Category Archives: joy

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

 

 

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Thankful Thoughts of You, Bailey…

20 Wednesday Nov 2013

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bailey's tree leaves fall 2013

Joy looks up at baileys tree

Dear Bailey,

Before we left Pennsylvania, Joy and I visited your tree many times. I took these pictures on the last day we went and your tree is beautiful and growing so tall. Look at how Joy is looking up at it in admiration!

I am so thankful for the tree that was planted in your memory. I don’t know why I feel more of an affinity for this place in the park than your actual “special spot” in our backyard. I think it is because you loved being at Buhl Park so much and we walked there so often. I also think of you being free within the landscape of this beautiful park filled with trees, flora, foliage and wildlife.

With Thanksgiving coming up I always remember you telling me how thankful you were for us adopting you as senior and giving you a better life than you ever imagined you could have. I can tell you it was our pleasure. I also recall telling you how thankful I was for www.petfinder.com which allowed me to find you. I love Petfinder and I could not love you more.

I wear my ruby necklace that Russell had made in your honor and I see it everyday in the mirror, just as I see your reflection in everything that I do and I too am grateful always for your love. With those thoughts I think of thanksgiving and its true meaning for me.

As Tania likes to say, I love you with my whole heart. And my whole being.

Love, your mommy

Posted by | Filed under adopting dogs, animal families, border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, Fall, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, Thanksgiving, The Rainbow Bridge, www.petfinder.com

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We Arrived and So Did the Book…

01 Saturday Jun 2013

Posted by in books, border collies, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, parks, rememberence, rescue organizations www.petfindder.com, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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Dear Bailey,

It’s June 1st! When we arrived back in PA, the proof of our book, Letters to Each Other, was waiting at the mailroom. After the exhausting two-day drive, I took a break and read through some of it. I have to read the whole thing again to make sure it is perfect. As I started to read it, I thought of everything that happened in our life together and why the book was even written. I started to cry just looking at it. It is beautiful and I am still in awe of the fact that it is a book. I am not sure it has fully sunk in yet. I know you will be excited to hear this news and even though I am so tired, I had to sit down and write you this note.

I plan on reading the whole thing tomorrow, cover to cover. It’s supposed to rain and after the church breakfast that is my plan, so I can call the publisher on Monday. I am so proud of us Bailey. I really am. I was thinking about you so much today. Joy and I were playing with her new soft Frisbee, courtesy of the Marriott Residence Inn where we stayed. It was really windy and the Frisbee is so light it was sailing on the breeze and she was having fun trying to catch it before it hit the ground. She LOVES this new toy and I was thinking how much youIMG_0072

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and her would have loved each other. You are so similar in so many ways. I am sending you this picture of her I took today. We also went to Kraynaks to get vegetable plants and flowers for your special spot. Wait till you see all the lovely red flowers I got! You will love them. Let me know what you think with one of your many signs and I will look toward the sky.

It’s supposed to cool off after the rains tomorrow. I was hoping to get to Buhl Park to see the tree tomorrow. I am so excited to see how much it has grown. The winter here was more rainy than snowy, so I am curious to see what kind of growth occurred. I am sure it is green and lush and beautiful just like you. Safari is sitting right here on the desk as I wrote you this letter, as he always does. I think he likes when I write to you and wants to be close.

Well, I just wanted to tell you that we arrived and so did the book. I was hoping it would be here and it was. Tomorrow is a special day. Maybe I will pick a quiet spot, read it out loud so you can listen along. We have accomplished quite a big goal my sweet girl. I love you so very much and always will….

Written with love and heart,

mommy

Looking Up…

20 Monday May 2013

Posted by in birds, border collies, Journaling, joy, loving dogs, missing your dog, rainbow bridge, sky, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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bailey looking upDearest Bailey,

I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you today. I was lying in Bob and Jamie’s pool on a raft, staring at the sky after working on two long press releases and I needed a break from the computer.

Often when I look up, I think of you and wonder what you are doing and if you are looking at me. At that very moment a big bird appeared out of no where and was swooping the mostly cloudy sky. It was a dark bird, so he or she contrasted well against the clouds. As soon as I whispered, “Bailey is that you?” The bird swooped more down and then up again toward the big cloud that blocked the sun. It sailed on the air as I watched it and then it went through the cloud and I could no longer see it.

I always take those as signs of you, those little pieces of nature that just tends to happen randomly, I love those quiet moments because they are rare for me and so needed. When I do have those quiet moments, I am glad that my thoughts turn to you my sweet girl. I miss you so much; you can never know how much. Joy continues to be a joy and that is all because you took the time to find me the perfect girl. Papa said today, “Joy is so much like you!” I told him that he always said the same thing about you and me! Although I have always seen myself as more of a cat, the only dog I could ever be is a Border Collie because of their wonderful work ethic which is so important to me.

I just wanted to say if that was you, thanks for “appearing,” in whatever shape or form you can accommodate. You are so near and dear to me, I truly feel your presence everyday, I really do and I hope you feel the same.

By the way, I am awaiting the arrival of the first printed book before it really goes to press. I have to read it cover to cover once again to make sure it is perfect! I am so excited and I know you are as well.

Goodnight my beautiful girl. Write me soon. I await your words. Your love I have, always.

From Earth to the Sky,   xoxoxoox

Mommy

Your Kiss in the Sky….

02 Thursday May 2013

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cats, coincidence, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, joy, letters, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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Kiss in the Sky

Dear Bailey,

Did you know the book was about to be finished? This must have been your kiss in the sky for me and I really loved it. I am sorry I have been sooooooooo remiss in getting back to you but you know I have been frantically working to get our book done and to the publisher. I have also been working to create a website for it too and like, you I am always so busy working!

What has been interesting is the editing. I have read it over and over and  hope I have caught all the misspellings but what has moved me the most is how connected we remain and yes, always will be. I have to admit that during this book process I have cried – a lot. Sorry. You know me, I am just a big mushball and perhaps I am too sentimental, but I think it’s one of my good qualities. I am empathetic and I think MORE people should be! Having to read our work over and over brings up so many memories. Also yesterday I got some bad news. Remember when you told me that only very special human people get to cross over the Rainbow Bridge? Well, I learned that my ffriend and former vet Marla, from Chicago, is not doing well and that her cancer has taken over her beautiful person. It has not however, taken her soul, which is one of the sweetest ones I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. When we first adopted you and you were having all sorts of problems with your tummy, I called her to discuss them. Even though I did not even live in Chicago anymore, she was always willing to chat about the problems fur kids face. I mention her in our book, if you recall. She was the one who always told me, “Sherri, I know you love cats, but having a dog is a different relationship.” I have always remembered that and I will always remember her. Always. I want you tell everyone out there to look out for Marla Menuskin. She is a special one, alright. No one ever hugged me harder and longer than her. She is genuine love. Keep an eye out for her, please.

We will be heading up north soon and you know I will anxious to see your tree and see how much bigger it has gotten. I miss you so much and cannot believe how much time has passed. At this time last year we were planning on meeting Joy. This year her birthday will land exactly on Mother’s Day. How perfect is that? Did you have anything to do with the calendar this year? Somehow I think you all have magical powers in Hyfryd, but no one more than you.

Write me soon sweet girl and I will look forward to your letter. Thank you again for your sky kiss. It was a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or any other day….

Loving you all the time,

me

We Will Be Famous!

06 Saturday Apr 2013

Posted by in border collies, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, Journaling, joy, letters, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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baileys book cover Dear Mommy,

I see how hard you have been working! Thank you for your diligence I am glad that you chose this picture for the cover of our book! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited! I am the talk of the town of course. We just finished our Spring break and classes have now resumed. I posted information about Letters to Each Other in every school in EVERY surrounding town. I hope that we get great distribution and lots of people read our story because it certainly is one full of happiness and love.

Still, I cannot imagine how you chose the cover picture because you took more pictures of me in three years that most people take in 20! I am glad that you are featuring many pictures in the book as well. I cannot wait to get copies and I am sure you cannot either.

Not to change the subject, but did you know that Molly came over the Bridge? You must know by now. She looked for Barkley and I immediately, so you can tell John, Tracy, Brad and Ashley that Molly is here with us. In fact, we moved her in with Barkley. They are so happy being roommates again and you might remember I live next door! I know that you wanted to say goodbye to Molly and you did not get the chance, but she knows how much you loved her and she is so happy now because she has full use of her legs and she can romp and play like she was a pup! You should see her! I tell you one thing, that Molly is a great eater! She is scarfing down all the great food here! Nothing wrong with her appetite! That is the amazing thing about our world, mommy – the trade-off. It’s all about that. When you first arrive, you feel like you have to give up so much because you are separated temporarily  from the ones you love more than anything. And while it is temporary, you never know how long it will be until you see them again, or if they will even chose to come where we are. What we get in return is health.

You always said health was the number one most important thing in life. It is better than any present in the world. People forget that or they would take better care of themselves over there on earth! Oddly, that really IS the gift. We all can run and play and chase the wind without any pain or strife. That is the BEST! yes, it is hard to live with out our people, but we make friends and our friends fill our life here in Hyfryd and for those who want to do some good, like me, there is opportunity.

I am just so happy about our book and I appreciate you working so hard on it. I love you so much and I know you love me too. I miss you much, but am happy Joy has turned out to give you just that. I made sure of that! Isn’t it interesting that finding Joy gave you a chance to promote something you love just for the heck of it? Dr. Vic and you needed each other. I knew that. Just know I knew everything from the moment I kissed you at Angels for Animals. We were going to be a team and you knew it too. From July 20, 2008 till forever, it’s you and me….

All My Loving,

Your Bailey Girl

PS: WRITE SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Mommy…

19 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by in animal families, Birthdays, border collies, coincidence, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, rememberence, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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Bailey Joy Wind

Happy Birthday Mommy,

I am starting to write this at 11:31pm. At midnight it will be your birthday and even though your dad and sister already called tonight I wanted to beat everyone else for tomorrrow.

I am sorry I have been so late with my letter as well. Looks like we are both guilty of that, but I know how you have been so busy with the book and can i even EXPLAIN HOW EXCITED I AM???

This is your birthday gift, this picture, Bailey and Joy’s Wind. I know you took it, but I wanted to make it a part of our story. Look at how cute we are! I want to write more and I will tomorrrow, but I had classes today and am so tired.

I just wanted to say I love you and I will update you on everything ON your birthday. I could not have been luckier to get any other mom in the whole world. I miss you so very much, but remain inside your heart just as you wear my ruby heart around your neck. We are always together. Always. Till tomorrrow! Good health and joyous days to my sweet mommy…. Love from yoru sweet Bailey girl!

2013, Our Letters Are Late!

06 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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Bailey sweetness

Dear Bailey,

WOW! We have never been so late in writing back. It’s a new year and it is already February 6th! I think we are both guilty, but I have a great excuse which will make you very happy.

I am almost – ALMOST – done editing the book. We are on our way, or shall I say, you are on the way to being the famous doggie diva you have always wanted to be. The person we are working with is Sara Ann. She is very nie and isn’t it funny her name is Sara, even spelled the way I like? Remember I told you that it was going to be a lot of work and as it turns out it really is! The key has been finding blocks of time for editing and after I get all the pages done I have to do the painstaking task of choosing pictures to go into your book. The fact that you are so beautiful does not help matters, but I have to limit the number we can use.

The other thing I had to do was change the theme of this blog and I had taken just about forever to make a decision until I found this one, which oddly is called Chateau. That seems fitting for a Princess like you. I felt the next series of letters should look different on here at least.

So to say things have been crazy busy is an understatement and I am sure that your classes are well under way since you said you were going back to school on the 7th of January and here we are a month late!

I wanted to bring you the exciting news about the book. I am working as fast as I can! Write me back and let me know how the new year started for you my sweet girl. I feel like there have not been enough signs lately, except Sara’s name- which I truly knew was  your doing and I love you for it. The title is Letters To Each Other.

We took Joy on the boat for the first time and I took a picture just like the one I have of you. In the next letters I will send them side by side. You will like it. I miss you sweet girl. Write me tomorrow, please. I long to hear from you.

Always with love….me

100 Letters to Each Other – Book One

31 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Doing Your Best, Journaling, joy, kisses, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, rememberence, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, Working Dogs

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Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Dear Mom,

I get to go first because the book is really all about me, right? Ha! This is our 100th letter, can you believe it? I can hardly imagine all this time has passed, 429 days since we last saw each other to be exact. Where does the time go? If you would have told me that I would have gone from being your simple, walk-in-the-park-meet-people-Bailey Girl, to a very busy teacher who helps dogs, cats and other animals deal with their new life over the Rainbow Bridge, I would have told you that you were crazy! You and I were always busy riding around in the car or going into the stores in Florida together (I loved that!) and I sat by you while you wrote; now I have to write all these things for classes that I never dreamed of teaching. It’s funny how things work out sometimes.

I am so happy you had this idea to write to each other. Of course this was bound to happen because we are so close it truly is amazing. The fact that you always receive my signs and rainbows and sense the moments in the breeze when I am near is astounding to me and I want others who are so close on earth to know that when they are separated by one’s passing, they can still be together. It is beautiful here in Hyfryd, but our life was beautiful together on earth as well. I am happy I found you Joy and that she is a good dog that follows in my paw steps, because she did have big paws to fill! haha!

I go back to work on the 7th and I assume by then you will be arranging for the book to be published, RIGHT? You had better be because everyone here wants copies and I promised to bring it to class. I am sure you will be able to arrange for a special delivery to get me some, since I am its star character! I know this will take a little bit of time, but not oo much! Get busy! I know you will, you are as excited as I am, of that I am sure.

So there is only 90 more minutes until 2013 and that means our book will be published and the second one commences! I could not have anything more exciting to look forward to. Please kiss Papa, Safari and Joy for me. I send you my love and doggy kisses via the wind and I know you do the same. Okay your turn. Write me back before midnight. The year is to be a great one. I love you more than anything.

xoxo00, Your Sweet Bailey Girl

Dear Bailey,

Happy New Year my sweet girl. I always seem to have a story for you. I was cleaning out the desk drawer the other day when I cam across a tiny sim card, which I guess is from old, not-smart phone. I put it into the thingy that connects to the computer so I could see what was on there and those two sepia tone pictures of you and two videos, one of you and one of Safari were on it. The two pictures were from the first week you were adopted. I can see one is at Dr. Crago’s office when I brought you in to be checked out after adopting the sweetest senior girl on earth. You look emaciated in those early pictures so it’s amazing what you wound up looking like later after you got good food, love and care from us –  that is why I put those next to each other for you and all to see. I always saw your gorgeous face, even when you were so ridiculously underweight and in need of  a little medical care.

It was your big brown eyes,  and the kiss you gave me at the shelter. That one true  kiss said, “Take me with you, please. I have been here for a whole year and even though I am the office dog I hate sleeping here with other barking dogs. I want a soft place to sleep and people to love me.” What did it take me? Five minutes to tell them, I wanted to take you home? Maybe less. We belonged together that is for sure. I had no doubt in my mind just as I had no doubt that when you left me that we would continue to love each other and communicate forever and share our story with others. I want people to know they too can be connected no matter where they are physically. Love, after all, is a state of mind and heart.

Yes, yes I will begin to put the wheels in motion to get the book published as soon as possible. We are ready for book 2 now. I cannot believe so much time has passed but not a day goes by when you are not spoke of. I got the stats on how many people read this blog this year and I am dumbfounded. People from all over the world read our letters, so I am hopeful that more people would receive our message if it was in book form. If we help only 1 person that would be amazing, right? I want to hear how your first day of classes goes in this new year, so write me after that, okay and I will give you a report on the state of the book which needs a lot of editing.

I miss you everyday my sweet girl; our story will continue.. I am sending New year’s love to  You,  Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Lucky and everyone else. You are my lovely inspiration and it all started with a true kiss between us.

Here is to the next 100 letters…… My Forever Love,

me…..xoxoxoox

My Rainbow In Your Sink…

26 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by in animal families, Christmas, coincidence, dog/human relationships, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, Poetry, rememberence, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Hi Mommy!

So you saw the Rainbow I sent you. I did not mean for it to land in the bathroom sink, but maybe that is where it was supposed to land since that is where you were at that exact moment! That was my other Christmas present to you. I am sure that you liked it because you sure rushed to get the camera! ha! The day was not that sunny, so it probably did not last too long, but I thought it was a great gift to give you, the colorful light of my energy.

I just realized that this si the 99th letter! Wow! So I guess one more will make our 100th and here we go to the bookstore!  WOOF! It’s going to be a lot of editing work that is for sure! A new project for 2013! I am so excited. I guess we might have to split letter 100, l okay? Then we will BOTH have the last word of the first book! haha! I like that idea. We have to do it before 2012 ends, right. Right!

Christmas with everyone here was quiet, much like at your house. I prefer it that way – a good time for reflection and you have always been one to write about a year in summation – me too. We will have a great 100th letter. Let’s think about what we want to say and meet back here this week and finish our work for the book. I cannot wait!

I love you forever,

Your Bailey Always xoxoxoox