest FL, everyone remembers you! Your personality alone makes people stop and talk to us – every single day. Your kind, gentle manner as well as your stunning beauty –which everyone compliments you on daily–is contagious. It worked on me the very first day I met you. One kiss – much like Russell–and I was hooked. One true kiss. So very enchanting…

This was a tough year for me with you because of the discovery of a bladder  mass in November, but you sailed through your surgery here in Florida. Remember how I slept on the floor next to you the whole night and  to the amazement of Dr. Larry, you are feeling terrific!  Our new friend Carrie gave me the idea to sleep on the floor with you, because that is what she did with her dog after its surgery. I am glad she told me that story because I know you appreciated beging snuggled up together when you felt like crap after the surgery. You and I live everyday to it’s fullest and most enjoyable capacity. I kiss your bladder everyday and we tell  it to go away now, don’t we? 

You know deep in your heart that you could never have found a better partner than me, for you. Russell thinks we are so much alike and it’s true. The two social gals…you are my assistant in all we do and they even love you at Dillards Dept. store! Kids beg to feel your soft silky coat, men and women compliment you on your perfect disposition and aside from your begging for food at the dinner table you are simply perfect.  We love you so much Bailey. You bring us laughs and joy every day and I know that we do the same for you.

Today we had fun at Doggie Park with all the big dogs, wishing them all a happy and healthy new year! Then we got home and you ate your special turkey and had a great bath. Now you will be clean and fluffy for the new year!  We will have many more fun days! We are two, middle-aged girls in love with life and I feel so blessed that we can share that life side by side, together. My wish for you is a HEALTHY 2011. I already know it will be happy because we give that to each other daily!

We get older everyday, that is true, but we can take each day to it’s splendid limits, wrap it in your boundless energy and take joy in that as we welcome in a new year with more laughs and more smiles and always, another day to say I love you Bailey…

Some Girls Simply Have Tenacity

05 Sunday Dec 2010

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

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Many people have told me that Bailey is just like me. She is strong willed and ahe has endless amounts of tenacity, my sister observes. She is right. She is kind and loving, affectionate and playful. She is so social that she will never understand why another dog would even bother to bark – that is not her style. She has beauty and grace and now she has cancer. But she doesn’t know she has it nor does she act like she does. There is a chance that her operation- which she came through beautifully–could have saved her, along with the pill I give her daily, and maybe all the mass was removed but it is hard to know. We will wait three months for the next ultrasound and x-ray tests. She acts like she always does. She barks whenever we eat, her appetite is fantastic and she loves us and Safari like no one else. She is the most grateful person I have ever known. I know few people as loving and grateful as Bailey. She continues to go wherever we go and wherever that is, the story is basically the same. “She has the sweetest disposition,” She is just the most beautiful girl.” “What a sweetheart.”  I do not think that a day has gone by in more than 2 years since we adopted her, that some stranger has not talked about her in some positive manner.

She is easy to talk about that way. Her easy going manner and loyal, loving ways continue to amaze us daily. How many people do that in your life? Maybe your sibling  or parent (mine does) or maybe a husband (mine does), maybe your cat (mine does), and maybe a few great friends ( you know who you are)  but that list does not extend too far beyond that. It really does not have to. Quality is much better than quantity, although I would take 20 Bailey’s into my home if I could because she is simply that special.

I told her that she will be fine. I told her not to break our hearts because she makes me, at least, a better person everyday. We learn from each other and the one thing I have always said since I was a young kid, is that the two most important things in life are good health and love and I think they need to go hand in hand to work well.

We celebrate all the seasons here so we can soak up all good blessings, with a little luck and all the love we have to give, we put our faith into the gift of good health – for that is only present we need.

Bailey’s Prayer

19 Friday Nov 2010

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

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My Dearest Bailey,

I am taking you in for surgery tomorrow for a mass on your bladder wall. I am praying that it is not cancer and simply a cyst.  Dr. Crago does not think it’s cancer since you are asymptomatic, but you have always been my mystery girl since I adopted you as a middle-aged lady. And such the Lady you are. All girl, my femme fatale, so full of love and kisses—  how you love to spoon and play catch. Today I saw this early Hannukah gift and thought the bone was a blessing for you. How excited you were when I took it out of the bog! You love a new toy so much and I love to provide you with them.

I would do anything to make you better, you know that. You are my girl, my Lady Bailey. So many people are sending you good thoughts for tomorrow, but no one more than me.

All the love I have to give you,

Mommy