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Bailey's Journal

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

Bailey's Journal

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The Leader of All Things Good…

22 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, Spring, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge

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animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, dog communication, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, rainbow bridge, the loss of a pet, unconditional love

img_07371Dearest Bailey,

Okay, Okay, I know. My apologies this time for being so delayed in my letter, but I have been working hard to get the book all together! I am so excited for you to see it. Getting all the pictures in one place was a lot of work too! Who could have a book about you without pictures? You are so photogenic and beautiful! I love this picture of you running on the beach. Not sure Joy can go there with all the other dogs and people might be too much for her. Not you! You loved all the people and doggies – well most of them.

How are your classes? I expect that you will be entering Spring break this week or next? Are you going to get to relax? I need this trip to restore so I can complete the work needed for the book because our team is waiting! I was planning on getting a lot of work done today as well. It’s so exciting, but then I think once it is done, it will be over and that sort of makes me sad, as I have enjoyed the process, but I have to say that reading everything over and over again made me cry more than once.

Then, I ran into Evan the other day at Starbucks and I asked how his Bailey was and he told me that she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge two weeks ago, so you need to look for that little Sheltie. She was 14, so she led a great life, but he is very sad, just like I was. I told him about our blog and the book coming out and hopefully it will help him.

I hope that you are well my lovely girl. Soon, we will be going back North and I will see how much our tree has grown. I do not expect it to have grown too much as winter has been very cold there. When I am at sea, I will think of you. Send me your signs – you know which ones I mean and if you get the chance to write me back today, please do I miss you!!! Give me love to Barkley, Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky for me. You are my great leader of all things good.

With infinite amounts of kisses and hugs….

me xoxoox

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100 Letters to Each Other – Book One

31 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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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animal communication, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, communication from beyond, dog communication, dog kisses, female dogs, letters, missing your dog, pet companions., pet parents, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, unconditional love

Bailey looking so gorgeous
Bailey and me on the day she was adopted
Bailey and me on the day she was adopted
hmmm that villa angus beef is great!
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bailey looking up
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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

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Bailey looking so gorgeous

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

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My Rainbow In Your Sink…

26 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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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animals, anniversaries, Bailey dogs, books, border collies, Christmas, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs named Bailey, female dogs, letters, life with dogs, love, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, teaching, the rainbow bridge, writers

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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

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I Should Have Written Sooner…

16 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, coincidence, dog communication, dogs and cats, letters, life with dogs, missing your dog, pet parents, senior dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, www.petfinder.com

744I am SO SORRY I should have written sooner! I was so busy finishing all the classes before the break, so I am sending you this adorable picture of me and you with hopes that you will forgive me. Oh yeah, I’m Bailey, you ALWAYS forgave anything I did! hahaha – Although let’s face it, I never was really bad ever! I know yua re saying, “yes that is true,” right now!

Sometimes around the holidays all the critters here in Hyfryd really have a hard time with missing their people, but Onwen and I try to teach them that the “spirit” of the holidays are really always there – just like you and I know each other is just a whisper away.

That is what I teach the people here. I try to explain that everyone will be reunited with their people in the future – some sooner than later and vice versa. I want people on both side of the Rainbow Bridge to be grateful for what they have now; that is what is most important. So many people take it all for granted. You and I never will.

I am so happy that you adopted Joy. It’s funny she has the perfect name for this season, huh? I can see she makes you laugh like me. We are very similar, that I see. I was just more outgoing than her. Remember how you thought I was so friendly that I would just go with anyone? I never would have, you know. Joy, on the other paw, would bark at them and protect you to the nth degree! I like that quality in her, actually. I can see how much progress she has made already in her socialization. You just keep taking her places and she will do fine. She is QUITE the squirrel chaser like I was, huh? Very funny!

I do have to say that I am ready and happy for the holiday break from school. I don’t resume classes until January 7th. I never thought I would be THIS busy over the Rainbow Bridge, but hey, what’s a Border Collie to do? We are working dogs and I love helping people. I always think about that movie, It’s a Wonderful Life that we watched each Christmas. If you had not adopted me, I might never have been a teacher. I certainly would not have had the great experiences in my senior years that you guys gave me. It was so great of you to adopt a senior dog, really, cause nobody wants the older dogs and cats. Of course I should not say that – there are some, but for the MOST part people want the young ones. We certainly chose each other and on this second Christmas without you, papa and safari, I am thinking about that. I am thinking how grateful I am to have had a wonderful three years with you because the first part of my life was not good and I block it all out. You truly loved me with all your soul and heart and I feel that everyday, even today over the bridge.

Guess what? We only have three more stories before we go into a book! I am SOOOO excited!!! I cannot wait. We ARE going to do a second one too, right? Yes, I figured as much. That is great because there is so much to say and so many people to help understand how to deal with this new part of life! Oh and I wanted to tell you that yes, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Lucky and a bunch more others will be here with me, Onwen and Barkley. Barkley has been so great at school. I have given him a new class to teach come January. He will be teaching a class of very young folk who crossed way too early due to accidents, just like his. He is such a wonderful guy I just love his enthusiasm.

Write me soon, okay? I promise to write quicker! We have to move on to the 100th blog!!! – I love you and will talk to you before Christmas.

All my love, Bailey Girl….

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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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Back to School…

06 Thursday Sep 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, 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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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, female dogs, finding your joy, helping others, letters, life with dogs, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, the loss of a pet, unconditional love

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

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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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When You Strive For the Best….

12 Sunday Aug 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, unconditional love

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

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