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Bailey's Journal

~ The Adventures of Bailey, A Senior Border Collie That was Rescued

Bailey's Journal

Category Archives: talking dogs

Holiday Thoughts…..

03 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, Journaling, joy, loving dogs, missing your dog, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

Bailey's Santa Look!Dearest Bailey,

Last year we did not celebrate the holidays. I tried for Safari’s sake, but your crossing over the Rainbow Bridge took a lot out of me. Sometimes I still call Joy, “Bailey.” She hears me talk about you all the time. I know Safari gets what I am saying, but I often think that Joy is wondering, “Who is the Bailey I keep hearing about? I know we walk by her tree up North at the park!”

Joy had big paws to fill upon her adoption, but the funny thing is, you did such a great job in helping me find her on www.petfinder.com  she is perfect. I will show you a picture of her in the Santa hat at the end of this note. I cannot help but think how playful the two of you would have been together. True, Joy is a young one and you were my senior girl, but you both have equally sweet dispositions. Look at your face in this picture. It is so precious you should hang it in your den when you get my letter and show Onwen and all your friends.

I hope that you will write to be when you get your Christmas break next week. I think you said you would be off school for a long break – and I am sure much-deserved. Here is the thing though, we only have a few more letters before it’s time to get the blogs together for the book! I know you are so excited and so am I. It’s going to be lots of work but you and I do not mind that, do we?

I hope you will put up a tree and decorate it with some cute stuff. I put one of your pictures with Santa out in the living room – so cute. Miss Joy would NEVER pose with Santa! I think that she would bark at him! haha! I might try it next year though! I started going to the dog park again. The first day was hard since you loved to go there and Joy REALLY loves to go – we were there today and people talk about how they miss you but they love Joy. It’s funny I was not sure that she would like it there and I could not have been more off-base. She loves it and I am very happy about that. She plays so well with the other dogs and they all love her. She is very gentle just like you.

The holidays are bittersweet for me. It’s only our second Christmas without you but I am focused on the book and getting that done and I am so thankful that we have worked on this project together and we will continue and make a whole series of books with the hope of helping others come to terms with the loss of their animal companions. Work to do!

Here is a picture of Joy with her Santa Hat for your den: She was not too thrilled with having anything on her head but I did it while she was sort of sleepy and would not mind as much! haha! Oh how I love you both.

Write to me soon my sweet Bailey girl. Let me know how you and your friends  are celebrating the holiday. I hope that you will also be with Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky and whomever else you love.

With all my love always and forever……

IMG_1881IMG_1877  PS – Safari wanted me to send you his picture as well. He was half alseep – I will work on new ones!

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Day 365…Two Letters Today

28 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Fall, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, rememberence, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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animal rescue, anniversaries, coincidence, dog communication, loving cats, pet parents, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, the loss of a pet, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

My Sweetest Bailey,

I have 1000’s of pictures of you and each one is cuter than the next. It is hard to fathom that today, 365 ago, you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge into Hyfryd.

I have been privileged to share my life with so many wonderful furry children and you were one of them – a stand-out by all accounts.

We taught each other much, but you taught me more and you still do, each and everyday. I love hearing of your teaching and work in Hyfryd and I am so glad that you found Onwen right away upon your arrival because he is truly your best companion and working pal.

All the leaves on the tree are gone, save for a few browns ones ready to fall. I am sure by now they are all gone as we are having cold and rainy weather. I am sure it is beautiful by you and I was hoping that you would write today as well and I know that you will.

I miss you so much everyday. I can only thank you for finding us the perfect girl to carry on those specific Border Collie antics that only Border Collies are capable of!  We honored you by rescuing Joy, another girl in search of a forever home which we have provided. Like you, she is so grateful.

Although this day is so very bittersweet for me especially, I feel good that we gave you the best three years of your 10 year-old life, which, I know was never easy until I found you and got you out of the shelter and I could not have been happier to share life, love, cuddles and kisses with you. In my heart I still do.

I will love you forever and always…..xoxooxoxoxox

Dear Mommy,

Thank you for your sweet letter. On this day a year ago, I think you cried the entire day and for months afterwards. What makes it better is that you were able to get through your grief, like I did and get back to work like a good Border Collie! I always told you that if you were a dog, you would be a Border Collie! You have high energy, you love to be loved and give love and you have a long nose – not as long as mine..but in the genre…haha. People always said you and I were like two of a kind and I think that was true and always will.

I really, really did not want to get cancer and leave our beautiful home but my body felt so sick and the second I walked over the Rainbow Bridge my body felt great, but I do have to say I was sad. I walked over the bridge and knew that I could go back to work and teach others how to cope. You had such a hard time with my passing and so did I because I only had three years with you, but like you said, they were just the best. We were hardly ever apart and very hyper-attached except for when you guys went on your vacations.

I knew that others around here could benefit from learning how to deal with a best friend’s passing and it turned out just like I thought.

As for Joy, I knew you needed another girl. We are princess girls and Joy fits in perfectly. I know you love furry kids more than anything and the ones that have graced your life will always be grateful. Oddly, I can tell you that it is true.

I wanted to wait to tell you this, but today seems like the right time. Tarzan Freedom, Cheetah, Jane and Lucky are all living together in Hyfryd! I was doing some shopping at the Doggie Depot for some food and I overheard these cats talking about a Sherri. I had heard you mention their names before so I just went up to them and asked if they would possibly be talking about “my sherri!” Tarzan spoke up first and said, where is she?”

So we sat down with some treats and water and talked for hours. Cheetah misses you so much as does Freedom and of course your Tarzan, who told me that he was the King of the house! He is pretty funny. I told them about your life and that not much has changed since they last saw you and that you and Russell were still married – 22 years!

It turns out that they only live around the block from me two streets over. They asked me about my classes and if they could help. I know you loved them so very much. They are lucky that they all spent so many years with you. SO now we have made good friends and they are all helping in my Fall classes. They send their love and I am so happy that we found each other. Hyfryd is truly a magical place.

The Finding Joy class is actually overcrowded! There were so many people that needed the help I had Onwen teach a few extra classes to meet the needs of everyone. In my next letter I will tell you some interesting stories about our students. Today I only really wanted to say that you are in my heart. I carry you with me everywhere and could not love you more. I miss you so much, but I never feel like you are that far away. It’s like if I had a pocket, you would be in it all the time. I feel your presence here with me and I know you feel mine as well. It will always be that way. Always. I love you forever and ever.

Your Sweet Bailey Girl…..xoxoxoox

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A Tree-Blushed Kiss…

21 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Fall, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Poetry, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs

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animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Cats, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, seeing dogs after death, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

 Dear Bailey,

You blushed in full bloom. You are a stand-out amongst the hundreds of other trees at Buhl Park, so red and full like a woman’s lips searching for a kiss. And who kissed you more than me?

Today is October 21 and week from now will be one year since you went to Hyfryd and it seems so much longer.  So much longer, yet I am so proud of all you have taught me and all you continue to do there. Our spirits are so aligned and I feel you everywhere. Russell talks about you all the time and you know I talk to Joy & Safari about you everyday. To be honest I still feel sad some days when I think about how much I miss you.  That is how I am. n Cheetah and Freedom and Lucky are always at the top of my mind. Sharing your life with an animal companion is very special because of its very nature and relationship. There is nothing else like it and it is different from humans. Animals of all kinds love without condition – something that some humans have not learned to do with each other. There is just a special sweetness that is unbridled. I know so many people like us too who feel compelled to be part of an animal’ s life, be it a dog or cat, horse or bird. It’s simply part of who you are or not but I am glad I=it’s always been part of me and when we met you became entwined into my soul as I have with you.

Joy reminds me of you in a lot of ways but she truly is a puppy. She is still discovering the world and she has much to learn. She is a lot of fun and she literally makes all of us laugh everyday. Safari and her play so sweetly and truly like each other a lot.  I have to say my working girl, you certainly kept your promise and found us the perfect girl for all of us. She will never take your place, please know that. She simply has her own and thanks to you – with help from Victoria – she found her way here, where she belongs.

I just wanted to say hello after seeing your tree today. I wanted to say I love you, I am with you and thinking of you daily. Your pictures are in front of me and your spirit surrounds us.

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The Changing Leaves…Green and holding

08 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Doing Your Best, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, animals, anniversaries, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

Dear Mommy,

Did you see that I am holding on to my green leaves? Only a couple of red tips so far, that is all you can see. October is not my favorite month and I know it is definitely not yours either. I don’t really want to focus on how I left you this month because  “the sad-day date” is still far off yet, but a year has sure travelled fast hasn’t t? I know you feel it has as well.

I did NOT want to leave you, but my body did not want to perform anymore I guess and the best way to continue my love, kindness and good work was to wind up here in Hyfryd, where I am doing great in all those departments. Since teaching the classes on life after the Rainbow Bridge, I too have realized so much about life on earth versus life on Hyfryd. I love that my body feels so good all the time here. I often think, is that worth not waking up next to our bed anymore? I try to make sense of those type of thoughts but realize that life is just life, filled with happiness, sadness, rewards and expectations, but what is most important is love and knowledge. There is nothing more important than love and as you know, there is nothing so pure and simple as the love between a man/woman and their animal companion. Nothing.

I love that you planted our tree in my honor and I love that you visit it constantly. I know the visits to the tree at the park are more meaningful than my special place in the yard.  You know why, don’t you? Of course it is because you and I loved walking in that park together, just as you do with Joy now. The time we spent there – each moment was perfect (except for the couple of times you fell! That was funny sorry!) and happy. My special place is of course right outside the door to our sweet home, but Buhl Park, while it is everyone’s home, can be your home in the minutes and hours when you walk there.

So for now I am holding onto my green leaves. Even though my color is red, I am not shedding them for winter quite yet. I am staying as green for now just for you, with just that tinch of red. Like the tree there, I have grown here in Hyfryd. You taught me how to be grateful and mostly –  loved unconditionally. I try to pass on all those qualities to my students. They tell me I am doing a good job because they are learning how to live here without their families and when you first arrive it is a difficult adjustment, but if you can find ways to contribute then it becomes acceptable, sort of. I will never not miss you and I know, by watching you every single day, that you  feel the same.

It was funny in Chicago the other day when your cousin asked you about how you came to love dogs when you had cats your whole life (and still do, of course!) and you mentioned April’s influence and Marla, your former vet. If I never did, then I have to thank April for that because if it was her love of us dogs that originally rubbed off on you then good for her because she did a great job of making you crazy about us! Ha! Of course I know you would be anyway because, as Marla always said, it’s a different relationship. It is. Especially me and you.  One of extreme kindness, caring and endless love.

Your Sweet Bailey, Forever and Ever…..Write me soon! I love you,

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Scrapbooks of You….

23 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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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adoption, angels for animals, animal companion, animal rescue, animals, Bailey dogs, border collies, breast cancer awareness, cancer in dogs, dog communication, dogs named Bailey, female dogs, letters, life with dogs, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, october, older dogs, pet adoption, pet parents, rainbow bridge, remembering a loved one, seeing dogs after death, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, volunteerism, www.petfinder.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nearing the Year….

24 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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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adoption, animal companion, animal companions, animal rescue, anniversaries, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

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

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Precious Two….

21 Thursday Jun 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Cats, dog adoption, dog communication, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

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….

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A Touch of Class…

13 Wednesday Jun 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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

 

 

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A Wistful Wind and So Much Love…

03 Sunday Jun 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, Spring, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs

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Hello my Bailey Girl!

So it happens again – a wistful wind blows through my fingers each time I go to your tree. It still feels like you are with me. Joy is so much like you in many ways. She is very loving – I mean sooooo loving. She just jumped up for a hug and I hugged her and told her I have to write with Bailey right now and she sat right down by me! She is very well-behaved except for barking at people who are next to us in cars or when she thinks I am threatened! In that case, she is nothing like you. I use to worry that you would go along with anyone who tried to grab you up because you trusted everyone!

You did find us the perfect little princess to pamper that is for sure. Russell loves her soooo much. He is so loving toward her and vice versa  – it is wonderful! So tell me how many people have signed up for the Time For Joy class which, of course is an amazing idea –  you knew I would love it, right? I do think that it takes special animal companion relationships to be able to grow beyond the depths of superficial feelings and I think you are the perfect girl to teach how to do that. You have a deep sensitivity toward people and other animals and they seem to flock toward you. You just have that certain something that everyone loves. It was always so nice to talk with you and never have to worry about any confrontation! Joy’s walk in the park yesterday was flawless and I am very proud of her. She did not bark at one person. tomorrow is supposed to be a very cool day. If it does not rain I will get there again.

So are you working on the lesson plan for the new class already? How are the interviews going. I would have loved to meet Onwen and I know I will someday. Give Barkley a squeeze for me. John and Tracy miss her a lot as do we – such the little smiling sweetie – I bet she is well-liked in Hyfryd. I want to hear all about the progress of planning the class and who you choose to sign up. You have to write to me and tell me about all these special souls! I have been meaning to tell you that I would like you to put the word out to see if anyone knows where Winnie and Hope live – like in which town? Those were Victoria’s very special dogs and I think they would make excellent additions to your class because she is a very spiritual human being and loved them very much, as they did her. I am sure they would love to learn techniques to keep in touch on a more regular basis. Victoria is so busy helping so many dogs and trying to take care of herself, that she has little extra time, so see what you can find out – their last name is Summers. She mentioned the word Hyfryd to me once and I nearly jumped out of my skin! She has some connection to that word, so maybe they live around there or maybe you already know them and you never told me! They are both Border Collies! Let me know!

Your brother says hello. Joy likes to kiss him a lot and you know the mister loves the newly found attention up to a point – pretty funny. They sit together just like you two did. It is so very sweet. I love cats and dogs that love each other – makes me smile. Your Da says hello as well. he talks about you all the time. Well, I will stop by the tree again and I will say hello. I love you my angel of love. I expect a long letter next time highlighting all the details of the class and while you are at it, you can tell how the other classes are going as well. I imagine they are purrrfect, like you!

With all my heart and love, mommy

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A Match Made in Heaven…

28 Monday May 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog adoption., Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, second chances, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, animals, anniversaries, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, female dogs, Guidance, life with dogs, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

Hi Mommy!  Well, I told you that at the right time I would find you a new friend to walk in my paw prints, so I found you Joy – literally and figuratively and it is a match made in Heaven literally!!! So you made it through your first two weeks with her. I think it’s so funny, and obviously Victoria does too – that you thought Joy might not like you and daddy. Are you kidding me? And, I found you another Princess just like me and I have to give Victoria credit here as well. In the year that Joy has spent with them, she has really been the model doggy girl. Victoria told me that she turned down a lot of people who inquired about Joy. I have to say that lady is pretty darn smart in waiting for the right one to come along and that was You, Daddy and Safari. Well, just know that I am watching and I have heard some things you have said to her during your walks – of course I hear almost everything you say, but if I am teaching my classes, it’s hard for me to concentrate on both things. I just wanted you to know that yes, that is exactly how I was at age 3! Adorable of course and full of feisty energy. I wish you could have found me then instead of when you did because I would have been in better heath of course, but as the greatest mommy in the world, you did everything to help me and I am forever your heart doggy as Victoria likes to call it. Joy is too, I can tell. We can both be. She is a real sweetie pie and I could not be anymore pleased with the guidance that I have given you! So that leads me to my next news!

I am adding yet another class to my repertoire and it was Joy who became my inspiration. In fact, in addition to teaching Loving 101 and All Better 102. The new class will be called Finding Joy and I have so many peeps who are very interested in doing what I did for you and daddy and learning how to do it. Of course only select people can take this class. Only above-average animal companions, who have an intense connection to their families will  benefit from this as I am going to use our book to teach from – well at least as much of it as we have written. I really want us to get to 100 blogs since that is when it will truly be our completed first volume and ready for publishing – raaaaa rooooo!

So I know you are wondering how will I choose the people, when there are so many who are interested? Well, I have enlisted Onwen, Prila,  Dayo, Telewynn, Barkley and a few others to do interviews. I have come up with a long list of questions for them to ask potential students for the new class because I think only really special people can have success in doing what you and I have accomplished. It really takes an extra special connection to work with guidance from over the Rainbow Bridge. You and I… never a beat missed – others they may have a harder time I think. The idea of the class is to be able to help people enrich their lives through adopting new animal companions and finding just the right one for each of our families, like I did for you by leading you to Victoria.

I would  ask you what do you think, but I  know that you will like the new idea and you can tell Joy she will have a new class named for her. I heard you tell her one day how she and I would have been great friends – oh my goodness yes to that!  She is so cute and fun, I would have loved playing bone with her and I am so happy that she liked all my toys that I left behind. I heard you tell Daddy that “Bailey’s love just keeps on giving through her toys,” and that is so true and of course you would get it. Those are the kinds of things we need to teach here to help give guidance down there. You and I did not need to be taught, but some dog/cat people do need it because just as I had posted a noticeo f the new class with a sign up sheet for interviews we already had more than 400 names! Can you imagine? That’s a lot of guidance!

That, my dear mommy, is my latest news from Hyfryd. Oh! Thanks for the birthday letter. You are the sweetest! I had a good birthday although it was the first one in 3 years that I had not celebrated at home with you, but life now is about many new firsts and forevers. I just wanted a simple dinner at home with Onwen and Barkley. They went home afterwards and I thought about the structure of the new class and just wanted to spend some time alone to think about You, Daddy and Safari. I need some reflection time too, of course. I am so glad that you talk to me all the time. You are so funny, you talk to me no matter where you are. I love that you think of me everyday. I do too. Not a day goes by that we are not connected by our hearts. That is what a Time for Joy class will be all about. Write me soon. I miss you so very much and love you even more. Furever yours in kisses, Your Sweet Bailey girl… xoxooxoxoxox

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