Category Archives: loving life

Scrapbooks of You…

23 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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My Dearest Bailey,

I was looking at a big scrapbook I made for you and began crying the other day. This picture takes up one whole page. Do you remember it? It was taken by Photographer Rich Cancio at the Angels for Animals Doggy Days Reunion in 2009 when you were healthy and well, about one year after we adopted you from there.

I am not a huge fan of “portraits,” but I love this one because I look so happy holding you and you look so regal like you always did. Rich had donated his servces that day, which made me immediately like him. I love how you won’t look at the camera but posed like a pretty girl…. You were my photographic muse and I have at least a 1000 pictures of you if I have one! I know your den in Hyfryd is covered in pictures too.

Recently, Rich contacted me on Facebook about a benefit dance he was involved with to help with the needs of breast cancer patients, something that his wife, unfortunately had to deal with. So I was thinking about cancer and how I felt when they told me about your bladder. No one wants to hear that and we all deal with news like that differently.  We are always happy to support causes we believe in, so we bought tickets immediately. October is breast cancer awareness month. Pink things are everywhere – you know that is my color!

I remember when Cheetah was near the end of her wonderfully long life, I used to say she was my soul, Tarzan, my heart and Freedom my spirit. I always thought you were a lot like Cheetah because you loved everyone and you had a true love of life. I can understand why you chose Joy for us. She embodies all those characteristics that I love and don’t you find it so ironic that her name was Joy? I mean, you really went all out to make sure that we got our Joy back – literally and we are so grateful to you for that.

I miss you each and every day but you are always there in so many things that happen. Your Red Maple has grown so large in just a year and as the Fall slowly sets in, the tips of the leaves have recently started to turn red – your color!

But you knew that already. You are red and I am pink and pink is clearly a derivative of red. Of course that makes so much sense. We are of each other, mind and spirit -no matter where we are physically we will never be without each other. We love you, Bailey.

Write me Soon….xoxooxox, mommy

Scrapbooks of You….

23 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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Back to School…

06 Thursday Sep 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Doing Your Best, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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Dear Mommy!

I have been so busy since my classes went back into full doggy tail swing last week. I reallllllly have been meaning to write, but I have more students than I expected and guess what? I added a new class! What is the new class about you MUST be wondering. Well, it’s called Timing is Everything. Let me explain.

In case any of your friends wonder about this you can explain it to them. By the way – I am sending THIS picture because we already are happily having beautiful FALL-LIKE weather here in Hyfryd and I hope you get some soon, since I know its your FAVORITE!!!! I know too, that you LOVE this adorable picture of me wearing your beret. Did you know I stole one of your berets and have it here with me? Well, I am a professor you know, so I needed one.

Timing is Everything deals with the emotions that we VERY intelligent animal creatures deal with when we find  out our families have adopted a new animal companion. Yes, you can tell everyone – we know. We know and see everything when we are just simply watching. Sometimes we are too busy to notice – but I spend a portion of every day watching you, daddy, Joy & Safari. I have to say I am highly amused by Joy’s antics. If you would not have adopted me as a senior dog, and had seen me as a young pup like Joy, you would have experienced much the same craziness. Joy is VERY energetic and when you said to me at our tree the other day the comment about keeping you lean and fit by finding Joy…..how true! She will do just that! She will keep you running – not that you are not almost as hyper as her, but I think she beats you out! HA!

Sometimes the folks here get sort of upset when they see a new friend has kind of “taken their place.” My job is to convince/persuade them that it is only part of the circle of life and that everything will come back around.  I want them to feel happy about their family’s decision to adopt a new companion and I talk about the importance of animal adoption of course and how people need to do that because there are so many folks that needs homes whether they are a dog, a cat, horse or a bird. So far in there have been several people in class that have really been upset because they see their families having so much fun with a new puppy, kitten or whatever…So, that is my new task. The subject fits perfectly into the Time For Joy Class and Loving 101. I am very happy with the classes I have created. Since starting them as an adjunct teacher, I am now a full professor because of all the positive comments from the students! I know, I know you are proud of me. Of course! I am your Sweet Bailey Girl!

I think I am good at this job because of my ultra-sensitive nature. Hmmm, who does that remind me of? HA! Well, now you are updated. I wish you would finish our book. I know we are close.I guess if we did not have other jobs we would have been done by now, right? Oh and by the way, congrats on all YOUR new clients. I know you love what you do and I am very happy you are helping Dr. Victoria with the benefit and the website too!

I love you Mommy. You are my role model and I think we just simply inspire each other. I miss Daddy and Safari and I sure would love to tangle with Joy! Give them all my hugs and wet doggy kisses. I am always close by. I know you know and feel that. Send me a new picture of our tree next time. I know it must be getting big a whole year later.

I could not love you more,

Your Sweet Bailey…..xoxooxox

Nearing the Year….

24 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving life, missing your dog, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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Dear Bailey,
Safari & Joy are sleeping behind me as I write this. We are headed out soon to start the Russell’s b-day festivities. First on the list: A Pirates game! As the end of this month approaches I am focused on the fact that Fall is just around the corner. I was looking at this picture of you when you were so healthy and crazy for adventure, just like Joy is now. When I think of last year at this time I was so sad. Sometimes Joy makes me so happy I almost feel badly about it! I know I know, that IS crazy.

You know i am very grateful because you did a lot of research in finding Russell, Safari & me the purrfect dog and you did. You did even better in giving me a new friend in Victoria and I love you so much for that and I know she does too. How many times a week do Joy and I visit your tree? A lot! Each time I think how much people loved you at the park. You loved them too. No one did not love you the second they met you.

Everywhere i take Joy they think she is so cute and pretty just like they did with you. She is quite the adorable one. She has a sparkling personality and today she went in the car with NO BARKING! She is learning that she does not have to worry about people attacking us! Yesterday, she met some really cute little dogs and had fun kissing them. She is a BIG kisser – just like you. I think you found me her because in many ways she is just like you – a bold personality, full of fun and craziness – but hey – you ARE BORDER COLLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I heard you tell me yesterday at the tree to wish Russell a happy birthday for you. I will. This is his first without you in many years. Tomorrow we will be up at the lake – I cannot wait. Well, I just wanted to say that I was thinking of you and that I miss you so very much. I always try to be positive but sometimes I get caught up in the fact that you are in Hyfryd and not with me. I am so glad you are doing such great work. I know you are so busy now that school is in full session! Fall is my busy season too, that is for sure. New clients, Joy, Safari & Russell all keep me very, very busy. Seems there is never enough time in the day! So here is to you my dear….thinking of you and hoping that you will write me soon and let me know how your first full week of school was. Give Onwen my love as well. We are only pages away from the book being complete! Love always, Mommy

When You Strive For the Best….

12 Sunday Aug 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Doing Your Best, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Uncategorized

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Dear Mommy,

WOOF! I have been so busy, I am late with my letter. Onwen said to me last night, “you had better get your letter posted to mommy! He calls you mommy too. He feels like he knows you. If you would meet him, you would love him so much. He picked this picture of us to send this time. He was looking at it in my den and we started stalking about how lucky I was to have the best mommy and in our conversation we spoke of how people like us always strive for the best. Onwen is very much like me only in boy form! He likes everything so-so.

We were talking in our classes about deserving the best even if the best had not been the experience of someone’s life. There is this sweet Standard Poodle, named Cuddles in my new class and she is a good example of what I mean. Cuddles told me that she came from a home of 3 dogs and she was the oldest. she came over the Rainbow Bridge simply because of old age.  However, she felt neglected by her family as the senior dog, because they had her for many years then they got a puppy and then a few years later, another puppy. Soon, they did not play with her as much and she was kind of left to be on her own.

I know that you have a soft spot in your heart for seniors and that is why you adopted ME!!  Sadly though, many people don’t think like you do. Cuddles was not harmed in any way but she just wasn’t loved like she was when she was first adopted as a puppy. Some people want the “puppy” experience and then they tire of it. Cuddles, like so many of the folks taking the new Finding Joy class, have had that experience and it makes me sad. I think that when people adopt a cat, a dog, a horse or any animal companion, they should give their very best to them, like you did and all your friends do.

In turn, we should expect the best in life and then I think we get it. If we think we are not deserving of it, then maybe we will not have that experience. When I looked for a dog for you guys, I wanted you to have the best dog. That does not mean she is a perfect dog – none of us are perfect! It just means that she is the best dog for you at this time in your life. From what you have told me and from what I have seen, I think I accomplished my goal with great success! Joy is an interesting soul. She is going to be very interesting to watch grow up. I think she is doing amazing taking in account the horrors she has been through in her puppy-hood. She is safe with you and so loved. She expects the VERY best, the little princess that she is! I find that so miraculous since she never received the best until she went to Indian Summers. As Dr. Victoria has said, even that is not a real home. It’s a safe haven, yes. But now she is where she belongs. That is what I mean.

I think people can apply this thinking too! Maybe life has not always been perfect, but there is always a chance to make it brighter. If you are the best and demand the best from others, you shall receive it in return and that is what I am doing here in Hyfryd with my classes. I know you are proud! So that is my letter for today. You taught me so much about love Mommy, maybe you are not even aware of that, but you did. You are the best and so am I and that is why WE were a team and will always be one! Love forever and ever – Your Sweet Bailey Girl! WRITE ME SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS: OF COURSE I RUSTELED THE TREE!!

PSS: I hear you are going to renew your vows at our tree! I LOVE THAT! I can hardly wait! Write me all about it! xoxooxoxox

Forever Young….

19 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, spirituality, teaching, Uncategorized, www.petfinder.com

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 HELLO MOMMY!

Well, I have SO much to tell you. First, I thought I would give you this picture of, well, who else? Me! I know you love this picture. Do you remember when you rescued me how I had no hair cause those dingbats shaved all my beautiful fur? I like this picture too because it was when all my fur started to grow back and plus I look so happy, like I am now. I was young and happy – and THAT gets me to my point!

My new class, Finding Joy, was a great big SUCCESS this week – Did you expect ANYTHING less from your Sweet Bailey Girl? One of the many things I found people to be concerned about was aging. Here is an example of what I mean. Telwyn helped me teach this particular group which included:

Symoen – a beautiful Golden Lab, who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at the too young age of 7. He had heart problems.

Trilee – a sweet, white toy poodle who crossed at age 16! She simply died of old age.

Patience – a big black tabby who was 18 and also simply died of old age.

Aleena – a strikingly beautiful draft horse who was worked too hard on a farm and his legs finally gave out. He was 6.

This was the first class we taught, so we wanted to keep it small. We have taught it since and the list keeps on growing for more people who want to take the qualifying test to be in it. That tells me that there are so many people who come here, not understanding their situation. Why don’t they? Well, that is something we talked about.

Telewyn and I always talk about all the rescues we meet here. It seems that they have a much better “feeling” for life and death in general. I think that what I am learning is that those are ones who are the most grateful for their lives and the least happy about leaving their people. However, once they get here and see that you have no more pain and you get to be ageless – they are accepting and fine with it. We all become each other’s comfort and there is strength in numbers, as the say – although for me, personally I might not agree with that wholeheartedly. I liked belonging to just our family which was the perfect for me. I would not have wanted to been in a home with a bunch of dogs and kids because I was already a senior when you found me, so that is a personal choice. We talked about our various situations. We all know we have to pas son eventually – nothing is forever of course Since death is the unknown it is scary for people because it is something so out of their control so they fear it. For us dogs, cats and other animal creatures, we are dependent on our families for everything, so we are even more scared because we never had to do much for ourselves to begin with, so everyone thinks: Now what? Who is going to take care of us? Love us? Feed us? Hug and kiss us?

For Patience and Trilee for example, the reason they took the class is because they are truly missing their people so much. When you spend so many years with your family, you really do not know how to live without them because that was their only experiences. They were with their peeps since puppyhood. In Telwyn’s and in my own life, we were adopted in our later years and then lived our best lives last, so perhaps we were better prepared. I also think it has to do with personalities as well. For Aleena and Symoen, they died too young.  Especially Aleena, a horse should never have to work so hard that they literally worked to death. He was at an Amish far and I immediately thought of Joy being in the Amish Puppy mill. We know all Amish are not bad. I told them I used ot go visit some Amish people in Pennsylvania, but Allena would have nothing of my tales. He is very mad about his deck of life-cards and Telewyn, coming from the racing life, totally gets it. When animals are used for something to benefit others, such as racing or farm work, they do not like it too much once they have had the chance to stop and reflect upon their lives. Telewyn talked to the class about his racing days and how the owners are all proud of their wins and mostly their money but he does not feel like they love the animals at all. He says it’s really all about them and that is a shame. Horses want to run and be free and they want love as much as a dog or cat or any other animal. Showing horses in a 4-H club or teaching kids how to ride a horse is one thing, but working a horse to death is another and it will take more classes of talking about it to help Aleena through this.

Symoen, being a simple, sweet and loving lab, just does not understand why he had to have heart problems. I told him why did I have to get bladder cancer? I had the greatest life EVER! Sometimes we cannot help what happens to us and of course we all want to live our happy lives as long as possible and for some of us 7 or even 10 years is not enough because we are so happy. So, we talked about how Symoen can do good work here in Hyfryd and get his giddy-up back. He is a sweet guy and very handsome – I am really liking myself! ha! You always told me I was sweet like a lab! Maybe I will invite him to my den for a pup-cup of yogurt! So while everyone wants to be forever young, we talked about that not being the case, except for when they cross over. THEN you can be ageless and most of all HEALTHY! You always told me the greatest thing you can have everyday is good health. Here that is true but the sacrifice is the separation from your people until you see them again and with that the conversation in the Finding Joy class will continue. So that is my news!

I saw you at our tree the other day. Yikes it was so hot. I saw you sweltering there with Joy but you saw me rustle the leaves! She is SUCH the squirrel chaser. Don’t let her break your little arm!  Yeesh! She has an enormous amount of energy – just like me when you rescued me – although I think she has a bit more being that she just turned 3. Yep – you have your hands full! haha! I gave you good Border Collie training! You are the best mommy ever in the world and I will let you know about this week’s class. I am so busy teaching and I spent the summer break getting ready for the class! Well, once a working dog …..doing good work and giving love – that is what it’s all about….You were my example and I carry it in my heart and pass it on……

Forever and Ever, Your Sweet Bailey Girl…..Write Soon! I love you so!

Bailey

And We Begin Anew…

08 Sunday Jul 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog adoption., dogs, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, rescue dogs, second chances, spirituality, summer, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Working Dogs

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Dear Bailey,  So glad to hear that your new class this week. I have told Joy and she is very proud that you named the class after her. She is thankful and grateful and as you can see everytime we visit the tree, she is crazy as all get out even in that hot heat we have had. That is the reason I have not been to the park in 4 days, which never happens but the heat was just awful. You could barely breathe outside it was so humid and stuffy!

I am going to like hearing about this new class as I think it goes hand in hand with our book in helping to teach people about The Rainbow Bridge and the opportunities that might seem impossible to people until they understand that there is work beyond what we see. Good work to be done by those, like you, who are amazing and understand. We are getting so close, Bailey, to finishing the book and I am so excited. I am guessing it will be complete by the end of August or early September! This is our dream come true! So we are both working very hard together as always!

Ms. Joy is very sweet. She is very funny in so many ways. This girl LOVES love more than anything and when she eats she TOTALLY reminds me of you. Snarfer! I do not know how to slower her eating down. She truly enjoys her food immensely just like another little girl I know! You could not have found a more perfect little girl for us, Bailey. You are always so right with the world. I cannot tell you how much you have taught me. As I have said, it is no surprise that you continue to be a working dog in a teaching capacity.

I am sending this picture of us. It’s a little fuzzy, but I sort of like it. I love that I have a billion pictures of you. You loved the camera and were, and still are my perfect muse and I think I am yours as well. I wish more people could see how to do good and be good in the world. They need to pay attention to creatures and not “things.” You teach us much. By the way, Howie crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday. I do not think he will be found in Hyfryd, but I just wanted you to know. I think P&J are sad.

Time to go relax and unwind now. This is a busy week for Russell and I and you have a new class to teach tomorrow and I will await hearing all about it. I will see you at the tree tomorrow for sure. The leaves will rustle and I know you are there. I love you with all I got to give sweet Bailey girl xoxoxooxox ,mommy

 

 

The Giving and Getting Go Hand in Paw…

29 Friday Jun 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rescue dogs, spirituality, summer, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Uncategorized, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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Dear Mommy,

How I have missed you this week because I have been working on getting the syllabus ready for the Finding Joy class which starts this month already! Although I have been busy with that, I, of course, have been lamenting about the meaning of the class and after interviewing so many people it’s all I can think about. Onwen and I have had deep discussions about animal companions and their peeps – lot of them!

One thing I have been thinking about is how people who choose to share their lives with us fur kids are very special. They are very important because they adjust their life for us. You need ot let people know how important that is. Adoption is all about giving and getting. I know you are always mumbling to yourself thinking about how much you give to others and it is true – you do so much of that, but you have spent most of your adult life giving to various animals and look at what you have gained.

There are people who will never adopt a dog, for example because you have to take us out to poop or pee and that requires a schedule that meets our needs, perhaps more than it meets theirs. Those people will never get it I am sure, but for the ones that do, I think they gain so much in return. The interesting thing about this is that both sides give and get. Since I shared my life with a cat and Joy does too, as dogs (and I will speak for her correctly I am sure) we simply want love, to be with our peeps, food and shelter. We are very basic in our needs. You are person who gives your companions lives of Princes and Princesses and no one could be more grateful than I and I am sure Safari & Joy as well. What I love about you is that while you are a complex thinker, your needs are fairly simplistic. I know you have always told me and everyone that nothing is more important than good health and love. Obviously health is needed to enjoy anything, especially love.

Mommy, you are so right that love is everything. Here in Hyfryd, we don’t have to worry about health because we are all purfect!!! That is the trade-off I guess. We are separated by space from the ones we love, but what we receive in return is perfect health. On earth, you can have both and until I got sick, I enjoyed every second – that is why I did not sleep that much because I wanted to pack in as much fun time as possible and I think we accomplished that and it looks like Joy is too. Safari has loved you the longest obviously – you knew he was a prince the second you saw him, didn’t you?

This is one of the things I plan to discuss in class, so I wanted to tell you.  The giving and the getting go hand in paw. When you give of your heart to us and we to you, we all get back so much more in return. You always said that it was funny that God is Dog spelled backwards. There must be a good reason for that.

So that is what I had to tell you. Sorry I did not get back to you sooner. The class starts next week. Guess what? We skip 4th of July because none of us really liked fireworks so they do not exist here! YAY! I saw you visited the tree twice already this week. Did you like how I made the leaves blow everytime you touch them – not a coincidence! I am there – always next to you. Forever just like you predicted when we first met. I am your Bailey girl always. You could have 100 more dogs and cats and I will always be your heart dog and vice versa. I love you so much and think of you every single day and I know you think fo me too. Try to stop calling Joy by my name too, huh> You will give her a complex – at least she now knows “Bailey’s Tree” when you visit. She is pretty darn smart. I told you I would find you a perfect girl. You are a giver, Mommy and for that you will get goodness because I am sending it in many forms.

Write me soon! I love you so….

Your Sweet Bailey Girl xoxoxoxoxoox

Precious Two….

21 Thursday Jun 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, summer, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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Dearest Bailey,

I am so proud of all the pre-qualification work you have already done in planning the new Finding Joy class. It makes so much sense that you have become a teacher – a working dog must always have a job and certainly because you passed at only 10 young years, you had more work to do. Nothing stops my tenacious Bailey!

I came across this picture of Safari and you and it’s one of the few pics I have of the two of you sitting very close. When you did, it was so sweet and I find that Safari really had missed your company, as he likes to sit close to Joy when she is not acting like a wild Border Collie! Because you were a senior dog and Safari, a senior cat, I think Safari finds this new experience a lot different with  baby Joy. She totally keeps him on his toes and I think that is a good thing, considering he likes to simply chill. The only time he runs around is when he should be sleeping at 4am, waking everyone up! The funny difference is that you did not care if he was up running around. Joy, on the other hand, says, What? Why is he up? I think I will herd him back to sleep! She is like you in the fact that she is very sensitive to noise and she is VERY protective over us.

She is a definitely a great one. I know, you are thinking, “of course she is! I found her!” Yes you did and I would not expect anything less of you. I do have to work with her all the time on the barking at men, however. With you I always thought it was so nice I could take you anywhere and you never cared who touched you, talked to you or petted you. Joy has not had worldly experiences, although each day she is getting more. She is very nosy with the neighbors! She needs to know what is going on at all times; I think that is part of her protectiveness too. That will never change. Already though, she has stopped barking across the way, which is nice. It will just take time.

Here is a picture of them together before the room was redone recently – it looks great by the way! I have a new office, which of course is where the kids like to hang out just like you and Safari did in the picture above! Sometimes when I only catch a glimpse of Joy from the back, she looks just like you. She is   bit less furry and smaller than you, but she is loving just like you. You did good my girl, you really did. In fact I was thinking how much good you put onto this planet – now you are just doing it in a different location of the planet – Hyfryd – you are the Princess of Love! You certainly are my Princess of Love and now I have two, thanks to you with  help from the beautiful Ms. Victoria.

Well my sweet girl, I am pretty sleepy. I have a tiny cold so I want to go lie down and get away from the computer as I had a long day and got a lot of work done – lots of crisis management PR today! Write me more and let me know some of the folks you have qualified. I am sure you have chosen some people by now as you only have a little more than a month till the new class begins and you are still teaching all your other classes! Whew! You are a busy and beautiful working girl! That is my girl! We would not have it any other way….

With a ton of love from here and many kisses thrown through the air, I love you….

A Touch of Class…

13 Wednesday Jun 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, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, summer, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Uncategorized, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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MOMMY! I am SOOOO sorry I have been late in writing. I have never been 3 days late have I? Well, I have a great excuse because the Finding Joy student qualification process has kept me and my helpers very busy. I have so much to tell you! First, we had to come up with the questions to ask potential students to see who would really benefit from the class. Since these classes will be so intimate, it is important to make sure only those who would truly benefit would be in attendance. So do you want to hear some of the questions? Of course you do! Okay here are some of them:

What made you feel like you were not just an animal? What made you feel like part of a family?

Who was your favorite person?

What was your favorite activity and was this something you did with your favorite person?

Did you like other animals not of your own species?

What was it you most liked about your life?

What food made you the happiest?

Did you and your favorite person “talk to each other” ie: in your own form of communication that was personal to you?

Did you cross over the Rainbow Bridge because you were sick or was it by accident?

So, Mommy, what do you think? The last question is very important because people who cross by accident have the highest amount of regret it seems. Take our little Barkley. Although he loves it here, she was only a puppy and she regrets going into the road to chase the squirrel so much. She really misses Dozer, Molly, John and Tracy, so it was lucky that she had me, her own neighbor who came here not too long after she came because she did not know anyone and was very lost. The fact that we live to each other helps us both out a lot. I was sick, but she wasn’t and that makes all the difference. When death happens by accident, it is harder to understand on both ends and that is why I think the class can help. When the potential students are interviewed we can tell who really needs the class. I was able to lead you to Victoria and subsequently Joy, because of our strong connection on the ground. If you think about the pups or kittens who die too young, they might not have had time to form that strong bond like you and I shared. I want everyone who takes this class to be able to feel like they are not lost and are still spiritually connected to their people if that is what they desire.

I really think Finding Joy is the purrfect name for the class. I know you mentioned last time to see if anyone had known Hope and Winnie and I have some news. They both live in Gobeithio, which is the town next to us here in Hyfryd. It was Telewyn, who found out where they are. When Telewyn first arrived, he lived there for a short time before settling on Hyfyrd. He knew of a group of horses here and that is why he moved. What he told me was that he first came over, there were many horses who lived in Gobeithio and one horse in particular named Summer, who kept the company of two Border Collies,  Winnie and Hope! They must be the ones you are looking for, right? You never did say, but I am thinking those were perhaps Victoria’s dogs? Well, when Telewyn was interviewing potential students, guess who showed up – Yep! Both of them. They totally qualify and have already been informed that they are in. They seem very connected to Victoria already, but Telewyn thought they should be in the class as good examples of spiritual connections and how they can be made even stronger. I assume you will let Victoria know. Personally, I have yet to meet them, but I am looking forward to it. What a story I have to tell them!  “T” says they are both very sweet and I am looking forward to having them in class. I am sure they will have some messages for Victoria as well.

So that is as far as we have gotten. We did more than 100 interviews so far and we have about 150 more to go. Never did I think this class would be so popular. People are coming from town far away just to take the interview!  We have room for 125 at the most for this first year. I am very happy that people want to learn – that is exciting.

By the way I felt you and Joy at my Tree today – did you see me rustle those leaves! I cannot believe how big that tree has grown since Fall, but then I can, because it is so symbolic of you and I. We may be apart but we just keep growing together day by day. I love you mommy! You taught  me all the right things and I am so proud to be yours. Snuggle my little Safari and give Joy a kiss for me and tell her not to be so jealous of other doggies – there is enough of all of us to go around and do good things

Yours Furever and 4-ever,

 

Your Sweet Bailey Girl