Category Archives: joy

The Color of Bailey

06 Monday Nov 2017

Posted by in animal companions, animal families, border collies, cats, Christmas, dog/human relationships, Dogs named Bailey, faith, Fall, Journaling, joy, love, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, rescue dogs, Senior Dogs, spirituality, Starbucks, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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Dear Mommy,

I know you keep visiting our tree and I keep telling you that I would write to you but I haven’t and I feel badly, so I wanted to take some time to do that this morning!

I just am always so busy with taking care of everyone and working here in Hyfryd. I have messages from Safari, Cheetah, Tarzan and Freedom! They all have been bugging me to write to you so they could relay how much they love and miss you. Of course I do too but I have all this responsibilities being the Mom here. Basically I am you up here. There is always so much to do. They are all doing great and I am too.

Can you believe how big our tree has grown at Buhl Park? Wow! It looks so pretty in the Fall with the beautiful red leaves (my favorite color) but when they start to fall off it looks so skinny doesn’t it? I think they tree’s growth shows us how time moves right past us with such subtly. Do you notice how I make the wind blow every day when you come visit? I know you plan on coming today in the rain after your appointment and I cannot wait to see you. I feel you when you kiss the leaves too. I like watching the dogs in the doggie park. Only you could have picked the perfect spot for the tree! Remember when there was no dog park? Now it’s even more joyful!

Hyfryd is getting ready for Christmas too. Yours truly is in charge of all the decorations in our section of town. Oh! I forgot to tell you the best news! How could I forget? Three months ago I opened two businesses. Well, of course everything here in Hyfryd is free. Remember how I used to knock over your Starbucks so I could get a taste of coffee? I know I was not supposed to do that but I just could not help myself sometimes! Anyway I opened Bailey’s Pup Cup Coffee Cafe! That was another reason I was so busy. Of course we can drink or eat anything here without getting sick – that is one really cool thing that everyone LOVES! We don’t have to be worried about fat-free, grain-free or anything. We are really free to enjoy everything! And right next door is the Kit Kat Kitchen, which of course is headed up by Tarzan and Safari and Cheetah and Freedom work with the customers! All our food and drinks are so yummy! The Hyfryd News rated both places 10 starts out of 10!

So all is well up here Mommy. I have pictures of everyone in our family on the walls of both places, including these favorites of yours but I think we have about 10,000 pictures!Screen Shot 2016-12-09 at 4.02.46 PM.png

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I love you Mommy! I miss you every second of every day and you know a little of me is inside Joy – you know that and feel it every time she rolls around our tree in the park the second you arrive. I am there too, right next to you, smiling. Give Joy and Sabie a kiss for me. Safari told me to tell you to tell Sabie quit the biting. I know, you told him too 1000 times, I think he is improving, but he is still a baby. Keep working on him says Safari.

I promise to write more often and you do the same! I am sending you a million hugs and kisses from me and the kitty crew.

All My Love,

Bailey Girl

A Shared Birthday Kiss…

29 Wednesday Mar 2017

Posted by in animal companions, animal families, birthday kisses, Birthdays, border collies, coincidence, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, Dogs named Bailey, faith, joy, kisses, love, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, rescue dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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Dear Bailey,

It was the day before my birthday last month and I was walking into a grocery store when I noticed this sweet girl waiting patiently in the car for her peeps to return. I went in and then saw her again as I was leaving so I stopped to talk to her this time.

Suddenly a man walks up and starts talking to me saying how nice it was that I was spending some time talking to his dog and that she loves everyone. A second later, his partner comes up and says, “Has she kissed you?” “Not yet I exclaimed!” “She will,” he said proudly, agreeing with his partner’s statement that she loved everyone. I asked if she was a Springer Spaniel and the two nice men from Canada confirmed my guess. I said that she was really sweet and soft and then she kissed me. “Let me get a picture of her with you on your phone!” “Oh that would be so nice,” I said, knowing I would use this for our blog.

“One more thing guys. What is her name?” “Bailey,” he said. “My heart raced and it figured, that one day before my birthday, another Bailey girl would be here on earth giving me kisses because my Bailey was over the Rainbow Bridge in Hyfryd managing the town – for those of you who read our book, Letters To Each Other,” you know what I mean.

Thanks Bailey for helping my Bailey come and give me a special birthday day kiss. The book, A Dog’s Purpose talks about this phenomenon.  My Bailey is part of many Bailey girls and that was the best birthday gift of all. I love you my Bailey and I loved that another Bailey let us share kisses together.

Faith and Love

24 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by in border collies, Christmas, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Hallmark Movies, Journaling, joy, kisses, love, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, spirituality, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Dear Mommy,

Just want you to know that Me, Safari, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Jane and Lucky are having a lot of fun up here in Hyfrd over the Bridge. We are having the town’s BIG Christmas party tonight and of course I am the coordinator!  I will herd everyone over there at 6pm and light up Hyfryd in the town square! It looks just like all the Hallmark movies you watch!

I cannot believe it’s been five years since you kissed me and held me, can you? I know you see me in so many ways and I certainly see you as well. Just know that love and faith is the glue that holds us tightly together. Always and Forever. #ADogsPurpose I love you Mommy!

Your Bailey Girl….xoxooxoxoxooxox

The Purpose of A Dog is Love

19 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, books, border collies, dog adoption., dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, joy, love, loving dogs, missing your dog, rescue dogs, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs

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Dear Bailey,

Tomorrow is the day 5 years ago you left us in physical spirit but not a day goes by without your life beating in a large space in my heart and I am sure part of you in inside Ms. Joy. When I was walking her today at the park and visiting your tree I thought about the book, A Dog’s Purpose, which I read after you went over the Rainbow Bridge. Well, they are making a movie of the book and I will be the first one in line on January 26th. Of course the book begins with a dog names Bailey.

I remember thinking after I read that book not only do I totally agree that every animal we rescue takes on the spirit of the former fur child, but that a dog’s purpose is simply love and you and I loved each other so much even though you were a senior when I found you and we did not have as much time together as we would have liked, but I think I crammed at least 15 years of fun and love into the 3-1/2 years we enjoyed together. You were such a pleasure to be with and you shared your love so freely.  Joy is learning to do that more and more with others and I am certain you are helping out with that, and I am proud of her and you for caring so much about Joy, who is, like you a special girl who I am madly in love with.

I just wanted to say that you missed physically every day Bailey but you are with me and I am with you always and forever in our hearts and souls.

With all my love,

Mommy

Bailey’s Christmas Visit

24 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by in animal companions, animal families, Christmas, coincidence, death, Dogs named Bailey, Florida, Journaling, joy, letters, memories, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, rememberence, rescue dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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Tonight is Christmas Eve. Two connected things happened this week of Christmas, always a magical time. I had posted on Facebook how much I was missing my Bailey. The next day, this rainbow appeared in my front bathroom over the shells that have been collected on the beach over the years.

I had a free day and planed on Christmas shopping and taking some me time, but after dropping off my husband and his friend to the marina for a day of fishing I stopped back home, looked at Joy and said, let’s go to the beach. It was so early I figured I could make her happy and get in some me time as well.

Joy was so excited as I put money in the meter and we walked onto the beach. The surf was high and made beautiful windy water sounds. A woman was there with her cute daughter Ava, and this little gray dog. We started chatting and because our dogs wanted to meet so badly they were whimpering in sync. She complimented Joy on what a beautiful dog she is and I replied that her dog was cute and asked her the dog’s name. “Bailey,” she said. I knelt down and I said, “Of course you are Bailey coming to visit me Christmas week.” I petted her and she just looked at me so sweetly. We chatted for a while longer and we realized we were also part time resident in Pennsylvania. I in the West, and she in the Eastern half of the state. Yes I was sure it was Bailey.

Since Bailey crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in the Fall of 2011, she continues to be with me in different forms. We wrote our book together, Letters to Each Other, which grew out of this blog.

I hope people embrace the thought that this is probably not all there is. How else do you explain deja vu? I think those feelings you get that something has happened before or some act feels familiar, are in between places where true loves never dies . BAILEY FAV PIC SMALL

As we move toward 2016, I wish everyone peace on Earth and a true connection with those you love and always keep them in your heart.

Bailey's Santa Look!

I know I am the best!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time For a Winter Nap…

04 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by in animal companions, animal families, birds, border collies, cats, death, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, faith, Fall, Florida, joy, spirtuality

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For readers of this blog, you know Joy and I spend much time walking at Buhl Park, which just celebrated its 100th birthday! The difference between Bailey’s tree between August and today is vast as these two pictures illustrate. It is time for the tree’s winter nap.

I do not ever think I have ever voted when the temps touched the 70’s in early November. Tomorrow Joy and I will visit Joy’s tree and take a long walk for the last time before the trip to the South for the winter. We won’t be back until the end of May and when we do return it doesn’t take me more than 24 hours to get back to the park to see Bailey’s tree. While she is buried in the yard, it is always at the park I most feel her presence. Joy and I cannot go there without a bird landing on the tree, a squirrel playing hide and seek or a rustle of the leaves by a sudden burst of wind. Something always happens. Always.

As we head around the corner on the path that leads to the tree, I always say to Joy, “let’s go to Bailey’s tree now.” Joy knows the way. She’ too is a Border Collie and she is very smart. The minute we get there, she rolls all over the grass. Some days she does not want to stay too long and move on, but I never leave without talking to Bailey’s tree and touching the leaves while looking up toward the sky.

No matter where the atoms that comprise our body are, our spirit and soul is everywhere and omnipresent. At this time of year, when I know I won’t be at the park for many months, it sort of saddens me, but then I find Bailey on the water when I am on the boat. She loved to go to the beach and be on the water with her long hair whispering in the wind. Joy does too. I am grateful that I am blessed with Joy and her new kitten Sabie, who will be experiencing this road trip for the first time.

Bailey’s red Coach leash remains in a special place inside the car and travels with us. Like I said, she really never left. Her tree will nap during Winter’s rest and when we return it will be green and in bloom. By then, the dog park will be right behind our tree with barking happiness all around.

IMG_0375   Bailey at Buhl Park, age 8, 2009

joy and me fall buhl 2015 by Bailey's tree Joy, Me and the tree…Bailey's tree winter nap 2015 Bailey's Tree Aug 2015 joy rolling around buhlsabie gorgeous pic october 2015

A New Year’s Wish of Remembrence

01 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, love, loving dogs, loving life, memories, missing your dog, rescue dogs, second chances, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Dear Mommy,

I keep this picture in my den right next to my bed. We have so MANY great pics together but this is a favorite because it’s the day you brought me home and we both were so very happy. Every year at this time I do get a little sad because it does not seem fair that I only had 3-1/2 years by your side. I am SO grateful you adopted me as a BEAUTIFUL senior, but I wish you  were mine since I was a puppy. However, I still squeezed SO much LOVE into those years with you, Safari and Daddy and so did you of course. When I think of all the adventures I had in both the FL and PA houses it’s amazing!

Mommy, I just want you to know that I always miss you when the New Year turns because it sort of ticks off another year that we have been physically apart and it makes me sad. But, I get happy when I think how the last part of my life was the BEST part and I think even for old people that is important because it is what you remember the most. You are the best Mommy ever and when I talk about you everyone is jealous! Ha!

Please tell Safari, Daddy and of course Joy, whom I hand picked for you, that I love and miss them too. By the way, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky send their love as well – they miss you so much too. We all do, but we know that our pictures are all OVER those houses and most of all in your heart.

Happy New Year Sweet Mommy,

Love your Daughter, Bailey with all my paws and heart. xoxoxoox

Did You See My Rainbow?

26 Monday May 2014

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

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Bailey in Yard so lovely

Hi Mommy!

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

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

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

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

All My Love,

Your Bailey Girl xoxoxooxox

Good Food Makes People (And Dogs) Happy!

18 Friday Apr 2014

Posted by in border collies, dog/human relationships, food, Journaling, joy, missing your dog, rememberence, Senior Dogs, spirituality, Starbucks, The Rainbow Bridge

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bailey fall 1Dearest Bailey,

I have missed you much of late but then again, I always do. I love that this picture and one of Joy slurping a Starbucks puppy latte (whipped crème) comprises my Twitter page background @sherrifood. Chef Didier Durand’s motto is Good Food Makes People Happy, but I would take that one step further and include dogs as well. Joy certainly shares your passion for dining and I find it funny how some dogs I know are “picky” eaters! Really? There is such a thing?  There are probably NO picky Border Collies! The fact that you both loved food so much and that I am a chef/restaurant publicist is amusing!

Joy continues to live on in your princess slippers but I have to say that she likes to eat very healthy. She loves her veggies so much that I give them to her everyday at lunch. When we returned from the cruise it gave me pleasure to get back to my little routine of feeding her and Safari. Although breaks are nice, I actually like doting on fur kids and I think they like it too. I miss taking care of you as well. I hated when you were so sick and that cancer took you over the rainbow bridge but you are here everyday with me. By the way, our book (Letters to Each Other for those reading this the first time) recently sold some more copies and there are some new reviews on Goodreads! We always did work well together and even now that we have to work far away from each other it’s like I can reach out and touch you and many times I feel you doing just that too. Love you Bailey Girl.

xoxox, mommy

When I Walk With Joy….

19 Sunday Jan 2014

Posted by in animal families, border collies, dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, loving dogs, missing your dog, rememberence, The Rainbow Bridge

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IMG_2109 Bailey girl

Dearest Bailey, I was missing you so much yesterday. So often when I walk with Joy I think of you. There are so many quirky things that I find so similar about the tow of you – especially the love of food! However, when I walk with Joy I wish she could walk with you so you could have taught her not to fear so much.

I know, I know. This takes time. That is why we walk so much. Aside from it being good for our health, she really needs the training not to fear and you would have been THE BEST teacher. Just like with you, EVERYONE wants to pet her and talk to her and often she will look at strangers and just bark or growl at them. She is hyper protective over me; much like you were, but you never minded anyone really.

Today when we walked on the path in Bonita Bay, I had to hold her harness so she would not chase the bikers! Reminded me of you!!! She never barked at them at least! How you used to bark at bikers when you first came to live with us. She is still so much a puppy and I find that so cute about her – her energy is amazing. AMAZING!!!!!! I wish I could bottle it up and you know I have a LOT of energy but she puts me to shame.

I always think on our walks how you two would have loved each other. You truly led me to her, I know that as sure as I know my own name. You set the path and I followed and I thank you in my heart everyday for that, Bailey. I love you so much.

Well, that is what I wanted to say. Write me soon and let me know how the classes are coming along. I have not heard from you in way too long. We need to write more often. I never want “us” to fade.

You remain with me always and every minute,

xoxoxox, me