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

Bailey's Journal

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Returning Home…

04 Friday May 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, Spring, summer, 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, Cats, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, love, missing your dog, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

Mommy!

I don’t want to talk about classes this week. I will next time cause I have more  good news! I know you are getting ready to return to the summer home and it was there that I left you in the Fall for here in Hyfryd over the Rainbow Bridge. I know this is going to be difficult for you, but I will be there by your side – always! I want you to do some things for me. First, I want you to get lots and lots of RED flowers to plant in my special spot that is just for me – I look good in Red you know! yes I do! You know why I think that is? I think because Red is bold like you and me and it’s friendly and you and me are social,  friendly girls and red becomes us! I know you will make it very nice and pretty that is for sure.

The next thing I want is for you to go to our tree and take pictures. Go take a nice walk and take pictures in the park so I can see everything! I am wondering with the warmer winter if the tree grew much. I want to watch its progression of leaf growth this summer, so get on it!

The final thing I want you to do is embrace little Joy. I have a very good feeling about her and I suggested that she kiss you right away. And just remember if she doesn’t right away,  it’s okay if she is not like me. No one will EVER be like me! I am the best! haha! We are all created differently but because she is coming to you she is special. We know that. Victoria knows that. There is a special connection that was made here and it cannot be overlooked and to be honest I take all the credit! (Well, Petfinder helped me!). Personally I find it all very exciting and CANNOT WAIT to hear everything and I am SURE we will write EACH OTHER  on Mother’s Day that is a date!! Okay? We each get a letter on Mother’s day. This is my first without you and it’s your first without me, but being the wise girl I am, I can tell you that everything you taught me and all that I taught you, plus all the love we share, is so bundled up inside of us it just feels good no matter where we are. The earth is surrounded by so much goodness, it’s too bad no one gets to know this while they are on it. I almost think the goodness is like soft layer of protection for all the woes it has.

I wanted to get this to you before you left. I want you and daddy to drive safely. Let Safari sun in your lap – he loves that! My leash is there with you and so is my spirit of love. Yours is right here in my beautiful den. Barkley is here too and she sends her love to John and Tracy and you too, so tell them that because this is a new summer without her as well.  Some people like us, love so deeply that it is easy to imagine that everything stays in place. It just changes is all and mostly for the good I promise you. I LOVE you Mommy! I will be travelling with you in heart and mind, in the trees and wind. Together Forever – you and me. xxoxoxoox Your Bailey Girl Furever!!!!

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There is Always Time to Help Others…

29 Sunday Apr 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog adoption., Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, Spring, talking dogs, teaching, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Sweet Bailey,

Your last letter was lovely and I am not surprised at how much you are helping everyone. The two of us “working girls” like to keep busy and help people. We are truly alike. Everyone always said we were, right?

Hard to fathom that it was 6 months ago yesterday when you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge into Hyfryd. Surely, it has been made a better town with you and your pals in it. The only issue I have is that earth is a lesser place without you here by my side. Soon we are going to meet Joy, and it’s almost like I am scared about it. Why? Cause she is not you. She will be her own, sweet individual self, of course, I get that. Of course I want to give as many people homes as I can; I know you want that of me as well and it is always my pleasure to do so. I feel like you guided me toward her and Victoria without a doubt. That is what I asked you to do, and you did, but I am nervous. I think that will go away once I pull into the driveway. You loved me instantly, I hope that joys does too. When I show people her picture here, they say, “she looks like Bailey.” Aside from being a Border Collie, I don’t think she does, but she is quite adorable and Victoria says she is a sweetheart, just like you. I am still scared. I guess I am just nervous is all and I simply wanted to tell you. Maybe you have some of your sage advice for me. If you sent her to me then I know all will be okay. Maybe it’s because I have missed you for so many months and suddenly there will be a dog in our presence again? Do you think that is it? I have missed walking you, talking to you and cuddling up on the couch with you just like you are in this picture. How you loved to snuggle and kiss. Nothing is equal to that, except from daddy and Safari of course!

Today is a cloudy day here and I just finished working on a press release for Michael. It looks really nice. Now that I am on Vic’s Board of Directors I have a summer project that I want to take on. Did you know that she has adopted more than 2,000 dogs? She has been doing it a very long time and I am proud to be working with her. I need to create a database for all the adoptees! It’s going to be a lot of work, but hey, after finally cleaning out my inbox of 5,000 emails, I think I can do it, right?

I was thinking about how much your classes could be used here on earth. Day after day, I read about evil people. There are just too many of them. I have always wondered why “God”lets those people exist. Why not take all the evil folk and give them bad diseases instead of letting purrectly nice people get sick. It does not seem fair, right? Maybe you have insight to that now that you are in the best place where evil does not exist. After all what is God spelled backwards! Yep, DOG! Of course, because they are the most wonderful people to share your life with. That is the thing. You made me see that having a life a without a dog is terrible! All the GOOD people who share their lives with dogs, cats and other creatures are living a more beautiful and enhanced life – WITHOUT QUESTION! I am sure you have talked about this in your classes because your students are smart!

I wanted to mention one other thing. I am sure you know this by now as it was big news here. Former Humane Society Director John Hoyt, passed away since we last wrote. He was the director during the 1970’s and was a very important force in animal rights and welfare. I am certain he went over the Rainbow Bridge to be with the many animals he helped, so if you see him, welcome him with open paws and maybe he would like to speak at one of your classes!

Well, write me soon dear child. Missing you everyday. Six months without you barking by my side feels more like six years. Although we cannot see each other I feel you everyday. You are in my head and in my heart.

Together we will be always. I love you Bailey. xoxoxoxoox

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A Sky That Bows….

22 Sunday Apr 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, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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A Rainbow is God’s Bow and Promise that there is a tomorrow …

Hi Mommy!

I heard you yesterday when you were in the car screaming, “Bailey is here,” when you saw the rainbow. I know you tried to get the picture with your phone. Did it come out? It was hard to see above those houses, wasn’t it? Yeah, it was me, of course saying hi. Sometimes I can do that for you at the most unexpected times to surprise you and make us happy. That was also my signal that things are progressing with my classes here in Hyfryd. Guess what? The Greys came to the meeting this past week! I was so happy to meet them. There are two boys, Valor and Shane and two girls, Sheena and Vawlie. I guess they likes the letters V & S, huh? They are all siblings who were forced to run at the racetracks and they could not stand it. They were always tired and treated poorly and not even fed any good food! I had Telewyn talk to them since as a racehorse he went through the same thing.

I was thinking about something.. It’s really sad that people feel that they can make certain animals do whatever they want them to do. I mean you cannot ask us. As your furkids, we depend on your to do the right thing for us, treat us kindly and simply love us. I think humans basically want the same thing in life – to be respected, loved, wanted and treated well. Oh! and we all like good food! haha! It just makes me so sick when that does not happen. I mean what gives anyone the right to make a horse tun, or a Greyhound race? The whole thing is disheartening to me.

Sadly, the siblings did not know any better until that Shauna Taft came and rescued them. She loved them so much – all of them! So half the story was good at least, but they came to the class because they had questions about why anyone who treat us that way to begin with. I mean, so many furkids wind up in terrible homes. I am sure just as many–hopefully many more– are in wonderful homes with wonderful people, it’s just so sad that so much animal cruelty is out there. I know you are sick of it too. I told them of my own story; about being dropped off at Angels for Animals and living there for a whole year before you came along and changed my world. It’s like you always say about the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life…you change one little thing and your whole life changes. I knew the minute I met you, we would be together; I only wish we would have had more time together, and I know you wish that too. I know you think about it everyday because I do too. I am hopeful that when you meet Joy she will feel the same about you as I did. How could she not? I told the class my story and they loved hearing it and it gave them hope for those they still know on earth who might be waiting in a shelter to get adopted. Adoption is so important; you have to continue to promote it like you do and I know you will of course!

My Loving 101 class  is going well too. I have expanded it to include how we can do things to help other folks here in Hyfryd. Do you think that is a good idea? We are organizing things like planting catnip plants for all the cats and dogs who love it, like me! I got Dayo and Prila on that in fact – they volunteered to be on the planting committee! I tell you mommy, I have been so busy working since I got here. Barkley has been busy too helping me with everything and running around like a crazy. She runs so fast that if you need  to get something on the other side of Hyfyd she is your girl because she is so fast! I love that little thing so much. Onwen too. He is always there ,offering a helping hand. It’s a good thing that there are so many wonderful nice people here in Hyfryd.  Several new humans have come to live here with their furkids as well. Even though the critters out number the humans, they really seem to like it. They like our little town. I guess their idea of heaven is being with furry ones. I know you think the same way! They only allow REALLY special people here. You had to be a pretty amazing man or woman in relation to furkids to even be considered for passage into Hyfryd. They have to be like you!

I love you mommy. I am so glad you saw the rainbow! I will always be there right next to show saying hello with a rainbow, sending you love from the sky. Hyryd is not so far, I don’t think because you and I always feel so close like we can reach out and touch each other. We do, through our hearts – always…..Write me soon!! I LOVE your letters like you love mine. I will have more news for you soon.

All my love from one working gal to another,

Your Sweet Bailey

PS: Sending you these pics. Don;t I look so cute looking up at you and of course I this one in the den hanging up! Tell kevin I miss him, and Zoe & Angel’s golf cart!

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Looking Up…

08 Sunday Apr 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, vacation, Vacation by car, Working Dogs

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adoption, angels for animals, animal companion, animal rescue, ASPCA, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, ending animal abuse, female dogs, greyhounds, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

Mommy! I am sorry that I take too long to write back. No classes today since it was Easter. Onwen, Barkley and I had fun running around all day and now I am really tired and I saw you swimming with Daddy, Beth & David and I bet you are tired too! However, I wanted to tell you about the new class, All Better 102.

I did not realize how much animal cruelty there is, and it’s not just physical but a lot of people who came to my class talked about how their supposed “people”would be emotionally mean to them. It is so very sad. Dogs that would be left alone all day, cats without sufficient food, Telwynn, a beautiful retired race horse in his day, was going to the glue factory until someone rescued him when he could not race anymore. I mean, can you imagine, just because he could not win those idiots money anymore, they would have the audacity to kill and torture this gorgeous boy. I almost broke down in tears when he started to share his story, but I figured I had to be a strong working dog leader for the rest of the class who was depending on me – I held it together but it was hard!

Telwynn was from Kentucky and he had raced in the Preakness and the Derby numerous times. He was a good horse, but not a great money horse, you know. He tried and did his best. He told us all how he hated the sport of racing and thought it should be abolished. I know you and I talked about that before. It’s just as disgusting as Greyhound racing! Someone told me about a pack of four greyhounds here in Hyfryd that were treated poorly in their early years. They are all siblings, but I have never met them and they did not show up at the meeting. Some of the students said they wanted them to come because they had been treated very badly in Florida until they were all taken in by a kind woman named Shauna Taft. She loved greyhounds as a breed and always had them as her companions.  The story goes that Shauna took them all in even though she had 3 others and they lived with her until they all came here. You know those greys, they can be shy. I think now that I had the first meeting they might show up at the second one to share their grief because they are said to miss her very much.

Prila, the calico cat, came with her brother Dayo, a beautiful black cat with little white paws and blue eyes – never saw anything like him. He is truly handsome! They were yelled at all the time by their “people” until someone next door finally called the ASPCA when she saw they were locked out of the house for a couple of days crying with no food or water. They took them and adopted them out together as seniors to the Smythe family, who had them until they arrived here.

One thing I can tell you, and I know you are very concerned about animals and their welfare, so I am sure that you will pass this on: No one ever forgets the bad that might have happened to them, but what they remember most is how they were rescued and how that truly changed their lives for the better with a second chance. Sometimes the emotional scars are there because they do not know why they were treated poorly. I can understand if someone dies, or has no money to provide money to take care of their animal companions and re-homes someone, but treating an innocent creature poorly – animal or human is despicable!!!

I agree with what you said, people who do not love animals are vapid and those who have the connections are purrfect! yes, we do not want everyone to keep companions because they would be worthless anyway and that would just result in more sad stories in my class. Rescuing is so important it is like this picture I am sending you. It is about looking up for a second chance. Like I have told you, I do not even recall where I was before the year I was at Angels for Animals. Thank GOODNESS you came along!!! You changed all of our lives, the four of us.

We will always be the best family and now Joy will be part of it as well. I am sure I will like her from what you have told me. You will know when you meet for the first time. She will let you know and so will I. Even though she is on the farm at ISBCR and having fun, it’s not like being part of a special family who you can call your own. people you can go on vacation with and see stuff and go for rides it the car (MY FAVORITE!!) or walk at Buhl Park. There is just nothing like it–like when you sprung me loose and I jumped int eh back of the CRV!  Thankfully there enough people like you and all of your friends, who love animals of all kinds. I want to hear less sad stories, but I have heard some wonderful ones as well.

So far it is very interesting and my work continues as does yours. We are a team and always will be – we are covering all the bases on and above the planet and mommy, you are a working dog. If you were a dog, you would be a Border Collie FOR SURE (!) because you love working and helping people, just like me. Your insides are that if a Tabby – simply sweet and loving toward everyone – that is my observation! Let’s keep looking up and doing good work – a lovely thought on a Sunday night.

Sent with HEAPS OF LOVE from your SWEET BAILEY GIRL who loves you with all of her heart…..Write soon – you better! xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxo

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Friends Furever….

02 Monday Apr 2012

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

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My Sweet Girl,

Hi! How did your new class turn out? By this time, you might be having another one this week! Your brother came out of his dental just fine. I think we were equally nervous though – you know how I am with worrying about my fur kids. I do love the idea of your class All Better 102. I am so proud of you teaching yet another class, although I am not surprised because you are the best teacher! I think that a class like that is much-needed for everyone in Hyfryd and I know they will benefit from your infinite wisdom. There is much animal cruelty and it needs to be stopped. You know I have never trusted anyone who doesn’t share their world with a furry one. Of course I am probably equally happy that those people don’t because they would be lousy pawrents anyway! It takes a special soul to love the fur babies of the world and thankfully all the people in our world, near and far, are like us!

We cannot wait to meet Joy, she is waiting for us and we will meet and take her home next month! I can’t wait to tell you all about her and mostly, tell her all about you. I will of course want your approval. I am wondering how Safari will react. He has enjoyed, we think, all the extra attention, that is for sure. He is once again, the king of the castle. It was just 5 months since you went to Hyfryd over the rainbow bridge and as much as it seems like you never left, your bark, your kisses, your uncanny pleasure for treats, (and so much more) are all amiss. You are with me every minute of every day, and I know you feel it too, for it would not be possible to have this communication. Safari has missed you. He especially misses you shooing away Polka Dot, who comes into the yard daily.  He has taken over your blanket as well and sleeps soundly on it.

One thing I am looking forward to is seeing your Red Maple tree at Buhl Park upon our return to the north. I do not expect it to have grown much in six months, but with the warm winter, I bet it is blooming early. I expect to spend a lot of time there again with Joy and we will visit the tree each time we go and I will tell her the story of the special tree.  Someday I hope to see it get very big and sit in its shade. You know you are the only dog in the park which dates back to the 1800’s, to have a tree dedicated to you because you are the most special girl God could have ever sent to us. We talk about you (well, you know that!) everyday….

I am so glad that you are doing good work my sweetest girl. I hope that you write me back quickly and let me know how the first class went. I am sure some of those stories will be hard to hear, but I want to share the experience with you. I think it is wonderful that you help everyone you come in contact with – but that is a Border girl, isn’t it? I am sending you this picture to put up in your den, so you can show everyone your brother. I have much planting to do as well in your rest area in the yard this Spring. I always loved the saying: Bloom Where You are Planted. I have tried to do that in life and of course you have done that in Hyfryd. That is all we could do and surely, we are one blooming team, all year ’round….Write soon.  Sending you more love than you can imagine, from all of us, but especially me.

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