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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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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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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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Not a Merry Christmas….

05 Monday Dec 2011

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, Thanksgiving, The Rainbow Bridge, vacation

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Dear Bailey,

My screen saver seems to be a never-ending kaleidoscope of your many faces, actions and antics. I see you not only in my heart everyday, but in pictures everywhere. With Christmas approaching, I am further reminded that you will be having your own party over the Rainbow Bridge with your friends and that I will be here without you by my side at the Christmas tree which you loved to dig your toy presents out from under. I am going to miss that.

We are leaving on our cruise this Friday. Daddy and I need a vacation after this difficult year, so I won’t be able to write until I get back, but I will have lots of adventures to write about afterwards.  Of course I am taking yours and Safari’s picture with as I always did. I feel bad for him too since you are not there to watch over him like you did so well, but I have two people doing so! I loved the way you protected him always.

You remember Rodeo right? I took him for a walk the other day. He was so happy to go but he was wondering where you were and so were Lola and Courage. EVERYONE around here misses you so much – you were everyone’s favorite girl, especially mine of course! I wish people would stop telling me to “get another dog.”  No one understands that my Bailey set VERY HIGH standards and I keep telling everyone that I am awaiting your decision about that at the right time and the way you have been communicating with me, I know that you will send me a clear sign.

It was nice of you to meet Gracie at the Bridge. I appreciate that. It was a bad day for me and I knew that you would! When daddy was watching football yesterday, I was talking about you and all of a sudden I see the back of the Dallas Cowboy named what else–BAILEY! I just happened to walk in at the very second he appeared on-screen, so I imagined that you were playing ball in Hyfryd. Were you? I wish I was playing ball with you. I miss that so much.

I really don’t want to bother with the tree since this is a longer trip and Christmas will be soon after we return, but I have to for Safari. He loves a tree and knocking down those ornaments. Everytime I go into Petsmart without you it’s just so weird. All the people there asked about you and miss you. Everything is a constant reminder that you are not with me and it’s just very difficult. I wonder if you miss me as much? I know we are still connected in many spiritual ways, but how I long to touch your beautiful, long fur and brush you after I bath you.  Your constant kisses are a lack that I cannot stop thinking about. You are just so adorable and your love is so unique.

Anyway, sorry I sound like this. I do not mean to. I just miss you. I will write after the trip. If you want to write before I leave, please do I LOVE to hear from you my Sweet Girl! I know you will….

Nose to Nose,  xoxoxoxooxoxox

mommy

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So Many Reminders…

13 Sunday Nov 2011

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, parks, rescue dogs, talking dogs, vacation, Vacation by car

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Cats, golf cart rides with dogs, missing your dog, vacations

Dear Bailey,

I am so glad that you won your agility contest. I knew you would. Bailey ALWAYS wins! haha. You love winning, because you are competitive like me!

Well, we are in Florida now. Every rest stop reminded me of how much you loved to sniff around and meet other dogs, but oddly, this trip saw the least amount of dogs. There were not as many as usual, which did not help me any, I was still sad.  Today is Sunday and we just got here late Friday afternoon. I have not seen Kevin’s golf cart yet, but when I see Zoe and Angel riding around in it, it will yet be another reminder that you are not here to borrow it and take you for rides. How you loved that golf cart with your tail hanging off the side, blowing in the light breeze. Everywhere I go, I see you; where we would drive. I saw an ad for Dillard’s in today’s paper and thought how you loved to go inside and meet the sales people. They all loved you and offered you treats because you were so nice.

We spent so much time together that nothing does not remind me of you, which makes this very hard. Safari went out on the lead today in the yard. he’ll probably puke up the grass later, but I am not sure what he wants to do about a new buddy. There is a new VERY friendly stray gray cat hanging around. She is big fluff ball, but who knows if she is healthy or not. I am sure Safari would like a new doggie friend, but I feel there has to be a sign from you and you already told me NOT YET!  (I really hope you send me a nice Border Collie or Collie). We are going on a couple of cruises; the first one for 10 days next month. We really need a vacation badly. I am just concerned about Safari being lonely, but the neighbors will take good care of him. We really only not see him for 8 days, since we see him the first day we leave and the day we get back… I think how much he will appreciate me when I return. You both always did but then you had Lu or Bev to stay with you the last few times. I just don’t want him to think that we left him too. I know you are saying he will be fine and I am sure that you are correct.

Everyone down here misses you too. I am going to see Mai this morning – you know she moved her business into the Flamingo Flea Market and wants me to start working on her stuff PR stuff again. She is doing very well now, and I am happy for her. Well, Russell is ready to head over there. I love you Bailey – write me later – I have not heard from you in days and you said you would write me with all your new adventures – so I expect to hear from you later today! Sending you 10,000 nose to nose kisses…..Mommy

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It’s never enough

18 Tuesday Jan 2011

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, nature, rescue dogs, Uncategorized, vacation

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border collies, dogs, loving dogs, rescue dogs

I will be the first to admit I am a needy dog. I cannot help it. Before Sherri found me, I was in the shelter for a year. I made myself the “favorite” shelter dog so I could be in the office everyday under Mary Ann’s desk, but I knew she would never take me home because she already had five dogs. I don’t think I would have liked it there with all those dogs.

I know Sherri wonders why I bark commands at her. I like when she pets me for a long time and rubs my spinal column because it feels so good.  I think I eat 9 times a day, I am worse than a little baby, but since my surgery I feel better. I don’t know if the cancer is gone but I want to play constantly and I love attention-constant attention – like just now when Sherri went to write this for me I made her stop and play ball, right in the middle of a sentence – I don’t care.

I have reached that time in my life where I want what I want and now, not 10 minutes from now, just right now. I know that drives people up a wall, but somehow I cannot help myself. I feel especially hyper today because of the full moon. My ancestors were grand wolves and they did the same thing during the full moon glow.

We went to dog park today and I herded all the little dogs around. Everyone there loves me and thinks I am beautiful. I love all that praise, in fact nothing makes me happier than constant praise and Sherri is the perfect one to give it to me but perfect strangers? That is simply a bonus! I think the reason I act like this is because I want to take it all in. Sleeping is a waste of time really. I mean, I don’t know how this stupid cancer thing is going to work out so I don’t feel like sitting here waiting around and doing nothing. Sherri says I am her “go-dog.” I think that is accurate! I love to ride in the car and go. I could care less where we go it’s just fun to go! I LOVE when we go shopping! Here in Florida, us nice dogs can go into stores and shop for purses and clothes! The ladies at the stores all love me and always offer me treats. Life is good.

That is the point. Life. I love life. I love my life with my parents and my cat, Safari. Sherri prays for me everyday and kisses my bladder area where my scar was – you cannot even see it anymore since my hair is all grown back!! I am so happy about that. I have a great life. In July I will be 10 and I am determined to have my 10th birthday because I know Sherri will get me a lot of cool stuff and I will get to eat stuff that I love – like fresh turkey. I never want to leave their side. I am guess I’m needy that way.

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Another Year to Say I Love You, Bailey…

31 Friday Dec 2010

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, New Year's Eve, rescue dogs, talking dogs, Uncategorized, vacation, Vacation by car

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Dear Bailey,

I thought for the new year, I would just write you a letter for your blog. July marked our second year together, although I feel as though you have always been a part of my life, that is just the kind of girl that you are. You fill up each day with endless amounts of energy and love for me, Russell and Safari.

You consistently remind me of a man I once did public relations for.  He always said “leave a little piece of you wherever you go.” What he meant by that is that something as simple a grocery store clerk should be acknowledged by her badge name. “Hello Susan, how are you today? My name is Max and I hope that you are having a great day!” That was the kind of guy he was.

You remind me of him because you do that. There is so much Bailey all over Western, PA, Northern OH, and Southwest FL, everyone remembers you! Your personality alone makes people stop and talk to us – every single day. Your kind, gentle manner as well as your stunning beauty –which everyone compliments you on daily–is contagious. It worked on me the very first day I met you. One kiss – much like Russell–and I was hooked. One true kiss. So very enchanting…

This was a tough year for me with you because of the discovery of a bladder  mass in November, but you sailed through your surgery here in Florida. Remember how I slept on the floor next to you the whole night and  to the amazement of Dr. Larry, you are feeling terrific!  Our new friend Carrie gave me the idea to sleep on the floor with you, because that is what she did with her dog after its surgery. I am glad she told me that story because I know you appreciated beging snuggled up together when you felt like crap after the surgery. You and I live everyday to it’s fullest and most enjoyable capacity. I kiss your bladder everyday and we tell  it to go away now, don’t we? 

You know deep in your heart that you could never have found a better partner than me, for you. Russell thinks we are so much alike and it’s true. The two social gals…you are my assistant in all we do and they even love you at Dillards Dept. store! Kids beg to feel your soft silky coat, men and women compliment you on your perfect disposition and aside from your begging for food at the dinner table you are simply perfect.  We love you so much Bailey. You bring us laughs and joy every day and I know that we do the same for you.

Today we had fun at Doggie Park with all the big dogs, wishing them all a happy and healthy new year! Then we got home and you ate your special turkey and had a great bath. Now you will be clean and fluffy for the new year!  We will have many more fun days! We are two, middle-aged girls in love with life and I feel so blessed that we can share that life side by side, together. My wish for you is a HEALTHY 2011. I already know it will be happy because we give that to each other daily!

We get older everyday, that is true, but we can take each day to it’s splendid limits, wrap it in your boundless energy and take joy in that as we welcome in a new year with more laughs and more smiles and always, another day to say I love you Bailey…

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Bailey’s Prayer

19 Friday Nov 2010

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs, talking dogs, Uncategorized, vacation

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My Dearest Bailey,

I am taking you in for surgery tomorrow for a mass on your bladder wall. I am praying that it is not cancer and simply a cyst.  Dr. Crago does not think it’s cancer since you are asymptomatic, but you have always been my mystery girl since I adopted you as a middle-aged lady. And such the Lady you are. All girl, my femme fatale, so full of love and kisses—  how you love to spoon and play catch. Today I saw this early Hannukah gift and thought the bone was a blessing for you. How excited you were when I took it out of the bog! You love a new toy so much and I love to provide you with them.

I would do anything to make you better, you know that. You are my girl, my Lady Bailey. So many people are sending you good thoughts for tomorrow, but no one more than me.

All the love I have to give you,

Mommy

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An Upcoming Birthday…

22 Saturday May 2010

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, Dog walking, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, nature, rescue dogs, Uncategorized, vacation, Vacation by car

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This is a picture of Bailey at our private dog park that was taken after her hair started to grow in. When we she came into our lives in July, 2008, she was shaved except for her tail and around her face. May 24 is her birthday. Well, that is the day it is celebrated because that is the day she was returned to Angels for Animals in Canfield, Ohio for the second time. As I bathed her yesterday I was thinking about the paperwork I looked over when I went to see her at the shelter after getting an email from www.petfinder.com.

The papers stated that she was adopted for about 3 weeks but the young couple returned her because “she did not get along with their other pet and because she was not housebroken.”

Such lies. Bailey gets along with EVERYBODY! She loves other animals and would never hurt a fly, literally! She was incontinent, if they would have done some research or taken her to the vet as you are supposed to do when you adopt a new friend, they would have learned that she was spayed too early and most female dogs who are spayed  early will become incontinent at an earlier age. She will be turning 9 years old on the 24th and Safari will also be tunring 9. Oddly, his actual birthday is May 23th and we took that as a sign when we adopted her!

How anyone could have returned her is so beyond me. Everyone Loves Bailey! People stop us in the street to tell us how gorgeous she is and what a sweetheart of a personality she is. It’s so exciting to see her so happy and loved. She was at Angels for a year before she had the trauma of being adopted for only 3 weeks. It is no wonder she follows me everywhere and loves to be with us. She is needy in that way, but it is understandable. She thought after a year she was going to have a new home and then she gets sent right back to the shelter. Even the people at Angels loved Bailey and in July there will be the Angels for Animals Doggie Day Reunion and we will be there! Bailey loves a celebration!

We will celebrate both Safari’s and Bailey’s birthdays next week and I think how lucky we were that those stupid people did return her. They missed out on knowing and loving the most wonderful little lady on the planet. She gives us so much joy and love and makes us laugh daily with her “spin tail” and big smiles…Happy Birthday Bailey & Safari!

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Riding Through Hurricane Ida….All the Way to Florida

28 Saturday Nov 2009

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, Dog walking, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, nature, rescue dogs, Uncategorized, vacation, Vacation by car

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Are we in Florida Yet?

Hurricane Ida’s tears were punishing. From the time we rode into West Virginia, through Virginia and both North & South Carolina, the wind increased and the rain fell harder. A trucker told to to avoid the 15 mile backup on I-77 by taking Hwy 20, which we did not know wound through and around The Jefferson National Forest and was worse than if we had steered the course on 77.

But Bailey was perfect. Her second trip by car down to Southwest Flordia since her adoption in July 2008. I just think  she is so grateful for experiences in her senior years. It’s as though she just retired and is spending her pension doing new things. I am her fund through which she withdraws her adventures, the sights she gets to see. We are here two weeks today. Tomorrow is her favorite activity, The Saturday Farmer’s market, where other dogs come to strut their stuff amongst cucumbers and heads of lettuce and freshly made baked-goods. She always looks for crumbs from the popcorn maker, the bagel guy and the key lime pie creator. She knows where to look and she stops at many a booth where people tell her how soft she is, how beautiful she is and how sweet a personaliy she exhibits. There is is nary a dog who loves praise as much as she.
 
She loved the ride down here and the stops at the two hotels. Now that Bailey is a member of our furry family, we stay at suite-hotels so we have more space. Safari always keeps us up at night. The first night was bad but he behaved the second one. I dislike having to stop twice. We probably won’t do that on the way back to PA in in the Spring. At least I hope not.
 
But Bailey is a great traveller. I wonder if all dogs are? I appreciate the quality in her that makes her ready to go on any adventure. Almost daily we go to our little independent coffee/wine shop, CGrape, here in Bonita to see Mai & Drew, the owners. They have two dogs. Bailey gets to walk right in. I get my coffee and she gets a little, 1/2 mini dixie cup of whipped cream. She LOVES that she gets to go inside a “people” place. For some reason, dogs are allowed inside all kids of  places. Yesterday there was a Boston Terrier riding in the cart at Home Depot!
 
Thanksgiving just passed and I am so thankful for Bailey and Safari, of course.  There are certain women out there who think you are nothing if you don’t have a child. They are usually over-the-top people who I don’t care for anyway, but it is amazing that they think they are superior to us women whose “children” have paws and fur. I prefer it that way. My “kids” appreciate all that I do for them. They love unconditionally. We communicate without words and that takes a special ability and I am proud to have that in my soul. My greatest passion aside from loving my husband as much as I do, is my love for animals and it always will be. The ride down here is simply part of the journey of the many furry kids that have touched me.  I don’t need a special time of year to be greatful because it’s part of who I am.

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