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Bailey's Journal

~ The Adventures of Bailey, A Senior Border Collie That was Rescued

Bailey's Journal

Category Archives: Dog walking

Together We are Water, Waves and Open Skies…

18 Sunday Mar 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog communication, dogs, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, female dogs, letters, life with dogs, loving cats, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, Sailing, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, The sea, unconditional love, wide open spaces, www.petfinder.com

My Dearest Bailey Girl,

Whenever I am at sea, I feel peaceful and I can feel you so strongly, sailing along with me. I wonder if it’s the big open skies and massive amounts of water that surrounds my thoughts. I look out on the deck and think that Hyfryd is open and wide too. Earth, on a daily basis, seems to be a puzzled construction of small spaces all pieced together. Roads connecting roads, cables connecting phones, computers, electrical and gas systems and so much more. Cars go to and fro. But a ship….out at sea, seems so free of everything while sailing. True, when it docks, it too becomes part of the puzzle, but I imagine Hyfryd to be vast like the sea. Is it?

I miss you always, but I always miss you so intensely at sea maybe because I have time to reflect and I am mostly unconnected to work, though I find it hard not to check emails – I hope to cure myself of that someday. You helped with that because of our time walking and talking and meeting new friends, fur and non. I thought you would like to hang this picture of me up in your den. There were a couple I know you would like, but this one is nice. I will send more.

I am so glad that your classes are going well but you are a great teacher, you teach me something everyday. All I have to do is think of you. Sorry this note is so short, maybe I will write another tomorrow, but I have been up since 6am and I did not sleep well last night so I am very tired. I did not want the day to go by without writing you as soon as I got back. I love you so much my sweet girl. Thinking of you always and knowing you are by my side always……xoxooxox, Mommy

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A Life, Continued…..

08 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., Dog walking, 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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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, letters, life, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, talking dogs, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

Dear Mommy,

I know, I know..I have been remiss in not writing for so many days. I am so sorry!!! First, Joy looks really sweet and I hope that she likes you as instantly as I did. If she does not take to you, maybe you should adopt Shawn, the cute looking boy Border! He is quite handsome and I must say I am attracted to him myself! haha You know us “brown-eyed girls!”

Hyfryd has been bustling and I now have Barkley helping with my classes. She passes out the printed info at the class. I have had a lot of interesting questions from those who recently crossed over The Rainbow Bridge. Want to hear some of them?

Where do my people go when they die?

Does my human family get to come over the Rainbow Bridge?

I think about my family everyday and I miss my siblings. How do I cope with that?

How come all of our aches and pains are gone all of a sudden?

Whew! I have become kind of a doggie philosopher of sorts and sometimes those questions are hard to answer, after all I have only been here 5 months myself! I think the reason I can cope easier than most is because we communicate all the time and are working on our book. I cannot imagine having to have landed here without that connection to you. I have talked about that in Loving 101 and what I gather is that not everyone who lives with a dog has what we had.  I think many of the folks I have met loved their families but the connection that you and I have goes so much deeper than what they have told me.

I saw you look into your rearview mirror today. I know you could not see me there, but I was certainly there and that is why you looked to my space at the back of the van. I love that you still keep the leash in there and some poop bags. I know you made a tag exactly like mine to wear on your purse. I mean, who does that kind of stuff? Some people probably think you are tiny bit crazy, but I just think it’s wonderful.

I am glad you found Dr. Victoria. She needs you in her life. I did lead you to her on www.petfinder.com and if Joy wants a good home then she should jump on you, kiss you like I did and give you the look that says Let’s go have some fun! When I think back on how I sprang into the back of the Honda CRV, it was like getting out of jail – not that the shelter was jail, but I was so sick of all the barking dogs. Living on the farm, Joy and the others have it a lot better than I did before you came along. It was all meant to be, you and me and that is the kind of thing I talk about in my classes. Love is what you make it. It is about seizing an opportunity when it exists because it may never come around again. Moments change lives so profoundly. One kiss, one look – and a life can be so different for many years or in our case, just a few years.

What I have told the students is that love,no matter how long or short, should be cherished each and every day. Wet kisses and big hugs should be never-ending!!! Life seems to go by so very fast and it truly is a mosaic of tiny bits of time all pieced together in a life. You always said that when we were walking in Buhl Park, it was such a zen-like experience. It’s so true because when a dog and their person walk in a park or natural setting, they are simply together in the moment, discovering smells, watching ducks and birds, meeting other people and other doggies which create individual moments that make up that one single hour in that particular day. What is better than that? So, in the class, I talk about that and how we all can create lives together here over the Bridge. It might be a different part of life, but it really is just a continuing part of it until we meet again and that is a big question everyone wants to know. Will we see our family again? I tell them yes you will because i have seen it. I told you that Hyfryd is a magical place where people and their animals are reunited IF THEY WANT TO BE HERE. I am sure some of these kids in my class will never see their families again, but I cannot tell them that. If they have the connection, like we do, I am confident that they will. I see you now and I know you see me too, so I am not worried about it.

So that is what I HAVE been thinking about!! You have taught me much, Sherri and I know I taught you a lot of things, especially  how many treats I needed to keep me happy! haha! I cannot believe you asked Victoria if Joy liked treats! I think you liked to give me treats as much as I loved to eat them!!! I know one thing, the best treat either of us has is each other. I promise not to take so long to write this time. Your turn now. Maybe you can write me from the ship! Look for me while at sea – you know I will be following you…I love you everywhere you are.  xoxoox, Your Bailey Girl

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On The Journey Which You Have Led Me…..

26 Sunday Feb 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Florida, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, New Year's Eve, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Workign Dogs, Working Dogs

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, working dogs, www.petfinder.com

 Dearest Bailey,

I am so glad to hear that your Loving 101 class is so popular! I am still going ahead with our book plans, but you were correct, we need the right number of pages….what do you think? Of course I want your imput. It has to be perfect like you!

If anyone could teach about love it is you my darling child. How I miss you. So many things here remind me of you. No matter where I am I think of you constantly. Dogs are running around the house here all the time and this season there are many more outside cats to chase away and I don’t have you to protect Safari’s lanai and he misses that.

This past week he started sleeping behind the chair at night – your spot. He truly does miss you and having his pal by his side–not as much as ME of course, but none the less he does. And that brings me to the next point. Do you remember that  I told you about Dr. Summers and Joy? You do? Oh good. I just heard you say that in my head – your amazing that way and I am sure you have wondered about it. Well, Joy is in Ohio, about an hour and half from the house and we plan on meeting her when we return to PA. Dr. Summers assures me that she is ready for a good home like we can give her and that she will like us. I keep hoping that she will. She has a friend named Shawn there and I hate to think that I am going to break them up. I don’t want her to be upset with me for that. I am hoping that all the things she will get to experience will make up for that. This is her picture:

Certainly we will give her so much love and attention…Isn’t she cute? That is Kernie holding her. He lives there at the place where she is at now which is very beautiful. She is only 2 years old and sadly, she had her puppies taken away from her immediately!  Thankfully,  she was rescued and she needs a home that will give her a lot of love and fun. I think you led me on this journey Bailey because you always have me looking at Petfinder – our special place where I found your sweet picture online and that is how I found Joy and Dr. Summers, who I am so looking forward to meeting in May. I cannot help but think how much she would have loved you. Who didn’t? Complete strangers loved you! As I always said, “Everyone loves Bailey!”

So I wanted to show you Joy, even though I suspect that you have already seen her and maybe you whispered a thing or two in her ear by now, knowing you. Adopting animals in life is so important for one’s soul, we will never live without animals in our lives. Safari continues to crack us up. Yes, he is still in love with his expensive shrimp – thankfully I get my discount at TFM! He is so adorable and lately he has been wanting to spend more time outside on the leash. The weather here has been unseasonably warm – the warmest February on record they say. I think his outdoor interest has a lot to do with Stripes, Midnight and a little yellow kitty and of course Princess, Twinkie and your arch nemesis, Polka Dot, running around the yard constantly. I wish these people around here would not leave their cats outside. I always fear for their little lives. I still and will always believe that domestic cats belong inside or on a screened-in porch. Here is a recent pic of him out in the yard on his leash of course you can pin it up in your den!

This was taken on new Year’s Eve and the light was kind of interesting. He is just so handsome – someone online said he looks like royalty he is so gorgeous! All my fur kids are gorgeous and sweet and I like to think that is because of all the love and good care that fills our home, right Bailey?

That is all the news on the doggie/kitty front. I wanted to run all of this by you but you are the one who led me to Joy I am sure and I think together we are on the same doggie book page!. Just make sure that she likes us when me meet! You gave me that one true kiss just like Russell did the second we met. Your little kiss reminded me of his; so sincere and perfect just like the two of you. I want Joy to feel welcome, loved and safe and not scared to leave her current surroundings.

Dr. Summers is creating a program for seniors to help fund the care of their dog when they are on a fixed income. I think that is such a great idea and I am going to help her and Kernie with anything they might need from me. You know how we loved our older folks!  Dr. Summers says Joy loves people and that makes me happy – just like you my love.

Well, we have some chores to do, but I wanted to start the day with a letter to you my sweet. Give me more news. I want to know what you and Barkley have been up to and Onwen as well. Have you been too busy to go explore more towns? I think you will become the official celebrity of Hyfryd I am sure, especially since they are all anticipating the release of our book! Much work to do! Border Collies, right! I guess if I were a dog, I would definitely be one – a working dog – the very best kind, indeed!

With all my love, heart, and wet nose kisses, Your devoted mommy xoxoxoxoxooxo

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Happy Birthday Mommy…

19 Sunday Feb 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, Petfinder, Poetry, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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animal companion, animal companions, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog communication, dogs and cats, letters, life with dogs, love, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!,

Of course I am bringing my favorite bone to you for your birthday present one day early, because I HAVE to be the FIRST one to wish you a happy day even thought it’s not until tomorrrow!. I KNOW you must miss me bringing you the bone all the time, so I thought this would be a good picture to share, right? Of course I am right! Sorry it took me so long to get back to you it is just that I have been so busy with my classes! They have become increasingly popular since Onwen put the word out and furry people are coming from many different towns.

One question people are asking me is when the book coming out. I keep telling them you are working on it. I think you are waiting to get to a certain number of pages to print our “first edition,” right? Please let me know so I can tell everyone who asks, okay?

So, since you have been busy writing I thought I would be creative as well (you know how competitive I am! Border Collie!!). You didn’t think I would just give you this picture did you? Well, I know you will love it of course, but I wanted to do something special so I wrote you a poem and this is your special Birthday Present. It’s also your first birthday without me in a long while. I love you so much and if you close your eyes you will feel me giving you a big kiss on your lips like I always did. Here is my poem. I hope that you love it ’cause I love it and I love you more and always – Your Special Bailey Girl….xoxoox

 

Our Bones

Toy Bones

Chew Bones

The Bones of my soul

-touched by dirt and me

Carried over to another side

On me, your touch

I feel

in movements so sparse

moments so large

Blurry “birthdays”

that meld into One Day

The one on which we met.

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My Bailey Valentine…

11 Saturday Feb 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Florida, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, valentine's day

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog communication, dogs, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, female dogs, letters, life with dogs, love, Love Letters, missing your dog, pet adoption, pet parents, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, Valentine's Day

My Dearest Bailey Girl,

I was so proud after reading your letter about the class you are teaching. It did not come as too big a surprise that you would be telling people how to love because you are so great at it! You are a perfect role model of what a doggie girl should be. I have never understood why a dog is called “Man’s Best Friend,” when they are truly “Woman’s Best Friend” as well. Nothing made me happier that walking with you in the park – or any of the many places we made tracks in the world, whether it be in sand, snow, leaves or mud. Our imprints are forever.

I will bet that more and more furry folk sign up for your class and I cannot wait to hear more about it! Did Onwen take the class or is he helping you? I bet you had Barkley there! I don’t know if you would want to do this since it would be very personal, but perhaps you could share one or two of our letters with the class, so they could understand how writing can help them adjust to their new home situation. A day does not go by when you are not talked about. Even while I was cooking my Chocolate Soup today at The Fresh Market, your name came up. Maybe some of the people in Hyfryd would want to know their people on this side are probably talking about them as well.

Dr. Victoria and I have talked a lot about you as well. I know you must have made me find her and Joy – there is no other explanation about how all these things happen. Your sense of place here is so profound and just because physical space separates us, it does not make us any less apart. You know Valentine’s Day is Tuesday and though the “holiday” has been turned into a very commercial one, the true meaning behind it has always been my favorite – to honor love and I have always been so happy to be born in the month of the love! I came into this world ready to give a lot of it to those who truly deserve it. You my Bailey, are my true valentine and really, aren’t all these letters between us valentine’s? They are love letters, that is for sure.  Write me one soon.

Happy Valentine’s Day My Sweetest Girl – With Love Deep in my Heart

xoxoxoxoox, mommy

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Looking Around….And The Sky Was Blue

16 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, rescue dogs

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Cats, dog communication, dogs named Bailey, Indian Summers Border Collie Rescue, letters, life with dogs, love, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

My Dearest Bailey,

So you were having a hard time? I am sorry my sweetest girl. I guess now you can empathize with me here on this side of the Rainbow Bridge. Today, little Zoe came into the house twice and Angel did too. They got a cheese treat and Safari did not know what to think. He sort of gets scared of Angel because she is bigger, but he does not seem to mind little Zoe Zoe.

Your letter made me think how much I miss you and how my life is so so different without you in it. All the things I am not participating in, such as my early morning walk with you, doggie park and ride-in-the-car activities. Time goes by so very fast and I am so saddened by all the dogs and cats who need good, loving homes. Yesterday, did you lead me to www.petfinder.com – since that is how I found you! I was just looking around for Border Collies and found a rescue place in Minerva, Ohio. It’s called Indian Summers Border Collie Rescue. There was a little girl on there named Joy whose story broke my heart. I wrote them a letter to inquire about her but have not heard back. She is really pretty and sounds scared but very sweet. She was abandoned by her people, just like you. That makes me so mad! How anyone can give up their animal companion is beyond my comprehension!

I am kind of tired tonight. I did not sleep all that well last night and I am still not completely over my cold. My head still hurts! Zoe was giving me so many doggie kisses. I think she knows how much I need them and miss them from you most of all. I hope that you are feeling better and not as sad. I think I have enough sad thoughts for both of us but you told me not to! We got the boat over to the marina yesterday and I saw a huge line of sky writing again and I knew that was you. I know you loved to be on the water or near the water and I think you were saying hello – the sky was so blue – was that you? I am not feeling so creative tonight to write a really good letters. I wanted to see what you thought of Joy. I want to know more about her. I actually thought that maybe you would look for a boy for me! Whatever you tell me….I will know…or I should say, we will know…

I love you my dear girl and miss you each day,

Mommy

 

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The Year’s Beginning (without YOU!)

10 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, New Year's Eve, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, The Rainbow Bridge

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, senior dogs, the loss of a pet, unconditional love

Dear Mommy,

I know you must be wondering why I have taken 10 days into the new year to write to you when you have already written. I have wanted to, but this time (and I know I have told you not to do this) I am the one having a hard time. I was thinking about 2008, when you came into my life and how fun it was. Oh, don’t get me wrong, Hyfryd is beautiful and I have so many friends and my den is very nice, posh and diva like (of course) but I was thinking as the year began that the one thing that was missing was you. Well, actually 3 things were missing – you, daddy and safari. Although I have been entranced with my new life up here, as 2012 began it sort of hit me that this was MY first year without you in 3-1/2 years. You are my family and always will be and I miss you so much.

I see how much work you have been doing on Facebook  in regard to help in rescuing dogs, especially ones at high risk. Keep up the posting I hope that it helps!~ Yes, we have doggiebook up here and they just told us that soon I will be able to post on your site. It would help if you set me up an account on your dogbook they said, so work on that, okay? I know that makes you want to rescue another dog and I know daddy is not ready and I certainly don’t think that safari is. I saw how he was when Zoe came rushing into the house – and she’s a tiny dog! He was not too fond of Rodeo and he’s my size! I really want you ALL to be ready together. I know you, you would rescue everyone if you could – your heart is always in the perfect place. It certainly was on June 20, 2008 when we found each other.

So I was having a hard time as I sat down to write you under my favorite tree. I think it just hit me that this year will be our real first year of physical separation and I long to push my nose into your face and kiss and lick you and walk with you and drive you crazy! haha! I was running with some friends the other day and I was winning and I was remembering as I slowed in my running with you up our special path you would ALWAYS says, Bailey Wins! Bailey Wins! You always let me win at everything. You are the perfect mommy and who would not miss their perfect mommy, so that is why I did not write sooner. I will admit it, I was a little sad. You know, Border Collies are strong though and JUST like you, I am a strong female, so I thought about not ever telling you all of this, but I can’t help it. I have to be honest.

I personally did not do much of anything to ring in the New Year because of all of this. Barkley was here and we shared some good hamburgers and some potatoes. He misses John and Tracy and we commiserated about all of this. Onwen and company came over later and we barked some songs and fell asleep before midnight. I know – none of you made it either. My tree looked good but I took it down on the 1st just like you did and I hung your picture on my tree like you did there. Aren’t we just the same, you and me? I know we are so if you were a dog mommy, you would be a high energy Border Collie – everyone said we had the same dark brown eyes!

So that is about all since the New Year. Today is the 10th and it feels like more days have gone by. And, by the way, when are you ordering the book? I am so excited! Do it tomorrow! I want to be the star of the blog book (of course). Red cover, right? Good!! I cannot wait! That will cheer us both up – or maybe it will make us cry? Ahhhh, either way, it shows that we are forever connected no matter what year it is, so that is one thing that IS the same in this New Year. In our hearts we are truly one. Always and Always.

Write me soon, mommy! I love you way up to the stars xoxooxoxox

Your Sweet Bailey Girl

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Missing Moments….

04 Wednesday Jan 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs, second chances

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a dog and their bone, adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, beautiful dogs, border collies, Cats, coincidence, companion dogs, diva dogs, dog adoption, dog communication, dog spirits, dog toys, dogs, female dogs, living in the moment, love, loving cats, missing dogs, missing your dog, pets, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, the loss of a pet, the love of a dog, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

My Dearest Bailey,

So the year has begun and I wonder when I will stop marking days in relation to all things having to do with you? I think never! I know you want me to stop doing this sort of thing and live in the present moment, but you know I have always had a hard time with that. In fact, one of the MANY BEST things you taught me was to live in the moment– and we shared so many of those moments. It was in moments, like playing with you and your bone, walking and watching you smell and focus on one particular spot of grass or shredded leaf that was always amazing to me. I took such simple joy in those special pieces of time. How you could smell one thing for 5 whole minutes, which in turn would make me stop, take notice,  and think why and what does that smell like to her? Without you, I don’t do it as much anymore. I know Safari has been enjoying all the extra time and attention, but he never wants to play as long as you would want to that is for sure!

How is that favorite bone of yours in this picture? I let you take all your very special stuff with you over the Rainbow Bridge to Hyfryd, but I still have a bag load of those toys because you told me keep them for the dog you will hopefully find for us! You always loved to share – that is why you have a mommy named Sherri! Different spelling, but at least my name has the word sound of share in it, right? I loved sharing everything with you right? Including my food! Yesterday Safari wanted a little teeny piece of crust, and it made me think of you since you loved crust so much! Are you getting any in Hyfryd? I bet that you are if I know my Bailey!

So how did everyone in Hyfryd ring in 2012? Did you do anything exciting? If you did, please tell me all about it in your next letter!  We didn’t do anything. It was just like a regular day. I am going to try to be a semi- vegetarian and just eat vegetables and seafood once in a while. I think it will be hard to give up chicken, but I am going to try very hard. I never cared about beef – Oh boy, you always LOVED your beef!!! Chicken will be a hard one, but I just don’t like idea of eating animals anymore. Today was the starting day!

Did you see that I wore the red purse for the first time today? I bet that you did. I was wearing a red sweater so it went well with it and it made me think of you. Red anywhere makes me think of your special red Coach Collar and Leash, which is still in the car in a special compartment so your spirit will always ride in the car with us! Sometimes I still look into the rearview mirror and think, where is my girl?  I miss going to the dog park in Estero too. I am sure everyone there misses you too. It was always cute when Wes called you the “Movie Star.”  You were just that and everyone recognized that quality, my sweet diva girl.

I watched one of your videos yesterday and started crying…I know…I know…but I love hearing you whine and talk and bark. I love that I can hear you and see you move. I miss your movement all around me – after all you never stopped moving! You were like a whirlwind of love surrounding me always. It’s just so hard not having that energy around anymore. I am sure you have brought that with you to Hyfryd and now that you feel like a healthy girl again, I can only imagine the beauty that you bring to your town and furry pals. You will tell me all about it in your next scribe, okay? Mommy is tired. I have worked a lot at the computer today and you did always make me take breaks and now, perhaps I don;t break often enough unless Safari comes over and walks on the keyboard— telling me to stop and pay attention, so of course I do. I get into the moment as best as I can. I just wish I had more of those moments with you too.

Forever and ever your mommy….xoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxo

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A New Year Without My Bailey Girl…

30 Friday Dec 2011

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Cats, Christmas, dog communication, dogs, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, senior dogs, the new year, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

My Dear Bailey,

Thank you for your sweet letter. I miss you too – more than you know. When I was a young girl, I used to keep a journal – much like you have! Upon New Year’s Eve, I would write a recap of all that happened that year and what I hoped for the New Year. You crossing over the Rainbow Bridge was the most significant and worst event of 2011, most definitely. I know you did it with ease and you now have a beautiful life in Hyfryd, but it cannot be as good there as it was with me- right? I know, I am being silly. Of course you loved being here with me, because you showed me everyday.

As I reflect on entering 2012, I only think of it as being the first year in more than 3 years, that you will not be part of a specific year. You were with me most of 2011, and now, 2012 will be completely without the beautiful girl I walked with, rode in the car with, kissed, fed, loved, played with and pampered every step of the way and I can tell you that for me, 2012 might be a sort of empty year. Sure, I will have your tree to visit, but I cannot know how I will ever find another dog, boy or girl, who could be as great as you were with me. As you said, you set the bar high – you truly did.

Rodeo has been enjoying me walking him. I think he wonders where you are and Courage follows us too. You know I always loved those two dogs and I think they know I am missing you and want to spend some doggie time with me. Of course your little pal, Zoe loves coming into the house finding Safari and eating a bite of cheese – cheddar is her favorite. Angel likes to play too, but Zoe really loves the heck out of me. You know I love the big dogs, but Zoe gets a soft spot in my heart for such a little girl. At least I get doggie kisses from everyone. Did you tell them that I need them? I think you have because there have been a lot of doggie visits and Safari has no clue what to think. “That’s not my Bailey,” is what I think he is saying when his back arches up and his tail grow fluffy with excitement.

I am wondering if you will send me a sign. Will 2012 be the right time? What do you think? Paris first?  Maybe, but I hate being away from Safari too. The trip was great, but I am always thinking of Safari and getting updates from Paul because I miss him and want to know he is okay. I am going to leave it up to you my sweetie. Yes, 2012 will be an odd year, I have a feeling because it is one that is starting without you in it. Yet, I am grateful – very grateful for all the many hundreds of days we had together. I know – QUALITY is better than Quantity. I keep trying to tell myself that and then I simply cry. I miss your love, and your astounding love, beauty and grace.  I feel you with me everyday. I thank you for the Rainbow in Aruba. I knew you were there and always will be.

Write me back before the new year rings in…

With love always,

your mommy

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You Are Surrounded By Me…..

01 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs

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animal companions, Bailey dogs, coincidence, dog and cat relationships, dog communication, dogs, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, life with dogs, loving cats, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, rainbow bridge, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, vets

Mommy. Hello!

Do you see how I GAZED into your eyes in this picture? I LOVE this picture because it shows how I can look deep into your soul!

I know you had an upsetting day yesterday. Do you think it was by coincidence that the ONLY dog waiting at the vet in the lobby was named Bailey – AND it was an OLDER dog – a male yes, but a Bailey dog! And did you not think it was ODD that they did not even stay for their appointment? I heard her say she had to leave for work so she could not wait any longer and the Bailey’s legs were better.

So, that left you in the waiting room with that little stray cat Gracie, who you so kindly took to the doctor because you knew she was feeling bad. You amaze me mommy, you are always there to help the injured or sick. It’s like you are the animal nurse to wayward furry souls! I saw the look on your face when that Dr. Mark said she was dying and could not breathe. Here, I have only crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge a few weeks ago and there you were dealing with death of a furry girl – again. Even though she was not your cat, you helped her cross over and I just love you for that. Of course there was a Bailey dog there cause it was really me although I am NO SPRINGER SPANIEL and I am way prettier! haha. (Although that Bailey boy had nice brown eyes like me – not AS nice, but sweet.)

I was there to help you through the trauma, Mommy and I made sure they let Gracie live close to me here in Hyfryd. I met her at the end of the Bridge yesterday and I told her who I was. She said hello and could breathe fine. again. You were right she is very pretty and social like me. Funny, you had just mentioned her in the last letter and now here she is with all of us. I told her how special you are and that she should hang with us and she was so happy to have made friends with me, Onwen, Caru and Barkley of course. So just so you know, we have taken her in and she is safe. Here is here picture:

She is very beautiful with those emerald eyes! Not as special as my brown ones, but hey you and I are “brown-eyed” girls – they made a song about us! I am sorry you had to go through such a bad day. I know it was shocking that she was so sick and you did not know until he told you, but honestly, Mommy, you did the right thing for her. She is going to be lots of fun here. She already came over for a bowl of Friskies today. Yes, I keep my den stocked, because for some reason, cats just love me. I have to introduce her to these other cat friends in due time: Shauna, Emid and Emyr and Risari – those are a few of my favorite cat buddies who stop over to chow and chat!

How is my Safari? I miss him – he is the sweetest – bet he misses me too. I know, he does! Yet, it is YOU I miss the most. Daddy too. Yes, it has been a month of missed kisses and hugs and petting my beautiful fur- don’t forget that, please!  I had planned on writing you about my adventures, but I will save that for next time, since all this came up with Gracie, I thought that was more important. I wanted to tell you all was okay with her. She will be fine and her crossing was peaceful because of you. Know that and feel it mommy. You see, I was with you and you will always be surrounded by me. We are inseparable!

With The Very Most Love Always,  Your Sweetest Bailey Girl xoxoxoxoxooxoxox

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