Category Archives: dog adoption.

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

Bailey’s Tree Becomes Prime Real Estate

18 Tuesday Aug 2015

Posted by in animal companions, animal families, border collies, dog adoption., dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, faith, Senior Dogs, spirituality

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Bailey's Tree Aug 2015

Bailey’s Tree, August 2015  

bailey's buhl park real estate

View of the area where the doggy park will be behind her tree

Walking through Buhl Park the other day, I learned that Bailey’s tree is now prime real estate, since they are building a doggy park right behind her tree!

When I heard this news from a man working over there I was elated. Bailey always brought so much happiness to everyone she interacted with that it just figures that the doggy park would be nearby. Like in Hyfryd, where she, Safari, Tarzan, Cheetah Freedom, Shauna, Lucky and Jane and the rest of her furry friends reside, over the bridge, there will be happy barks and yelps, smiles and laughs from all who go to the doggy park area and she will be there to see all the action.

When I looked for a sapling to dedicate they showed me different trees all around the park. For those of you who have read this blog, or our book, Letters to Each Other, you know the tree is a Red Maple and its type was chosen because of her red Coach Collar, which she wore so proudly. I chose the location because it had a view of Lake Julia and the country club. Being that Bailey was a diva (deservedly so) I thought it was the perfect spot. Bailey enjoyed the finer things in life and we were always happy to give her everything.

As a senior adoption, you especially never know how much time you have and  a lot of time was something we could not give her yet the 3-1/2 years she shared our love and home, were her best – that I know – it’s what gives me comfort. Even though she crossed the bridge and I can’t see her physically, I always see her at the tree. Although she is buried in our yard, I always think of her as being at the tree. The park is my peaceful place. I spend a lot of time there and I spent a lot of time with her there, as I do now with Joy. It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth and now it will be even more lovely with the addition of the doggy park, right in Bailey territory.

Did You See My Rainbow?

26 Monday May 2014

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cats, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Florida, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, memories, missing your dog, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, trees

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Bailey in Yard so lovely

Hi Mommy!

Did you see the Rainbow I sent you tonight from Hyfryd? I knew daddy would show it to you cause I saw him standing outside right after the rain and I had felt you thinking about me yesterday and today since you are getting ready to go back to PA. I heard you ALREADY telling Joy that you cannot wait to see how big my Tree got at Buhl Park. I am NOT going to tell you so it will be a surprise. I cannot wait for you to visit our Red Maple!  I miss you so much lately. You know how much I loved riding in the car all the way from Florida to PA. I made the trip WAY more fun, didn’t I?  I never complained because it was so much fun to just relax, listen to music and eat treats for 1100 miles! Haha!! Now Joy gets to do that. I see you bought her a den so she will be more safe in the car. I think that was a good idea!

Not too much new to report. School is out now and I have to spend summer preparing for some new classes I want to create. One, I know you will like and I got the idea from our book, Letters to Each Other. I was thinking about calling it Love Communication 101. I will place an emphasis on how the doggies, kitties and all the animals here can learn to communicate better with their loved ones even though we do not share a physical world anymore. I will develop different techniques for them to learn; I still have to flesh it out. You know, some days it is so very hard, not just for me, but for a lot of my friends. Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky miss you so much. They heard you say the other day that you think about them all the time. I know you have their pictures everywhere, just like you have mine. I love that you are a picture taker. When you adopted me as a senior, I bet you took MY picture more than anyone ever took it in the 7 years I lived before we fell in love! I see you always taking Joy’s picture as well. That is good to create many memories. We need them. Being separated physically does NOT mean we forget anything!

Writing the book with you really made me MORE popular than I already was and you know how I could turn a head! Haha! You will be proud that everyone here has a copy of the book here and I do not know how you made that happen, but it’s wonderful just like you Mommy. You are the best Dog/Cat mom in the world! Give Safari boy and Joy a big kiss for me!

Well, I just wanted to make sure you saw the Rainbow I sent with all my thoughts and wishes of love. As you like to say “see you soon Bailey Girl…” In my heart and mind I see you each minute of every day.

All My Love,

Your Bailey Girl xoxoxooxox

Our Book, Letters to Each Other is Published!

26 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by in adopting dogs, books, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, Journaling, letters, missing your dog, parks, Petfinder, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Uncategorized, www.petfinder.com

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IMG_0200letters from bailey coverDearest Bailey, Well, after MUCH hard work, our efforts have paid off. Our book, Letters to Each Other, is now out. It will take a couple of weeks for it to appear on Kindle, but that’s okay they can buy a hard copy now. For all your pals in Hyfryd here is the link:https://www.createspace.com/4161035. Also, I created a beautiful website for it as well so that you can direct everyone to http://www.letterstoeachother.com. I know you and Barkley, Anwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and everyone will be helping to promote our book. When is your first book signing? I told createspace to ship you some books! I took this picture of your tree yesterday at Buhl Park, the day the book was published. When I got there the wind came in very strong and this one very dark green leaf was actually waving as though you were saying hello. I loved that. Do you like the cover? I really do! They did a great job with the design don’t you think? I want to hear all of your thoughts because really, the book is all about you sweet girl. Of course we are working girls and I still have much work to do here to help promote the book. I decided to give $1 of each book sold to Indian Summers Border Collie Rescue, since that is where you sent me to find our Joy. If your friends need more information, the website is http://www.indiansummers.org. I love you Bailey. Always and Always. More later. I have to get back to work and so do you!   xo, me

We Will Be Famous!

06 Saturday Apr 2013

Posted by in border collies, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, Journaling, joy, letters, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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baileys book cover Dear Mommy,

I see how hard you have been working! Thank you for your diligence I am glad that you chose this picture for the cover of our book! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited! I am the talk of the town of course. We just finished our Spring break and classes have now resumed. I posted information about Letters to Each Other in every school in EVERY surrounding town. I hope that we get great distribution and lots of people read our story because it certainly is one full of happiness and love.

Still, I cannot imagine how you chose the cover picture because you took more pictures of me in three years that most people take in 20! I am glad that you are featuring many pictures in the book as well. I cannot wait to get copies and I am sure you cannot either.

Not to change the subject, but did you know that Molly came over the Bridge? You must know by now. She looked for Barkley and I immediately, so you can tell John, Tracy, Brad and Ashley that Molly is here with us. In fact, we moved her in with Barkley. They are so happy being roommates again and you might remember I live next door! I know that you wanted to say goodbye to Molly and you did not get the chance, but she knows how much you loved her and she is so happy now because she has full use of her legs and she can romp and play like she was a pup! You should see her! I tell you one thing, that Molly is a great eater! She is scarfing down all the great food here! Nothing wrong with her appetite! That is the amazing thing about our world, mommy – the trade-off. It’s all about that. When you first arrive, you feel like you have to give up so much because you are separated temporarily  from the ones you love more than anything. And while it is temporary, you never know how long it will be until you see them again, or if they will even chose to come where we are. What we get in return is health.

You always said health was the number one most important thing in life. It is better than any present in the world. People forget that or they would take better care of themselves over there on earth! Oddly, that really IS the gift. We all can run and play and chase the wind without any pain or strife. That is the BEST! yes, it is hard to live with out our people, but we make friends and our friends fill our life here in Hyfryd and for those who want to do some good, like me, there is opportunity.

I am just so happy about our book and I appreciate you working so hard on it. I love you so much and I know you love me too. I miss you much, but am happy Joy has turned out to give you just that. I made sure of that! Isn’t it interesting that finding Joy gave you a chance to promote something you love just for the heck of it? Dr. Vic and you needed each other. I knew that. Just know I knew everything from the moment I kissed you at Angels for Animals. We were going to be a team and you knew it too. From July 20, 2008 till forever, it’s you and me….

All My Loving,

Your Bailey Girl

PS: WRITE SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Leader of All Things Good…

22 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by in animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, Spring, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge

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img_07371Dearest Bailey,

Okay, Okay, I know. My apologies this time for being so delayed in my letter, but I have been working hard to get the book all together! I am so excited for you to see it. Getting all the pictures in one place was a lot of work too! Who could have a book about you without pictures? You are so photogenic and beautiful! I love this picture of you running on the beach. Not sure Joy can go there with all the other dogs and people might be too much for her. Not you! You loved all the people and doggies – well most of them.

How are your classes? I expect that you will be entering Spring break this week or next? Are you going to get to relax? I need this trip to restore so I can complete the work needed for the book because our team is waiting! I was planning on getting a lot of work done today as well. It’s so exciting, but then I think once it is done, it will be over and that sort of makes me sad, as I have enjoyed the process, but I have to say that reading everything over and over again made me cry more than once.

Then, I ran into Evan the other day at Starbucks and I asked how his Bailey was and he told me that she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge two weeks ago, so you need to look for that little Sheltie. She was 14, so she led a great life, but he is very sad, just like I was. I told him about our blog and the book coming out and hopefully it will help him.

I hope that you are well my lovely girl. Soon, we will be going back North and I will see how much our tree has grown. I do not expect it to have grown too much as winter has been very cold there. When I am at sea, I will think of you. Send me your signs – you know which ones I mean and if you get the chance to write me back today, please do I miss you!!! Give me love to Barkley, Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky for me. You are my great leader of all things good.

With infinite amounts of kisses and hugs….

me xoxoox

2013, Our Letters Are Late!

06 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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Bailey sweetness

Dear Bailey,

WOW! We have never been so late in writing back. It’s a new year and it is already February 6th! I think we are both guilty, but I have a great excuse which will make you very happy.

I am almost – ALMOST – done editing the book. We are on our way, or shall I say, you are on the way to being the famous doggie diva you have always wanted to be. The person we are working with is Sara Ann. She is very nie and isn’t it funny her name is Sara, even spelled the way I like? Remember I told you that it was going to be a lot of work and as it turns out it really is! The key has been finding blocks of time for editing and after I get all the pages done I have to do the painstaking task of choosing pictures to go into your book. The fact that you are so beautiful does not help matters, but I have to limit the number we can use.

The other thing I had to do was change the theme of this blog and I had taken just about forever to make a decision until I found this one, which oddly is called Chateau. That seems fitting for a Princess like you. I felt the next series of letters should look different on here at least.

So to say things have been crazy busy is an understatement and I am sure that your classes are well under way since you said you were going back to school on the 7th of January and here we are a month late!

I wanted to bring you the exciting news about the book. I am working as fast as I can! Write me back and let me know how the new year started for you my sweet girl. I feel like there have not been enough signs lately, except Sara’s name- which I truly knew was  your doing and I love you for it. The title is Letters To Each Other.

We took Joy on the boat for the first time and I took a picture just like the one I have of you. In the next letters I will send them side by side. You will like it. I miss you sweet girl. Write me tomorrow, please. I long to hear from you.

Always with love….me

100 Letters to Each Other – Book One

31 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Doing Your Best, Journaling, joy, kisses, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, rememberence, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, Working Dogs

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Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Dear Mom,

I get to go first because the book is really all about me, right? Ha! This is our 100th letter, can you believe it? I can hardly imagine all this time has passed, 429 days since we last saw each other to be exact. Where does the time go? If you would have told me that I would have gone from being your simple, walk-in-the-park-meet-people-Bailey Girl, to a very busy teacher who helps dogs, cats and other animals deal with their new life over the Rainbow Bridge, I would have told you that you were crazy! You and I were always busy riding around in the car or going into the stores in Florida together (I loved that!) and I sat by you while you wrote; now I have to write all these things for classes that I never dreamed of teaching. It’s funny how things work out sometimes.

I am so happy you had this idea to write to each other. Of course this was bound to happen because we are so close it truly is amazing. The fact that you always receive my signs and rainbows and sense the moments in the breeze when I am near is astounding to me and I want others who are so close on earth to know that when they are separated by one’s passing, they can still be together. It is beautiful here in Hyfryd, but our life was beautiful together on earth as well. I am happy I found you Joy and that she is a good dog that follows in my paw steps, because she did have big paws to fill! haha!

I go back to work on the 7th and I assume by then you will be arranging for the book to be published, RIGHT? You had better be because everyone here wants copies and I promised to bring it to class. I am sure you will be able to arrange for a special delivery to get me some, since I am its star character! I know this will take a little bit of time, but not oo much! Get busy! I know you will, you are as excited as I am, of that I am sure.

So there is only 90 more minutes until 2013 and that means our book will be published and the second one commences! I could not have anything more exciting to look forward to. Please kiss Papa, Safari and Joy for me. I send you my love and doggy kisses via the wind and I know you do the same. Okay your turn. Write me back before midnight. The year is to be a great one. I love you more than anything.

xoxo00, Your Sweet Bailey Girl

Dear Bailey,

Happy New Year my sweet girl. I always seem to have a story for you. I was cleaning out the desk drawer the other day when I cam across a tiny sim card, which I guess is from old, not-smart phone. I put it into the thingy that connects to the computer so I could see what was on there and those two sepia tone pictures of you and two videos, one of you and one of Safari were on it. The two pictures were from the first week you were adopted. I can see one is at Dr. Crago’s office when I brought you in to be checked out after adopting the sweetest senior girl on earth. You look emaciated in those early pictures so it’s amazing what you wound up looking like later after you got good food, love and care from us –  that is why I put those next to each other for you and all to see. I always saw your gorgeous face, even when you were so ridiculously underweight and in need of  a little medical care.

It was your big brown eyes,  and the kiss you gave me at the shelter. That one true  kiss said, “Take me with you, please. I have been here for a whole year and even though I am the office dog I hate sleeping here with other barking dogs. I want a soft place to sleep and people to love me.” What did it take me? Five minutes to tell them, I wanted to take you home? Maybe less. We belonged together that is for sure. I had no doubt in my mind just as I had no doubt that when you left me that we would continue to love each other and communicate forever and share our story with others. I want people to know they too can be connected no matter where they are physically. Love, after all, is a state of mind and heart.

Yes, yes I will begin to put the wheels in motion to get the book published as soon as possible. We are ready for book 2 now. I cannot believe so much time has passed but not a day goes by when you are not spoke of. I got the stats on how many people read this blog this year and I am dumbfounded. People from all over the world read our letters, so I am hopeful that more people would receive our message if it was in book form. If we help only 1 person that would be amazing, right? I want to hear how your first day of classes goes in this new year, so write me after that, okay and I will give you a report on the state of the book which needs a lot of editing.

I miss you everyday my sweet girl; our story will continue.. I am sending New year’s love to  You,  Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Lucky and everyone else. You are my lovely inspiration and it all started with a true kiss between us.

Here is to the next 100 letters…… My Forever Love,

me…..xoxoxoox

I Should Have Written Sooner…

16 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by in border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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744I am SO SORRY I should have written sooner! I was so busy finishing all the classes before the break, so I am sending you this adorable picture of me and you with hopes that you will forgive me. Oh yeah, I’m Bailey, you ALWAYS forgave anything I did! hahaha – Although let’s face it, I never was really bad ever! I know yua re saying, “yes that is true,” right now!

Sometimes around the holidays all the critters here in Hyfryd really have a hard time with missing their people, but Onwen and I try to teach them that the “spirit” of the holidays are really always there – just like you and I know each other is just a whisper away.

That is what I teach the people here. I try to explain that everyone will be reunited with their people in the future – some sooner than later and vice versa. I want people on both side of the Rainbow Bridge to be grateful for what they have now; that is what is most important. So many people take it all for granted. You and I never will.

I am so happy that you adopted Joy. It’s funny she has the perfect name for this season, huh? I can see she makes you laugh like me. We are very similar, that I see. I was just more outgoing than her. Remember how you thought I was so friendly that I would just go with anyone? I never would have, you know. Joy, on the other paw, would bark at them and protect you to the nth degree! I like that quality in her, actually. I can see how much progress she has made already in her socialization. You just keep taking her places and she will do fine. She is QUITE the squirrel chaser like I was, huh? Very funny!

I do have to say that I am ready and happy for the holiday break from school. I don’t resume classes until January 7th. I never thought I would be THIS busy over the Rainbow Bridge, but hey, what’s a Border Collie to do? We are working dogs and I love helping people. I always think about that movie, It’s a Wonderful Life that we watched each Christmas. If you had not adopted me, I might never have been a teacher. I certainly would not have had the great experiences in my senior years that you guys gave me. It was so great of you to adopt a senior dog, really, cause nobody wants the older dogs and cats. Of course I should not say that – there are some, but for the MOST part people want the young ones. We certainly chose each other and on this second Christmas without you, papa and safari, I am thinking about that. I am thinking how grateful I am to have had a wonderful three years with you because the first part of my life was not good and I block it all out. You truly loved me with all your soul and heart and I feel that everyday, even today over the bridge.

Guess what? We only have three more stories before we go into a book! I am SOOOO excited!!! I cannot wait. We ARE going to do a second one too, right? Yes, I figured as much. That is great because there is so much to say and so many people to help understand how to deal with this new part of life! Oh and I wanted to tell you that yes, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Lucky and a bunch more others will be here with me, Onwen and Barkley. Barkley has been so great at school. I have given him a new class to teach come January. He will be teaching a class of very young folk who crossed way too early due to accidents, just like his. He is such a wonderful guy I just love his enthusiasm.

Write me soon, okay? I promise to write quicker! We have to move on to the 100th blog!!! – I love you and will talk to you before Christmas.

All my love, Bailey Girl….

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!