Tag Archives: animal rescue

Bailey, The Ambassador of Love & Friendship Welcomes Ma Cherie…

02 Sunday Oct 2016

Posted by in cats, faith, Fall, Journaling, letters, memories, rememberence, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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Dear Mommy,

I wanted you to write to you today to tell you to let her Mommy Jennifer know  that Ma Cherie is here with all of us. She got here safely and I met her right over the Bridge as you had requested when you talked to me at our tree the other day.

Cherie is so cute and she is very happy to be free of cancer. I showed her the house next door to me and Barkley where all your sons and daughters are. She thinks Safari is quite handsome and by the way he sends his love along with everyone else. Cherie told me she was an only cat so she was super happy to move in with Safari, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Jane, Lucky, Shauna, Grayson, Tiger, Tom, and Smarty. She said she could not believe there were so many cats to run and play chase with! She seems to be having a great time. We all built her bed before she got here but she spent her first night curled up with Safari and Cheetah in Safari’s bed. That Safari is quite the ladies man you know…he even went down to the Kit Kat Cafe and bought her some new toys of her own. She started playing with them and batting the little mousies over to Cheetah and Shauna right away.

I know Jennifer is probably feeling so very sad and you said she would probably find solace in going to church today so that is why i wanted to send this on Sunday. Tomorrow is Rosh Hashanah- the Jewish New Year. You know there is nothing we do not celebrate here!  Religion here is all mixed into one. Tell Jennifer that it is a time of renewal and faith for goodness to come in the New Year for our family and friends, in case she is is not familiar with its meaning. Cherie was really happy to be arriving at such a time of celebration she said.

And she asked me to tell Jennifer a few things. She said this: Tell my Mommy that I was so happy when she and your mommy found her at that crazy shelter in Chicago. I loved my mommy so much because she worked from home and I was able to be around to help her all the time. Tell her that I was glad we got in one last road trip, it was fun. Oh and tell her I was sorry for eating the Lilly’s that made me so sick and she said thank you for saving my life even though it cost a fortune. She said that she and Jennifer had a great life dedicated to each other. She also mentioned that she was worried that mommy would be so sad that she would drink too much wine, so she said not to! She said she wanted her to celebrate her life instead of mourning it. I told her that you and I wrote a whole book about this subject and as the Leader of Love here in Hyfryd, I have to tell Jennifer what we have come to know. You are only separated by a physical presence . Cherie lives in your heart and you and hers, that is something I know for sure.

And Cherie said one last thing. She wanted Mommy not to take too long before helping another or maybe even 2! Cherie said that it would have been nice to have another cat to play with so her advice is to consider a pair, perhaps siblings? she said. She told me her mommy used to talk to her a lot so she will need some kids to keep her company, cuddle and greet her with meows at the door. Cherie said that there are so many who need homes and rescuing is the greatest reward, as she has come to know this is true. Cherie said the the purpose of the Rainbow Bridge is that one crosses a new life begins for those who cross and one who awaits a new home on the other side. Cherie said she will be with you so keep your eyes wide open for the love that awaits. Part of me, she said, will be in the next one or two (1) that she sends your way.

 

 

 

Bailey’s Christmas Visit

24 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by in animal companions, animal families, Christmas, coincidence, death, Dogs named Bailey, Florida, Journaling, joy, letters, memories, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, rememberence, rescue dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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Tonight is Christmas Eve. Two connected things happened this week of Christmas, always a magical time. I had posted on Facebook how much I was missing my Bailey. The next day, this rainbow appeared in my front bathroom over the shells that have been collected on the beach over the years.

I had a free day and planed on Christmas shopping and taking some me time, but after dropping off my husband and his friend to the marina for a day of fishing I stopped back home, looked at Joy and said, let’s go to the beach. It was so early I figured I could make her happy and get in some me time as well.

Joy was so excited as I put money in the meter and we walked onto the beach. The surf was high and made beautiful windy water sounds. A woman was there with her cute daughter Ava, and this little gray dog. We started chatting and because our dogs wanted to meet so badly they were whimpering in sync. She complimented Joy on what a beautiful dog she is and I replied that her dog was cute and asked her the dog’s name. “Bailey,” she said. I knelt down and I said, “Of course you are Bailey coming to visit me Christmas week.” I petted her and she just looked at me so sweetly. We chatted for a while longer and we realized we were also part time resident in Pennsylvania. I in the West, and she in the Eastern half of the state. Yes I was sure it was Bailey.

Since Bailey crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in the Fall of 2011, she continues to be with me in different forms. We wrote our book together, Letters to Each Other, which grew out of this blog.

I hope people embrace the thought that this is probably not all there is. How else do you explain deja vu? I think those feelings you get that something has happened before or some act feels familiar, are in between places where true loves never dies . BAILEY FAV PIC SMALL

As we move toward 2016, I wish everyone peace on Earth and a true connection with those you love and always keep them in your heart.

Bailey's Santa Look!

I know I am the best!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time For a Winter Nap…

04 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by in animal companions, animal families, birds, border collies, cats, death, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, faith, Fall, Florida, joy, spirtuality

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For readers of this blog, you know Joy and I spend much time walking at Buhl Park, which just celebrated its 100th birthday! The difference between Bailey’s tree between August and today is vast as these two pictures illustrate. It is time for the tree’s winter nap.

I do not ever think I have ever voted when the temps touched the 70’s in early November. Tomorrow Joy and I will visit Joy’s tree and take a long walk for the last time before the trip to the South for the winter. We won’t be back until the end of May and when we do return it doesn’t take me more than 24 hours to get back to the park to see Bailey’s tree. While she is buried in the yard, it is always at the park I most feel her presence. Joy and I cannot go there without a bird landing on the tree, a squirrel playing hide and seek or a rustle of the leaves by a sudden burst of wind. Something always happens. Always.

As we head around the corner on the path that leads to the tree, I always say to Joy, “let’s go to Bailey’s tree now.” Joy knows the way. She’ too is a Border Collie and she is very smart. The minute we get there, she rolls all over the grass. Some days she does not want to stay too long and move on, but I never leave without talking to Bailey’s tree and touching the leaves while looking up toward the sky.

No matter where the atoms that comprise our body are, our spirit and soul is everywhere and omnipresent. At this time of year, when I know I won’t be at the park for many months, it sort of saddens me, but then I find Bailey on the water when I am on the boat. She loved to go to the beach and be on the water with her long hair whispering in the wind. Joy does too. I am grateful that I am blessed with Joy and her new kitten Sabie, who will be experiencing this road trip for the first time.

Bailey’s red Coach leash remains in a special place inside the car and travels with us. Like I said, she really never left. Her tree will nap during Winter’s rest and when we return it will be green and in bloom. By then, the dog park will be right behind our tree with barking happiness all around.

IMG_0375   Bailey at Buhl Park, age 8, 2009

joy and me fall buhl 2015 by Bailey's tree Joy, Me and the tree…Bailey's tree winter nap 2015 Bailey's Tree Aug 2015 joy rolling around buhlsabie gorgeous pic october 2015

If It Weren’t for Bailey…

03 Saturday Oct 2015

Posted by in books, border collies, coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, Doing Your Best, faith, Fall, Pope Francis, the elderly

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Dear Bailey,

While Joy and I visit your tree so many times a week, I often think about how positively our lives still intersect. I always knew they would, I just wasn’t sure how but things just seem to happen because of you. It’s just the kind of dog you were here on earth.

I am sure you and everyone over the Rainbow Bridge heard about Pope Francis coming to America. After all, he took the name of the best Saint, St. Francis of Assisi, the one known for his love of animals. It’s no wonder everyone loves him he seems to be more progressive than previous Popes and he enjoys people, just like you did.

When the Pope was here, I watched him and listened to things he was trying to convey to people. One was to be of service and do simple things, one of which was to help an older person who lives alone. And that got me thinking that recently, my friend Cathy, had asked me if I had seen Mr. Bruce. Remember Mr. Bruce? We talked about him on the back cover of the book. He was the Vietnam vet in the wheelchair we would always see fishing around Lake Julia at the park. You sure loved him and he loved you too.

Well, I never told Cathy on Facebook that I did go to see him a month ago and was happy to know that he was still alive but when I saw him he was on oxygen now due to COPD and Emphysema. His tiny apartment in the senior building where he lives, was quite a mess with a lot of mail and junk piled up. He had captured a large snapping turtle and had it in his bathtub. I told him the next time he went to the lake, which he was planning to do that day, to please take it back because his tub was filthy from the turtle poop! It was a big mess and needed some organization. I asked him if he wanted my help because I did not want to impose my wanting it to be clean unless he wanted it. He did. I told him I would call him.

About three weeks went by before I could get back over there and it truly was the Pope’s message that forced me to make the time to go there. I called him on a Sunday morning and he said, “Hi! I was expecting you!” I asked if he would be home and he said he would stay home if I was coming over. His only personal mode of transportation is his motorized wheelchair and this man does get around. I told him I would be over in 20 minutes or so.

Armed with natural cleanser and garbage bags, I went over to see him. Before I looked in the bathroom, I asked if the turtle was gone. “Yes, I put him back the same day after you told me to. Do you know when I put him down, he turned and looked back at me and then went into the water,” he said, smiling. I know he enjoyed the company of the turtle. This is a man who had companion dogs when his wife was alive.

Piece by piece, we went through piles of paper on the makeshift coffee table that stores everything from pills, to junk mail, cell phones that don’t work and one that does, fishing things and Coke bottle caps. In essence, Bailey it was a lot of filth and  junk. So we went through it and he did good, letting me throw a lot of junk away and organizing the rest. I moved his TV to a higher shelf so he could see it better and I dusted the whole area. When I was able to actually see the coffee table and clean it the paper towel turned black instantly.

Of course when our book, Letters to Each Other came out I had left him a copy and he pointed out that he had found it and had put on the shelving system where the TV was. I told him that it was only because of you Bailey that I was there. I don’t know if he and I would have ever talked while he fished had I not been walking you all the time. You were always the conversation starter because of your amazing aura of friendliness. Everyone wanted to meet you and stroke all that soft fur of yours. You were always willing to let people touch you and love you up. I am hoping Joy will take on the characteristic with such a fervor in her later years. She is still a pup.

So Bailey, we did some good this Fall. I wanted you to know that, although I know you were there with me I am sure. You, along with a little nudge from the Pope, inspired someone to get some help and truly it was Cathy’s thoughts about Mr. Bruce that got me going to begin with. We thank her for that Bailey.

I cannot reach out and stroke your fur or give Cathy a hug because we do not live close. The closeness is always accessible. Even if someone is far away Bailey, good thoughts bring us together in action and love.

Love you always,

Mommy

Joy rests at your tree
Mr Bruce
The start of Fall 2015
Beautiful Bailey
Our Book

Bailey’s Tree Becomes Prime Real Estate

18 Tuesday Aug 2015

Posted by in animal companions, animal families, border collies, dog adoption., dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, faith, Senior Dogs, spirituality

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Bailey's Tree Aug 2015

Bailey’s Tree, August 2015  

bailey's buhl park real estate

View of the area where the doggy park will be behind her tree

Walking through Buhl Park the other day, I learned that Bailey’s tree is now prime real estate, since they are building a doggy park right behind her tree!

When I heard this news from a man working over there I was elated. Bailey always brought so much happiness to everyone she interacted with that it just figures that the doggy park would be nearby. Like in Hyfryd, where she, Safari, Tarzan, Cheetah Freedom, Shauna, Lucky and Jane and the rest of her furry friends reside, over the bridge, there will be happy barks and yelps, smiles and laughs from all who go to the doggy park area and she will be there to see all the action.

When I looked for a sapling to dedicate they showed me different trees all around the park. For those of you who have read this blog, or our book, Letters to Each Other, you know the tree is a Red Maple and its type was chosen because of her red Coach Collar, which she wore so proudly. I chose the location because it had a view of Lake Julia and the country club. Being that Bailey was a diva (deservedly so) I thought it was the perfect spot. Bailey enjoyed the finer things in life and we were always happy to give her everything.

As a senior adoption, you especially never know how much time you have and  a lot of time was something we could not give her yet the 3-1/2 years she shared our love and home, were her best – that I know – it’s what gives me comfort. Even though she crossed the bridge and I can’t see her physically, I always see her at the tree. Although she is buried in our yard, I always think of her as being at the tree. The park is my peaceful place. I spend a lot of time there and I spent a lot of time with her there, as I do now with Joy. It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth and now it will be even more lovely with the addition of the doggy park, right in Bailey territory.

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A Tribute to a Gentleman Farmer…

29 Monday Dec 2014

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santa bailey 2

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

Yes I saw You and the Rainbow…

08 Sunday Jun 2014

Posted by in border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, rescue dogs, The Rainbow Bridge

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Bailey's tree June, 2014

Dearest Bailey,

Of COURSE I saw the rainbow! Thanks you so much for sending it to me. I Love you…..sorry it took me so long to write back, but as you know we got back to PA just a week and had so much to do. Joy and I visited the tree 5 times already though! Look at how BIG you have grown the tree and just the other day it was sprouting some little red leaves. Red was your color and that is why you have a Red Maple! It’s so sweet and pretty just like you. You know I carry a picture of you in my wallet and whenever I open it to get out money, people often look at it and comment on how beautiful you are. I miss you so very much.

You will be happy to know that our little rambunctious Joy was an angel on the trip and has proven to be the best traveler! She liked staying in the den and we felt it was safer in the car that way. She was perfect and Safari is always great in the car as you know. It’s SUCH a long trip and so tiring. We did too much really and now my arm is bugging me worse than it already was. Seeing a new doctor for that tomorrow. Lots of fun, right?  You are probably having tons of fun in Hyfryd. How are my Tarzie, Cheetah, Freedom and Shauna? Please lick their faces for me okay?

I wanted to send you this picture of you and me. It was the day we adopted you – June 20, 2008. Almost six years ago. That is before all your hair they shaved grew back. You were so cute always were. That face I could not resist. I miss you Bailey my sweet daughter. You sure picked the most wonderful girl to walk in your paws when you found us Joy. She is really a sweetie pie just like you. Anyway, I was just thinking about you. Here is the picture for you to put next to your bed tonight and dream of us. I love you always, Mommy – xxoxooxox

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Did You See My Rainbow?

26 Monday May 2014

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cats, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Florida, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, memories, missing your dog, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, trees

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Bailey in Yard so lovely

Hi Mommy!

Did you see the Rainbow I sent you tonight from Hyfryd? I knew daddy would show it to you cause I saw him standing outside right after the rain and I had felt you thinking about me yesterday and today since you are getting ready to go back to PA. I heard you ALREADY telling Joy that you cannot wait to see how big my Tree got at Buhl Park. I am NOT going to tell you so it will be a surprise. I cannot wait for you to visit our Red Maple!  I miss you so much lately. You know how much I loved riding in the car all the way from Florida to PA. I made the trip WAY more fun, didn’t I?  I never complained because it was so much fun to just relax, listen to music and eat treats for 1100 miles! Haha!! Now Joy gets to do that. I see you bought her a den so she will be more safe in the car. I think that was a good idea!

Not too much new to report. School is out now and I have to spend summer preparing for some new classes I want to create. One, I know you will like and I got the idea from our book, Letters to Each Other. I was thinking about calling it Love Communication 101. I will place an emphasis on how the doggies, kitties and all the animals here can learn to communicate better with their loved ones even though we do not share a physical world anymore. I will develop different techniques for them to learn; I still have to flesh it out. You know, some days it is so very hard, not just for me, but for a lot of my friends. Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky miss you so much. They heard you say the other day that you think about them all the time. I know you have their pictures everywhere, just like you have mine. I love that you are a picture taker. When you adopted me as a senior, I bet you took MY picture more than anyone ever took it in the 7 years I lived before we fell in love! I see you always taking Joy’s picture as well. That is good to create many memories. We need them. Being separated physically does NOT mean we forget anything!

Writing the book with you really made me MORE popular than I already was and you know how I could turn a head! Haha! You will be proud that everyone here has a copy of the book here and I do not know how you made that happen, but it’s wonderful just like you Mommy. You are the best Dog/Cat mom in the world! Give Safari boy and Joy a big kiss for me!

Well, I just wanted to make sure you saw the Rainbow I sent with all my thoughts and wishes of love. As you like to say “see you soon Bailey Girl…” In my heart and mind I see you each minute of every day.

All My Love,

Your Bailey Girl xoxoxooxox

5 Years Ago and Now Double 5’s

19 Wednesday Feb 2014

Posted by in Birthdays, books, border collies, coincidence, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, The Rainbow Bridge

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Dear Bailey,

I love this picture of us. I think it was in the Winter of 2009. This was the picture I used for the back our book, Letters To Each Other and I love it so much. We both have great smiles in this picture.

When I signed on here tonight I had a congrats from WordPress. It said I started this blog with you five years ago. How time flies. Five years ago you were so full of life in this picture and who knew you would be taken from me in only a few short years after finding my sweet senior girl.

I guess it is all about the number five this year huh? Tomorrow is my birthday so of course I expect to hear from you in some way shape or form, literally! Double 5’s. 55. Hard to know where the time goes. What I do know is that I love the time I spent writing the book with you and am grateful for anyone who has been helped by it. Most of all I am happy about the time I spend thinking about you and writing to you and hearing from you. Joy would have loved you so much and we all miss you so very much. You already know that.

I saw a rainbow the other day. It had not even rained, so I know it was just you saying hello and showing your beautiful colors from the bridge – the colors of Hyfryd – so pretty. I just wanted to say I love you Bailey. Another year without you but another year to live within me.