Category Archives: Florida

So Many Reminders…

13 Sunday Nov 2011

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

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Dear Bailey,

I am so glad that you won your agility contest. I knew you would. Bailey ALWAYS wins! haha. You love winning, because you are competitive like me!

Well, we are in Florida now. Every rest stop reminded me of how much you loved to sniff around and meet other dogs, but oddly, this trip saw the least amount of dogs. There were not as many as usual, which did not help me any, I was still sad.  Today is Sunday and we just got here late Friday afternoon. I have not seen Kevin’s golf cart yet, but when I see Zoe and Angel riding around in it, it will yet be another reminder that you are not here to borrow it and take you for rides. How you loved that golf cart with your tail hanging off the side, blowing in the light breeze. Everywhere I go, I see you; where we would drive. I saw an ad for Dillard’s in today’s paper and thought how you loved to go inside and meet the sales people. They all loved you and offered you treats because you were so nice.

We spent so much time together that nothing does not remind me of you, which makes this very hard. Safari went out on the lead today in the yard. he’ll probably puke up the grass later, but I am not sure what he wants to do about a new buddy. There is a new VERY friendly stray gray cat hanging around. She is big fluff ball, but who knows if she is healthy or not. I am sure Safari would like a new doggie friend, but I feel there has to be a sign from you and you already told me NOT YET!  (I really hope you send me a nice Border Collie or Collie). We are going on a couple of cruises; the first one for 10 days next month. We really need a vacation badly. I am just concerned about Safari being lonely, but the neighbors will take good care of him. We really only not see him for 8 days, since we see him the first day we leave and the day we get back… I think how much he will appreciate me when I return. You both always did but then you had Lu or Bev to stay with you the last few times. I just don’t want him to think that we left him too. I know you are saying he will be fine and I am sure that you are correct.

Everyone down here misses you too. I am going to see Mai this morning – you know she moved her business into the Flamingo Flea Market and wants me to start working on her stuff PR stuff again. She is doing very well now, and I am happy for her. Well, Russell is ready to head over there. I love you Bailey – write me later – I have not heard from you in days and you said you would write me with all your new adventures – so I expect to hear from you later today! Sending you 10,000 nose to nose kisses…..Mommy

Bailey Wins! Bailey Wins!

08 Tuesday Nov 2011

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

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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

Notching Up Noses…

05 Saturday Nov 2011

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Dear Bailey,

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

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

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

Love and kisses, Mommy

Lunch Was Good!

04 Friday Nov 2011

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Mommy!!!

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

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

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

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

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

Big Kisses, Wet and Cold,

Bailey

My Bailey,

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

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

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

We Will Always Be Together…

28 Friday Oct 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 We both love you so very much xxxoxoox

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

Loving Every Day you Have….

04 Sunday Sep 2011

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

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  September has not started out very well. I know bladder cancer in dogs is an insidious illness and the average age for a good quality of life is a year at very best.  When Bailey’s surgery was done last November 19th, she was lucky it was not found at the neck of the bladder where this is most commonly discovered. She has been taking Peroxicam, a human NSAID drug which we might take for a backache. Vets do not know why this staves off bladder cancer in dogs, but it seems to do the trick –at least for a while.

This week, she went in for her 6 month ultrasound checkup and it showed that the cancer has returned to the third of her bladder which had been operated on. After a long talk with her two wonderful doctors, I was feeling better when I found out that at least bladder cancer masses do not cause pain. As she loses her ability to urinate, then I will know it is time and I also know there will never be another dog like her- ever, unless she herself sends me a sign.

It was hard enough to be thinking about all of this just this week when today I found out that my next door neighbor’s dog, Barkley had died on our road, when she went after a squirrel and someone ran her over. This little white and black Jack Russell Terrier and Bailey loved each other. She bowled Bailey over with kisses every time they played together. She was found as a little pup inside of their daughter’s mailbox this past winter. Her parent’s wanted to keep her – they have two other adorable dogs, Molly and Dozer and Barkley fit right into the mix with exceptional energy and sweetness. I was thinking today about how lucky it was Barkley got a  second chance at life away from the morons who put her into the mailbox. It was not fair that she died yesterday; not fair at all.

As I have been thinking about how I am pretty sure Bailey will make it to Florida this winter, I also know she probably won’t be coming back unless we both receive some miracle from the animal spirits. I do not want any of the choices. Whether you prepare yourself mentally for an animal companion’s death or not, such as in the case of little Barkley; it all is horrible. I have admitted many times in this blog how hyper-attached Bailey and I are. I cannot help it. I have been told by total strangers that we look-alike, we are both feisty and sweet. She brings out the best in me and vice versa. Barkley was like that. She was a little joy to be around and I know she will be sadly missed by her human companions and Bailey and I as well.

We spend a lot of time with Bailey and Safari, our cat. I always want to be around them. When my mother died she was only 48, I think that had a profound effect on me in regard to losing people and maybe that is why I hold on so tight. However, I am always joyful and hopeful for another day and more time to love because in my book it’s never enough time. I guess what I am thinking about today is enjoying each and every day with our little sweeties. I have always liked animals more than people beause of their unconditional love, because that is how people should be and that is how I like to live my life but I think they do a much better job at it then us.

An Adoption Anniversary…

19 Tuesday Jul 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Second Time Around…

23 Sunday Jan 2011

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Like we always do, with Bailey at my feet and Safari on my lap, we watched CBS Sunday morning this morning. A ritual I have maintained since the show first aired more than 25 years ago. One of the stories today by reporter Barry Peterson http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/23/sunday/main7274728.shtml?tag=cbsnewsTwoColUpperPromoArea was very poignant about his wife who has Alzheimers disease. He remains very much in her life, even though he now lives with his new mate, a widow who kindly said, “I always knew it was a relationship of three.” I loved that comment.

How that relates to this blog is because it made me think of second chances. It was something I was able to give, of myself, to my beautiful dog Bailey – one of the few truly loving people I have ever known. I will never know what the first 5 years of her life were all about – as a writer and former reporter that drives me crazy. I know her 6th year was spent at Angels for Animals in Canfield, Ohio and then I came along soon after her 7th birthday.

Second chances have been a continuing theme in my life, when I think about it. First, as a person who endured a short, kind of pointless marriage right out of college and then fortunately met the real love of my life later on when I was 30. When we met we talked about second chances and have always agreed that love is better the second time around…I am not dismissing those, like my sister April, who has been happily married to her husband forever, but for those who made a wrong turn, second chances are vital and somehow hold a greater strength within.

I have always had cats. I still do.  My ultimate favorite cat in my life thus far has been Cheetah, a calico so sweet you could just not find a more perfect personality. Anais Nin, the great erotic writer, had a female cat to whom she was so close that after the cat passed away she vowed never to get another cat. That is how I felt about female cats after Cheetah’s life with me after 18 years ended. Bailey is a girl, but not a cat. Oddly, she has a very similar loving way about her. Cheetah was not needy like Bailey – after all, she was a feline, but  people simply felt her love. That is how people feel when they meet Bailey. It warmed my heart yesterday at the farmer’s market when a perfect stranger let Bailey lick him right on the mouth, giving her kisses right back. His wife said, “he is a true dog lover.” He summoned his adult kids to come over and meet her and feel “how soft and sweet she is. She acts as though she knows me!”

Another second chance in my life is when I saved my entire family from being killed by carbon monoxide. Had I not stayed out late one night (against my dad’s wishes) while home on Thanksgiving break during college, they would have all died, all at once and my life would have changed forever. Although everyone lived, my life was still different after that day. I appreciate life more than most people I know, except perhaps my dad, who is another person for who second chances made an impact.

After my mother died at age 48 of breast cancer, he was able to meet the love of his life at age 50 and get married at age 52. He got the perfect second chance with Harriet, with who he seems happier than anytime I can recall my parent’s marriage – and for that I am so grateful.

There are so many people who do not support second chances. Examples would be those that choose to go to a breeder instead of rescuing a cat or dog from a shelter. There are the kids of first marriages who are forever pissed off that their parents are remarried after death or divorce, instead of being happy for them. There are people who don’t want to help someone with connections after they lose a job because they are protective of their own. The list goes on.

Bailey and I are so happy for second chances because we are each other’s – my femme fatale, who rides in the car with me everywhere I go and expects goodnight kisses and a treat before bed. Love is better the second time around… perhapsbecause you appreciate it and cherish it so much more.

It’s never enough

18 Tuesday Jan 2011

Posted by in border collies, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, nature, rescue dogs, Uncategorized, vacation

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I will be the first to admit I am a needy dog. I cannot help it. Before Sherri found me, I was in the shelter for a year. I made myself the “favorite” shelter dog so I could be in the office everyday under Mary Ann’s desk, but I knew she would never take me home because she already had five dogs. I don’t think I would have liked it there with all those dogs.

I know Sherri wonders why I bark commands at her. I like when she pets me for a long time and rubs my spinal column because it feels so good.  I think I eat 9 times a day, I am worse than a little baby, but since my surgery I feel better. I don’t know if the cancer is gone but I want to play constantly and I love attention-constant attention – like just now when Sherri went to write this for me I made her stop and play ball, right in the middle of a sentence – I don’t care.

I have reached that time in my life where I want what I want and now, not 10 minutes from now, just right now. I know that drives people up a wall, but somehow I cannot help myself. I feel especially hyper today because of the full moon. My ancestors were grand wolves and they did the same thing during the full moon glow.

We went to dog park today and I herded all the little dogs around. Everyone there loves me and thinks I am beautiful. I love all that praise, in fact nothing makes me happier than constant praise and Sherri is the perfect one to give it to me but perfect strangers? That is simply a bonus! I think the reason I act like this is because I want to take it all in. Sleeping is a waste of time really. I mean, I don’t know how this stupid cancer thing is going to work out so I don’t feel like sitting here waiting around and doing nothing. Sherri says I am her “go-dog.” I think that is accurate! I love to ride in the car and go. I could care less where we go it’s just fun to go! I LOVE when we go shopping! Here in Florida, us nice dogs can go into stores and shop for purses and clothes! The ladies at the stores all love me and always offer me treats. Life is good.

That is the point. Life. I love life. I love my life with my parents and my cat, Safari. Sherri prays for me everyday and kisses my bladder area where my scar was – you cannot even see it anymore since my hair is all grown back!! I am so happy about that. I have a great life. In July I will be 10 and I am determined to have my 10th birthday because I know Sherri will get me a lot of cool stuff and I will get to eat stuff that I love – like fresh turkey. I never want to leave their side. I am guess I’m needy that way.

Another Year to Say I Love You, Bailey…

31 Friday Dec 2010

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

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Dear Bailey,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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