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Bailey's Journal

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

Bailey's Journal

Category Archives: second chances

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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The Year’s Last Letter

03 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge

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

Mommy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Look at this picture I have sent you. Me kissing you RIGHT on the lips like I always did. I love this picture so I thought since you were talking about the many doggie kisses you are receiving you might like THIS picture of one of our kisses. Remember, our story started with a kiss – one TRUE kiss! And I want you, in the new year, to remember that real love stories never end – they only continue, whether they are physical or not.

Just because we are in different places, does not mean we are not together. OF COURSE I have been talking to little Zoe and I made sure that she comes over often enough. Didn’t you notice how she kissed you right on the lips, just like me and even Rodeo was kissing you like that the other day when you walked him AND Munchkin did yesterday! I saw all that – and heck, Munch has not even seen you in a long while! You have to know you are like a female version of Dr. Doolittle or something like that. Dogs and cats just gravitate to you. You seem to have a sensitivity we can pick up on and trust and we know these things. Yes, I am putting out feelers for another doggie for you, but I know he/she needs to be special for you to make the jump – after all – you HAD ME!!! Who could better? haha!

I miss you just as much as you miss me, but life is a circle. We are born, and we die. But the good news is that like the years go on, we continue – even after you get old and think you are done with life, you go on. Just think of the shape of a heart, it’s a closed shape that connects on all sides – just like we will always be connected from every side you can think of. The little things that you have been sensing (like the Border collies on Christmas Eve and the Bailey Dog on Christmas day) are very real and it is because I am your heart, just like the ruby one you wear around your neck that daddy made for you in my honor. I love that you wear it every day. You will always be my mom and the one I love and treasure most. Our connection does not stop in the new year it only grows stronger and deeper through our new means of communication – letters to each other. This is the last one of 2011, but we have a lot more to look forward to in 2012 – which starts in a few hours! Like you , I am sleepy and will go to bed before midnight, but I wanted to get this letter to you, so I can sleep well and think of the next beautiful letter I will get from you.

With all my love forever,

Your Sweet Bailey Girl

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The 44th Day Rainbow…

20 Tuesday Dec 2011

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

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animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Cats, Christmas, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, feeling a dog's presence, life with dogs, loving your dog, missing your dog, pet adoption, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, seeing rainbows, seeing signs in life, senior dogs, spirituality, the rainbow bridge, travelling, unconditional love

My Dearest Bailey,

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

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

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

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

With All My Heart and Love,

Mommy xoxooxoxox

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Not a Merry Christmas….

05 Monday Dec 2011

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

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Christmas, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, loving cats, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, petsmart, rainbow bridge, senior dogs, talking dogs, unconditional love

Dear Bailey,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nose to Nose,  xoxoxoxooxoxox

mommy

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My Side of Thanksgiving….

24 Thursday Nov 2011

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

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animal companions, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, Gratefulness, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, senior dogs, Thanksgiving thoughts, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

 

Dear Mommy,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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The Two Sides of Thankfulness…

21 Monday Nov 2011

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

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adoption, animal rescue, anniversaries, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, dog communication, dogs, holidays without your dog, life with dogs, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, rainbow bridge, rescues, senior dogs, thanksgiving, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

My Sweet Girl,

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

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

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

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

Thankful for your love always – Mommy

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Hello From Hyfryd!

17 Thursday Nov 2011

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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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Airplanes, animal communication, border collies, dog and cat moms, dogs, dogs named Bailey, dogs riding in cars, Hyfryd, Jack Russell terriers, letter writing, life with dogs, missing dogs, real letters, rides in the car, talking dogs, the meaning of names, the rainbow bridge, wales, welsh names, wind pwoer

Dear Mommy,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Love is With You Always,

Your Gorgeous Bailey Girl!

 

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You Keep On Giving…

15 Tuesday Nov 2011

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

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animal shelters, Bailey dogs, donations to shelters, full moons, letters, life with dogs, loving dogs, poems about dogs, poetry, the loss of a pet, The Rianbow Bridge, writing

My Sweet Girl,

I took the last of your Newman’s Organic Dog food to Petsmart yesterday to donate to homeless dogs who live at a shelter just like you did before we met in 2008. Did I tell you that I had read on Facebook a shelter in Charlotte, NC that needed heartworm medicine and I still had five doses of your Revolution, so I mailed it to Amber at Ruffed Up Rescue – isn’t that a sweet name? I was thinking that since you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, you still keep on giving – but that is the kind of gal you always were and still are, I am sure over there in Hyfryd.

The stationary I had made with your picture came today as well and a big magnet bearing your name so it’s like you are still taking rides in the car with us only sadly, I cannot turn around and have you there barking at me. I miss that so very much. I meant to tell you to ask around for a collie mix named Bagels from Chicago. That was my dog for one week when April and I were kids. Our mom gave him to my grandmother though because he peed once in the house. He was only a little puppy and we were heartbroken, although we got to be with Bagles almost every weekend at her house. I only have a couple of pics of him, but he was a collie mix and so sweet. If you see him you might want to be friends, he would be a good friend I am sure.

Today I worked on some projects and then ran a couple of errands – not too much to report to you. I did want to tell you that I wrote you a poem which I thought came out really well – you can read it and let me know in your next letter how you like it. I wrote it in New Bedford one night after sitting on the rocks staring at your grave, The moon was full and new and your mums were still in bloom. It was a cold clear night and very beautiful. You always inspire me….I will await your next letter….Love and kisses, nose to nose, mommy

For Bailey

Red Maple Winds
Skip Leaves at my feet
Yours I hear
… in their landing

New Moons;
Full moons
Enlighten senses
of your place beyond me

Slipped into Fall
The Colors of you
Shed life with leaves
that fall fast as my tears

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Miss You Too…

13 Sunday Nov 2011

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

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cancer in dogs, dog communication, life with dogs, loss of a pet, loving dogs, missing your dog, rainbow bridge

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

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

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

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

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Bailey Wins! Bailey Wins!

08 Tuesday Nov 2011

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

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agility in dogs, animal companions, border collies, collies, dogs, dogs at play, dogs in life, Garrison keillor, loving dogs, NPR, playful dogs, Poems by Aaron Kramer, The WRiter's ALmanac

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

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

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