Category Archives: Petfinder

A Life, Continued…..

08 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by 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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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

On The Journey Which You Have Led Me…..

26 Sunday Feb 2012

Posted by 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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 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

Happy Birthday Mommy…

19 Sunday Feb 2012

Posted by 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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 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.

My Bailey Valentine…

11 Saturday Feb 2012

Posted by 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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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

Loving You 101…

07 Tuesday Feb 2012

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

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  Dear Mommy,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All My Love and Millions of Kisses,

Your Sweet Bailey Girl

 

The 44th Day Rainbow…

20 Tuesday Dec 2011

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

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My Dearest Bailey,

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

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

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

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

With All My Heart and Love,

Mommy xoxooxoxox

Not a Merry Christmas….

05 Monday Dec 2011

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

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Dear Bailey,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nose to Nose,  xoxoxoxooxoxox

mommy

My Side of Thanksgiving….

24 Thursday Nov 2011

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

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Dear Mommy,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

The Two Sides of Thankfulness…

21 Monday Nov 2011

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

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My Sweet Girl,

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

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

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

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

Thankful for your love always – Mommy