23 Sunday Sep 2012
Posted 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
08 Sunday Jul 2012
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adoption, animal companion, animal companions, animal rescue, animals, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog adoption, dog communication, letters, life with dogs, missing your dog, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love
Dear Bailey, So glad to hear that your new class this week. I have told Joy and she is very proud that you named the class after her. She is thankful and grateful and as you can see everytime we visit the tree, she is crazy as all get out even in that hot heat we have had. That is the reason I have not been to the park in 4 days, which never happens but the heat was just awful. You could barely breathe outside it was so humid and stuffy!
I am going to like hearing about this new class as I think it goes hand in hand with our book in helping to teach people about The Rainbow Bridge and the opportunities that might seem impossible to people until they understand that there is work beyond what we see. Good work to be done by those, like you, who are amazing and understand. We are getting so close, Bailey, to finishing the book and I am so excited. I am guessing it will be complete by the end of August or early September! This is our dream come true! So we are both working very hard together as always!
Ms. Joy is very sweet. She is very funny in so many ways. This girl LOVES love more than anything and when she eats she TOTALLY reminds me of you. Snarfer! I do not know how to slower her eating down. She truly enjoys her food immensely just like another little girl I know! You could not have found a more perfect little girl for us, Bailey. You are always so right with the world. I cannot tell you how much you have taught me. As I have said, it is no surprise that you continue to be a working dog in a teaching capacity.
I am sending this picture of us. It’s a little fuzzy, but I sort of like it. I love that I have a billion pictures of you. You loved the camera and were, and still are my perfect muse and I think I am yours as well. I wish more people could see how to do good and be good in the world. They need to pay attention to creatures and not “things.” You teach us much. By the way, Howie crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday. I do not think he will be found in Hyfryd, but I just wanted you to know. I think P&J are sad.
Time to go relax and unwind now. This is a busy week for Russell and I and you have a new class to teach tomorrow and I will await hearing all about it. I will see you at the tree tomorrow for sure. The leaves will rustle and I know you are there. I love you with all I got to give sweet Bailey girl xoxoxooxox ,mommy
28 Monday May 2012
Posted in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog adoption., Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, second chances, 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, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, female dogs, Guidance, life with dogs, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com
Hi Mommy! Well, I told you that at the right time I would find you a new friend to walk in my paw prints, so I found you Joy – literally and figuratively and it is a match made in Heaven literally!!! So you made it through your first two weeks with her. I think it’s so funny, and obviously Victoria does too – that you thought Joy might not like you and daddy. Are you kidding me? And, I found you another Princess just like me and I have to give Victoria credit here as well. In the year that Joy has spent with them, she has really been the model doggy girl. Victoria told me that she turned down a lot of people who inquired about Joy. I have to say that lady is pretty darn smart in waiting for the right one to come along and that was You, Daddy and Safari. Well, just know that I am watching and I have heard some things you have said to her during your walks – of course I hear almost everything you say, but if I am teaching my classes, it’s hard for me to concentrate on both things. I just wanted you to know that yes, that is exactly how I was at age 3! Adorable of course and full of feisty energy. I wish you could have found me then instead of when you did because I would have been in better heath of course, but as the greatest mommy in the world, you did everything to help me and I am forever your heart doggy as Victoria likes to call it. Joy is too, I can tell. We can both be. She is a real sweetie pie and I could not be anymore pleased with the guidance that I have given you! So that leads me to my next news!
I am adding yet another class to my repertoire and it was Joy who became my inspiration. In fact, in addition to teaching Loving 101 and All Better 102. The new class will be called Finding Joy and I have so many peeps who are very interested in doing what I did for you and daddy and learning how to do it. Of course only select people can take this class. Only above-average animal companions, who have an intense connection to their families will benefit from this as I am going to use our book to teach from – well at least as much of it as we have written. I really want us to get to 100 blogs since that is when it will truly be our completed first volume and ready for publishing – raaaaa rooooo!
So I know you are wondering how will I choose the people, when there are so many who are interested? Well, I have enlisted Onwen, Prila, Dayo, Telewynn, Barkley and a few others to do interviews. I have come up with a long list of questions for them to ask potential students for the new class because I think only really special people can have success in doing what you and I have accomplished. It really takes an extra special connection to work with guidance from over the Rainbow Bridge. You and I… never a beat missed – others they may have a harder time I think. The idea of the class is to be able to help people enrich their lives through adopting new animal companions and finding just the right one for each of our families, like I did for you by leading you to Victoria.
I would ask you what do you think, but I know that you will like the new idea and you can tell Joy she will have a new class named for her. I heard you tell her one day how she and I would have been great friends – oh my goodness yes to that! She is so cute and fun, I would have loved playing bone with her and I am so happy that she liked all my toys that I left behind. I heard you tell Daddy that “Bailey’s love just keeps on giving through her toys,” and that is so true and of course you would get it. Those are the kinds of things we need to teach here to help give guidance down there. You and I did not need to be taught, but some dog/cat people do need it because just as I had posted a noticeo f the new class with a sign up sheet for interviews we already had more than 400 names! Can you imagine? That’s a lot of guidance!
That, my dear mommy, is my latest news from Hyfryd. Oh! Thanks for the birthday letter. You are the sweetest! I had a good birthday although it was the first one in 3 years that I had not celebrated at home with you, but life now is about many new firsts and forevers. I just wanted a simple dinner at home with Onwen and Barkley. They went home afterwards and I thought about the structure of the new class and just wanted to spend some time alone to think about You, Daddy and Safari. I need some reflection time too, of course. I am so glad that you talk to me all the time. You are so funny, you talk to me no matter where you are. I love that you think of me everyday. I do too. Not a day goes by that we are not connected by our hearts. That is what a Time for Joy class will be all about. Write me soon. I miss you so very much and love you even more. Furever yours in kisses, Your Sweet Bailey girl… xoxooxoxoxox
12 Saturday May 2012
Posted 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, Journaling, 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 companions, animal rescue, animals, anniversaries, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs, dogs and cats, female dogs, pet parents, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com
Dear Bailey,
Thank you my sweet daughter of love. It is so fitting that you sent us a dog named Joy. After missing you for a long six months, it only took you four months to find her for us and it took us 6 to get to her. She is home now with Safari. If I had found you as a young dog, this is how I imagined you would be and in some ways I think that you sent her to us to show me wha your youth looked like. She is filled with boundless energy, just like you and endless love and cuddles. I know she shares your heart and spirit and that is why you led me to find her. I know that in the deepest part of my soul and brain.
She is playing with your toys and loves them as and always, you are a girl that keeps on giving. You loved to share and your legacy continues on here – like we said even though we cannot see you physically you could not be more present. There is so much that reminds me of you. She loves food, treats and people. She has a lot of love to give and it amazes me how you people trust us even after being treated by idiots who have no appreciation for animals.
Which brings me to Victoria. How I love this woman. YOU would have loved her so much and Kernie too. What truly wonderful, interesting people. On this Mother’s Day I honor her, you and Joy and all the people who are moms who know their fur kids are an equal member of the family. I could not have been more bless to have found you, my sweet Bailey girl and to find Joy means so much. She is so special just like you and Safari. Our story continues my sweetest girl and I cannot wait to hear from you tomorrow! will have more to report I am sure. Haven’t got to the tree yet . Planning on Monday. xooxoxoxoxo, me, yours always.
04 Friday May 2012
Posted 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!!!!
02 Monday Apr 2012
Posted 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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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, animals, anniversaries, Bailey dogs, Buhl Park, cancer in dogs, Cats, dog communication, dogs, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, pet parents, planting, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, spring, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com
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.
31 Tuesday Jan 2012
Posted in border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, loving dogs, loving life, rescue dogs
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animal companion, animal rescue, animals, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, circumstance, dog communication, dogs named Bailey, finding peace, Going Home..., Jon Katz, letters, life with dogs, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com
Bailey,
Today I sat down, late in the day and read Jon Katz’ book, “Going Home Finding Peace When Pets Die.” What was interesting is how many things in his book I have touched on in our letters to each other. While it was a wonderful book, I did not learn anything I did not know – perhaps it gave me validation to have my feelings. It always helps to know when others feel like you do.
Today is 93 days since you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and the book got me thinking how much I do celebrate your life. Something happens everyday that makes me think of you . I do feel you and think I always will. Part of the book is about adopting another dog. Not sure 93 days is enough, but his point is that there ar so many dogs waiting for homes. He made a point about an elderly neighbor who thought she was too old to get another animal, so he helped her adopt a 14-year-old cat, which I thought was a great idea.
I remember when I first saw your picture at www.petfinder.com and read that you were 7 years old, I said to daddy, I do not know how long we will have her if we adopt her, but at least we are giving a senior dog a great life and that is exactly what we did. A really great life. Of course all the animal companions under my care over many years, have had great lives because that is what I am all about. I bond closely to your spirits because they are genuine and have unconditional love. Most human folk do not have that, though there are a few.
I was not prepared for your diagnosis, however. There just was not enough time, but Katz’ philosophy, from a dog’s perspective is that you dogs come into lives for a reason and leave when your work was done. You are there to lead us to the next circumstance. Maybe writing our book was just that task. That is what I wanted to ask you tonight. Katz says he feels his dogs around him all the time. I know you are with me as much as I know that there is water at the beach. I want to know your opinion, Bailey, so please advise in your next letter. You are the greatest gift; your spirit and intense love. I need you to know that you made a difference in every life that you touched and none so more than mine.
Well, I wanted to tell you about the book. Of course I was crying once again and needed a lot of Kleenex to get through it. So tell me what you think. I need you to find us the next dog. You must tell me when the time is right. I cannot do it without you by my side.
Write Soon Sweet Girl. I love you endlessly,
Your mommy
28 Monday Nov 2011
Posted in border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs
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adoption, animal rescue, animals, anniversaries, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs, letters, life with dogs, love, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, pet parents, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, senior dogs, unconditional love
Dearest Bailey,
Today is one month since we said goodbye to our physical relationship. I carry your lock of hair and a treat of yours with me in my purse. Today I pulled out the treat to smell it like you did, with a sense of vigor and interest.
I am glad you were going to have a nice Thanksgiving. We did too and whenever I eat turkey I think of you. When don’t I thtink of you? If I see something you would like, I think of you. You never are out of my mind and I know I am not out of yours either.
It poured rain late in the day and we are supposed to experience some cooler weather. Ralston was here – he misses you, as does Mai, working on some landscaping in the front of the house. You would really like this cat Gracie that hangs around. I named her that. She is very loving and sweet and VERY social like you…sometimes I wonder if you sent her here? I keep thinking that I could never meet another dog like you. There is sometimes a bond so joyous and special – like what Russell and I have. People always tell us that they wish they had a relationship/and or marriage like we have. Sometimes you just know something is right for you and you and I were just like that. Safari is that way too. I can never imagine him having anyone else to care of him but me. Since you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge he has been extra close and loving. He misses you too.
I just wanted to tell you that I love you so much. All those pictures I took of you now are hanging up here. They look so great because you are just so gorgeous! Write me soon of your adventures. I do not have anything too exciting to report and I am sad today without you. I cannot believe I have lived without you for a whole month. I can’t stand it. I hear your woof and bark and see your smile in everything that perfect. I miss your kisses.
Nose to Nose with all my love,
Mommy
21 Wednesday Jul 2010
Posted in Uncategorized
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animals, anniversaries, dog adoption, dog rescue, karma, life with dogs, loving dogs, senior dogs
Before July 20, 2008, I never knew how important a blade of grass could be or how much a dog is like a small child. Yesterday was Bailey’s two year adoption anniversary and although two years feels like such a short span of time, it seems Bailey has always been a part of our lives.
She is a dog with a personality that is human-like. She seems to know exactly what you are saying and what you are thinking. She only has to look at you and you know what she is wanting as well. And although she is safe, has two fabulous homes to live in and is extremely spoiled, yet she always wants more.
Only at night can I move from room to room without her following me everywhere. Only when she is so tired she finally, like a child, settles down. During the day, she always wants something: more food, more water, more kisses, more attention and more love.
When I researched Border Collies, I knew they were a breed who needs to be busy and we are. She goes with us on every errand and loves it. There are certain stores that allow her to come in such as Home Depot, Barnes & Noble and she is always happy when the local mall has the pet fare and she can actually go to the mall for a day. In essence, she loves to shop! She is my child. We don’t have to buy a thing, but we like to look around.
She is my sidekick in life and truly my shadow and I would not have it any other way. As we turn the page on her second anniversary I think of all we have learned – that we are both very much loved by each other and that’s the way it should be.
She was at the shelter a year before we came along. She was “the office dog,” at Angels for Animals in Canfield, Ohio, and then 3 weeks before me, someone adopted her for just 3 weeks and returned her. We are so glad that they did otherwise we would have never met this wise soul of a lady who kisses total strangers and loves to be loved. Russell and I cannot go anywhere without people telling us how beautiful, gorgeous, sweet, soft and friendly she is. It is true. She is all those things and Russell, my wise husband, says her attributes are exactly like mine. He tells me that only I could have found a dog so much like myself, but that is why he loves her so much and he really does. That is his “little girl,” as he refers to her everyday.
When we adopted a 7 year-old dog, we knew it was the right thing to do, but we could not have found a sweeter life to share. Happy Anniversary little girl, we love you very much.
Bailey and me on the day she was adopted
20 Saturday Jun 2009
Posted in Uncategorized
Dear Bailey,
A year ago today, I saw your big brown eyes at Angels for Animals in Canfield, Ohio. You were so overjoyed that someone came to visit you. I always thought that you thought, what am I doing in this shelter anyway? It was certainly apparent immediately that you did not belong there and that you deperately wanted to go for walks, be played with all the time and be with people who would love you forever. After meeting you I knew that we would be perfect for each other. It was a a Friday night and our new porch was being built, so Russell could not come with me to the shelter. After playing with you, walking you and having our first “kissing exchange,” I knew I had better call him to say that you were going to share our world. Like a commercial for poor cell phone service, Russell could not hear me well, for he was at the Home Depot getting some materials that the workers needed. I was yelling into the phone how cute you were and he kept saying, “what?” I figured I would take my chances and bring you with me that very night. After driving the 35 plus miles back to our house, Russell was outside and his first comment was, “she’s big.” Weighing 35 pounds and were quite underweight for a border collie.
When we first discussed getting a dog we talked about a small dog. You were not small, but you certainly were not big, either. The first few weeks took Russell a lot of getting used to. He was doubting that he even wanted a dog, but he quickly saw that Safari and I were madly in love with you and your ebullient personality. You need us and and we needed you. Safari wanted his new pal to stay and I was not going to let that adjustment period be an issue. We got through all that and your many bouts of tummy trouble and visits to the vet. Here we are, we are both a year older. A lot wiser and much more in love. When I first thought of adopting an older dog, I had to deal with the fact that you never know how long you will have with each other. I soon realized that you never know how long you have with anything in life and you just have to be greatful to just “be” and enjoy all the happiness that comes your way. I think that is the gift we give each other every single day, don’t you?
It is my responsibility as your mommy to give you lots of my love and the very best care and in the world. I know that you are aware that I do that and you are deserving of such attention. You are a joy to be with each day, Bailey. We love you and we are glad that you feel the same about us.
Bailey's Journal 