Category Archives: walking

Bailey’s Tree- Fall’s First Blush

15 Saturday Oct 2016

Posted by in animal companions, animal families, border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, faith, Fall, Journaling, love, loving dogs, loving life, parks, rememberence, rescue dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Uncategorized, walking, Working Dogs

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The weather is finally Fall-like in Western, Pennsylvania. Bailey’s tree, her beautiful Red Maple, is dedicated to her at Buhl Park. We spent a lot of time there, as do Joy and I.

I love to watch the tree grow grow bigger each year and each Fall we look at the leaves and watch the little bits of red paint blush the tree leaves. Red was Bailey’s color. It was the color of her Coach collar and leash. A Red Maple is so fitting for her special tree and that is why I chose it.

The dog park she now faces was not there when the tree was planted. It is a new addition to the park and her tree has a perfect view of the dogs romping and playing. It’s perfect.

The leaves have just started to turn. I like that the change is slow and subtle. Joy and I walk in the park so many days during the week and it’s fun to see what changes happen right before our eyes.

Fall has always been my favorite season. It’s so colorful and crisp, although global warming has made it much warmer then I would like. I remember when September and October were freezing growing up in Chicago. 

Bailey died in the Fall of 2011, so while I love Fall it also brings  with it the anniversary of her crossing the Rainbow Bridge although I never feel like I am without her. She is omnipresent and she is within my heart. In the Fall and in each season, as the moon grows full and the earth rotates, we live our lives connected by nature.

 

Happy Birthday Bailey Girl…You little “deer”

20 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by in animal families, Birthdays, border collies, coincidence, death, deer, dog kisses, Dog walking, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, faith, letters, love, loving dogs, missing your dog, nature, parks, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, Senior Dogs, spirituality, summer, The Rainbow Bridge, walking, Working Dogs

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bailey buhl fall 3  2011, Buhl Park, Sharon, PA

Dear Bailey,

Today would have been your 14th birthday had your bladder not gotten the best of you. Joy and I went to Buhl Park, exactly where this, and so many pictures of you were taken as we shared beautiful summer days and cool evenings wandering this park where your dedicated Red Maple Tree stands so tall and proud.

Right after Joy and I got to your tree, we walked across the way and we heard a rustle. There was a beautiful little cotton tail deer looking right at us. Joy was so elated she could have pulled my arm out of its socket! i figured it was you. Birds talk to me by your tree, owls hoot, something is always happening when we visit. You are omnipresent that is for sure, I have always said that. I took these pictures today to share with you:

Lake Julia
Joy n me
Bailey’s Tree

The park was particularly perfect today. After days of high humidity and high temps, your birthday was perfect and as you can see, Joy was still looking around trying to see if we could not spot the deer (you?) again.

Of course I talk to you at the tree all the time (and in my mind) but I am long overdue for a letter from you…just a thought from your mommy.

I wanted to send you love and hope you are having a lot of whipped creme today with Safari, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Lucky and Barkley! Are you having a little cake with the whipped creme? I hope so and it should have pink frosting because you are the girliest girl ever – well you and Joy, of course. You never would have sent me anyone who was not all girl!

I love you Bailey and I know that deer was you; prancing through the brush and dodging out to say hello and I love you too.

xoxooxoxoxooxox 4evernever

 

 

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A Tribute to a Gentleman Farmer…

29 Monday Dec 2014

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Dearest Bailey,

I received news this week that our friend, Steve Beck had died. You remember Steve and his dog Boo Boo? I do not know if you remember, but when you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge to Hyfryd, Steve is the person who helped place you in your special resting spot with love and care, while i cried as hard as it was raining that day. He too loved you so much. Steve, a gentleman farmer, loved animals. Remember we used to go there to visit the draft horses and cows? I am sending you his picture for your den!

It is always sad news to hear that a friend died and because we are not up North during this time period, we could not go to his funeral. I am not a person who likes funerals, but when I return in the Spring, Joy and I will take a special walk at the park to commemorate his memory and we will do that here in Florida as well.

Since Steve loved animals so much, I am hoping that he finds his way to Hyfryd since there are so many animal lovers and animals there. If you see him Bailey, please guide him toward you. He may be trying to find a good place to settle and I know you would welcome him with open paws.

I miss you so much everyday but when I look at your Santa Bailey picture I just wish I could reach out and bury my face in your fur. I know, I know, do it with Joy is what you are whispering in my ear. I do, of course and I love her so very much – I always think how great the two of you would have been together. You live in my heart and I wear your heart necklace everyday and my earrings to match are on today as well. Red Rubies of course, being that red was your color. The color of Christmas, Valentines, hearts and of course love.

With all of mine to you. Write me back soon, okay?

Your Mommy

Posted by | Filed under animal families, Christmas, death, dog/human relationships, Florida, Journaling, memories, missing your dog, spirituality, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, walking

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Naked Leaves

31 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by in animal families, border collies, dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Fall, kisses, letters, love, loving dogs, loving life, memories, missing your dog, nature, parks, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, sky, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Uncategorized, walking, Working Dogs

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baileys tree fall 2014 naked leaves 4baileys tree fall 2014 naked leaves 2baileys tree fall 2014 naked leaves 2

 

Dearest Bailey,

It’s that time of year. Three years and three days ago we were robbed of being with each other physically on earth together. But really we have never missed being with each other, have we? I must admit i loved to fluff up your long thick hair and kiss your long nose, but when I kiss Joy’s nose it’s just like yours. You Border Collies have that certain something – a cuddle factor unmatched by any other breed of dog child.

So we wrote the book together and just recently I was in Chicago and a girl who I had not seen in a long time, asked me to sign her copy. That was nice. You are everywhere, even when I travel. Today it’s Halloween. The weather was too rainy to get to the park, but it’s supposed to snow tomorrow, so even if it’s yucky, Joy and I will drive over to the park to see the snow there. I’m sure all your leaves will be gone by now.

Several days ago when I took these pictures of your tree at Buhl park, it was a gorgeous day, with air so crisp like a Winesap apple. Joy was having so much fun crunching in the colorful leaves she turned around twice just to jump up on me and kiss me as though she were thanking me – in fact I know she was- she was so happy to be there on such a nice day!

Each time we go I kiss one of your leaves until there are no more. I do not know why I feel your presence so much more there then in the yard in your special spot. I feel you come alive in the park so easily, through the wind and the way it blows, and motions that Joy makes either by rolling around in the grass by your tree or smelling spots exactly where you did. Not a day goes by little girl that you are not in my mind and heart. I wear your necklace and never take it off. You will always be there in many different ways and I just wanted you to know that I am always thinking of you! It’s your turn. Write me back. I hope you and everyone in Hyfryd are doing something fun for your Howl-O-Ween! Love, Mommy xoxoxoxoxox

Harry, Lorraine and the Magic of Buhl Park

10 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by in coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, loving dogs, rainbow bridge, walking

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Lorraineswan buhljoy rolling around buhl

pictured left to right: Lorraine, A Swan on lake Julia and Joy rolling around with happiness…

 

Note: I am going to publish this here and on my other blog, www.joystail.com cause it is truly because of Bailey that so many magical things happen at Buhl Park.

For those of you who know this blog because of Bailey’s Journal and our book, Letters To Each Other, you know that Bailey has a special tree at this amazing park that was dedicated to her after she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in 2011. She is the only dog with a tree of her own. I knew she would help me find the right dog after a while and of course her spiritual guidance led me to Joy. Literally.

Joy and I walk at Buhl Park every other day. It is her fun and exercise as well as mine. For me it is my peaceful time away from the computer which is much needed in my work.

There is a woman who is part of the staff of Buhl Park named Lorraine. She cuts grass. For many years she would have treats and stop to see her doggie friends and give them a treat. I am never critical of the park, but they stopped her from doing this as of this summer and I think it is stupid and so does Joy! I am sure I can speak for all the many dogs who walk at the park and were happy recipients of Lorraine’s treats!

Today we saw Lorraine and Joy got so excited as soon as she saw her coming on the mower. I had to give Lorraine some treats from my pocket to give to Joy. Lorraine told me she was having a rough morning, but I think I made her feel better and gave her a big hug. Lorraine, who has a dog of her own, told me that before she ever met me, she had seen the tree and its dedication made her cry.  After we said Goodbye to Lorraine continued on our walk. The last part of the walk occurs around Lake Julia, which has beautiful swans and sweet ducks everywhere. Joy loves to check out the lake. As we were walking, a man came up behind us as Joy was stopped to smell whatever glorious scent she has found and he started to talk to me. He was walking an adorable, tiny dog which was black and white and Joy really liked her because she was not barky or aggressive. He said to me, “I don’t mean to tell you about my troubles, but I was married for 69 years and now it’s just me and my dog. I got her after my wife passed away several years ago.” I asked his name. He said it was Harry and his dog was Lady and she was 7 years old. She was a rescue, just like Joy. He said he liked Joy’s name. I really liked Harry. “I am 91 years old. This is our second walk today.” He told me one of his two kids lived in Florida and the other in New Jersey. “They want me to go live in Florida, but I don’t know.” Harry did not seem like he wanted to go there and he talked, walked and could hear perfectly. He did not even have a cane!  He and Lady seemed to be doing great and I could tell Harry was always a handsome man. He still had his hair and was quite nice looking. I should have taken his picture. I hope to run into him again. “What is your name?” he asked. “I am Sherri and that rhymes with Harry, so I don’t think we will forget each other’s name,” I replied. No I won’t. I hope to see Harry and Lady again soon. Buhl Park has a way of bringing people together and dogs, like people, are social beings who enjoy meeting new people and learning new things. Today we met a nice man and his dog and what could be better than that on an early Wednesday morning?

 

IMG_0420Bailey in my beret, one Fall at Buhl Park!