Tag Archives: Cats

Loving You 101…

07 Tuesday Feb 2012

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

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  Dear Mommy,

This picture is one of my favorites because I had never been on a boat before this particular day and it was so much fun to feel the wind in my fur and to smell the air and the salt water in Florida. I loved seeing the other boats whiz by and just feel so free on our boat.

Since Valentine’s Day is approaching, I wanted to tell you that I am leading a class which I sort of named with you in mind. It’s called Loving You 101. Since arriving here in Hyfryd I’ve become a role model to some other doggies. Of course I think this happened too because I am writing this book with you and everyone thinks I am sort of a celebrity or something. I still just think I am Bailey Maddick, but I remember how you sometimes thought I was a diva. And Wes, at the dog park, always called me “the movie star.” I secretly loved when he called me that!

The class is how to love even though your true family is on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge and you cannot see them. In my class, I have talked about how writing can be very helpful, even if you are not a good writer – I mean you are teaching me more and more as the time goes on and I love it. I just started the class, that is why it took me almost a week to write you back, because I was busy preparing and I wanted to write and tell you the news! I have held two classes this week; each were 1 hour-long. The first class had 22 “students” and when word got out about it, the second class had nearly 50! I was so happy that people enjoyed the class.

Being a Border Collie, I am a natural-born leader right? Of course you know that! haha! However, YOU taught me so much about true love. I got to observe it every day with you, daddy & Safari and when you adopted me, it was like I never lived anywhere else. Just like you knew the instant we met, I did too. So my class is all about love, the signs of love and for us on this side, how we can maintain love now that our family cannot pet us, hear us bark with happiness or wag our tails with joy at them. This is an adjustment. Sure it is beautiful here. We are all healthy and free of illness of any kind and we look and feel young and strong, which is wonderful – but the hard part is that we cannot share that with the people we loved so very much and writing these letters with you has made me think more deeply about love and spirituality and how we continue on.

For those of us who are still very connected in a deeply personal way, like you and I, it’s more difficult I think. Those are the types of folks who came to the classes so far. They need a reason here to exist and excel with a purpose; not just live every day to play and simply have fun. Mommy, you know I am a working breed. I need to do something and I think I have found my niche! I am sort of a new doggie philosopher and honestly it’s because of all the unconditional love you gave me right back.

So I wanted you to know about the class and my new job and I know you will be so proud of me. And I am proud to have left that side of the Bridge as your furry daughter – I have learned much and wish to teach others now who might need a loving paw on their shoulder. You always said that love is all that really matters and you are so right but I knew that as soon as we met. Our time was not as long as we wanted, but oh, what a great time we shared because we learned so much from each other.

That brings me to the next point. Joy. Yes, I know all about her. Petfinder and my face led you to come and see me and I wanted to make sure that Petfinder would lead you down the next path as well. Think about it, if it were not for www.petfinder.com we would have never found each other! They should know that! I see you sit at your computer and think about missing me and wanting another doggie girl, so I made sure your little hands typed on the page that led you to see Joy’s picture. Of course she is beautiful like me and I must say I am just a teeny bit jealous cause she is so young too, but that will be a good thing I am sure. I know you cannot meet her until May since you are in Florida, but I just know you will hit it off. She has that face that called to you just like me. I knew you would print out her picture and write to Miss Victoria. In May, when you go to meet Joy, I will be beside you. I will plan a class around this topic, for those of us over here, we just want to love and have our families feel love again as well. With you, I know your love for me has never stopped for even one second. I feel that in the moon and trees and wind and stars, everyday. I will teach the other doggies all about this and how the strong ones can continue their connection and help those they love like I help you. I will never leave your heart or mind mommy because we will always be one.

All My Love and Millions of Kisses,

Your Sweet Bailey Girl

 

Sunday Thoughts….

22 Sunday Jan 2012

Posted by in border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs

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Dear Mommy,

Thanks for your letter, sorry it has taken me this long to write back, but I, like you, have not felt that creative lately. Barkley had a bad cold and I had to help her and make her a good stew with a lot of carrots. She does not like them as much as I do, but she ate them and got better pretty quickly thanks to your “Nurse Bailey.” I knew you would be proud of me, looking after her like I have. She is barking away and running around like a crazy girl in circles again, as a good Jack Russell should do.

Aside from Barkley, I saw you and daddy suffered through some bad colds too, huh? Glad to see you are much better too. I did read your note in regard to Joy. I think you have to meet her of course and then you will know. I still do not think daddy is ready but he will be in a few months, but think more about Safari. I know he is getting all of your attention now and probably loves it; remember he is 10 now too!

So I have a favor. I see you did not like Dogbook. I checked it out at the Woofbrary and I don’t like it either, but I do want my own Facebook page, okay? Please get on that! We have to get this book thing going. You were really on a roll with getting me a lot of publicity, so we cannot stop now! Ha! I know you are smiling now….You are so cute, mommy. I am missing you a lot this week and I know you have had perfect weather and you were thinking how much I would love to be on the boat with you and daddy with the wind blowing in my hair….yeah, those were the good ol’ days for sure and I truly miss them. We do not have boats here in Hyfryd – that is the one thing that is missing. We have a lot of greenery and some lakes in parks so we can swim. You know us collies are not big on the full swimming thing, but I do like to get my paws wet and stomp around so me and Onwen have been doing that a lot lately. I see you are having a little valentines party- I am mad that I cannot be there – you know I love parties and people! I think I will have one here the same day you are and then we can compare notes, okay? I can decorate and I can bake little doggie treats in the shape of hearts. You are my heart mommy and I love that you wear the Ruby heart on your neck in my honor. We are linked together forever you and I. You know that, don’t you? I know you do because I feel it so strongly. There is such a sense of you being around me still, do you feel it too. Does it happen because both of us feel it all the time? I think so. In fact, I know so and I love that so much.

I love this picture of us in Florida. I have it hanging up in my den – I framed it and everything! Well Mommy, I think I want to go to sleep and I think you are tired too, since we always went to sleep at the same time! Write me soon and let me know if you can make me a Facebook page, okay? Maybe I don’t want one? You decide! You and me always figure things out, right? After all we picked each other!

Your Loving Bailey,

xoxooxoxoxoxooxo

Looking Around….And The Sky Was Blue

16 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by in border collies, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, rescue dogs

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My Dearest Bailey,

So you were having a hard time? I am sorry my sweetest girl. I guess now you can empathize with me here on this side of the Rainbow Bridge. Today, little Zoe came into the house twice and Angel did too. They got a cheese treat and Safari did not know what to think. He sort of gets scared of Angel because she is bigger, but he does not seem to mind little Zoe Zoe.

Your letter made me think how much I miss you and how my life is so so different without you in it. All the things I am not participating in, such as my early morning walk with you, doggie park and ride-in-the-car activities. Time goes by so very fast and I am so saddened by all the dogs and cats who need good, loving homes. Yesterday, did you lead me to www.petfinder.com – since that is how I found you! I was just looking around for Border Collies and found a rescue place in Minerva, Ohio. It’s called Indian Summers Border Collie Rescue. There was a little girl on there named Joy whose story broke my heart. I wrote them a letter to inquire about her but have not heard back. She is really pretty and sounds scared but very sweet. She was abandoned by her people, just like you. That makes me so mad! How anyone can give up their animal companion is beyond my comprehension!

I am kind of tired tonight. I did not sleep all that well last night and I am still not completely over my cold. My head still hurts! Zoe was giving me so many doggie kisses. I think she knows how much I need them and miss them from you most of all. I hope that you are feeling better and not as sad. I think I have enough sad thoughts for both of us but you told me not to! We got the boat over to the marina yesterday and I saw a huge line of sky writing again and I knew that was you. I know you loved to be on the water or near the water and I think you were saying hello – the sky was so blue – was that you? I am not feeling so creative tonight to write a really good letters. I wanted to see what you thought of Joy. I want to know more about her. I actually thought that maybe you would look for a boy for me! Whatever you tell me….I will know…or I should say, we will know…

I love you my dear girl and miss you each day,

Mommy

 

Missing Moments….

04 Wednesday Jan 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs, second chances

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My Dearest Bailey,

So the year has begun and I wonder when I will stop marking days in relation to all things having to do with you? I think never! I know you want me to stop doing this sort of thing and live in the present moment, but you know I have always had a hard time with that. In fact, one of the MANY BEST things you taught me was to live in the moment– and we shared so many of those moments. It was in moments, like playing with you and your bone, walking and watching you smell and focus on one particular spot of grass or shredded leaf that was always amazing to me. I took such simple joy in those special pieces of time. How you could smell one thing for 5 whole minutes, which in turn would make me stop, take notice,  and think why and what does that smell like to her? Without you, I don’t do it as much anymore. I know Safari has been enjoying all the extra time and attention, but he never wants to play as long as you would want to that is for sure!

How is that favorite bone of yours in this picture? I let you take all your very special stuff with you over the Rainbow Bridge to Hyfryd, but I still have a bag load of those toys because you told me keep them for the dog you will hopefully find for us! You always loved to share – that is why you have a mommy named Sherri! Different spelling, but at least my name has the word sound of share in it, right? I loved sharing everything with you right? Including my food! Yesterday Safari wanted a little teeny piece of crust, and it made me think of you since you loved crust so much! Are you getting any in Hyfryd? I bet that you are if I know my Bailey!

So how did everyone in Hyfryd ring in 2012? Did you do anything exciting? If you did, please tell me all about it in your next letter!  We didn’t do anything. It was just like a regular day. I am going to try to be a semi- vegetarian and just eat vegetables and seafood once in a while. I think it will be hard to give up chicken, but I am going to try very hard. I never cared about beef – Oh boy, you always LOVED your beef!!! Chicken will be a hard one, but I just don’t like idea of eating animals anymore. Today was the starting day!

Did you see that I wore the red purse for the first time today? I bet that you did. I was wearing a red sweater so it went well with it and it made me think of you. Red anywhere makes me think of your special red Coach Collar and Leash, which is still in the car in a special compartment so your spirit will always ride in the car with us! Sometimes I still look into the rearview mirror and think, where is my girl?  I miss going to the dog park in Estero too. I am sure everyone there misses you too. It was always cute when Wes called you the “Movie Star.”  You were just that and everyone recognized that quality, my sweet diva girl.

I watched one of your videos yesterday and started crying…I know…I know…but I love hearing you whine and talk and bark. I love that I can hear you and see you move. I miss your movement all around me – after all you never stopped moving! You were like a whirlwind of love surrounding me always. It’s just so hard not having that energy around anymore. I am sure you have brought that with you to Hyfryd and now that you feel like a healthy girl again, I can only imagine the beauty that you bring to your town and furry pals. You will tell me all about it in your next scribe, okay? Mommy is tired. I have worked a lot at the computer today and you did always make me take breaks and now, perhaps I don;t break often enough unless Safari comes over and walks on the keyboard— telling me to stop and pay attention, so of course I do. I get into the moment as best as I can. I just wish I had more of those moments with you too.

Forever and ever your mommy….xoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxo

The Year’s Last Letter

03 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge

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Mommy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Look at this picture I have sent you. Me kissing you RIGHT on the lips like I always did. I love this picture so I thought since you were talking about the many doggie kisses you are receiving you might like THIS picture of one of our kisses. Remember, our story started with a kiss – one TRUE kiss! And I want you, in the new year, to remember that real love stories never end – they only continue, whether they are physical or not.

Just because we are in different places, does not mean we are not together. OF COURSE I have been talking to little Zoe and I made sure that she comes over often enough. Didn’t you notice how she kissed you right on the lips, just like me and even Rodeo was kissing you like that the other day when you walked him AND Munchkin did yesterday! I saw all that – and heck, Munch has not even seen you in a long while! You have to know you are like a female version of Dr. Doolittle or something like that. Dogs and cats just gravitate to you. You seem to have a sensitivity we can pick up on and trust and we know these things. Yes, I am putting out feelers for another doggie for you, but I know he/she needs to be special for you to make the jump – after all – you HAD ME!!! Who could better? haha!

I miss you just as much as you miss me, but life is a circle. We are born, and we die. But the good news is that like the years go on, we continue – even after you get old and think you are done with life, you go on. Just think of the shape of a heart, it’s a closed shape that connects on all sides – just like we will always be connected from every side you can think of. The little things that you have been sensing (like the Border collies on Christmas Eve and the Bailey Dog on Christmas day) are very real and it is because I am your heart, just like the ruby one you wear around your neck that daddy made for you in my honor. I love that you wear it every day. You will always be my mom and the one I love and treasure most. Our connection does not stop in the new year it only grows stronger and deeper through our new means of communication – letters to each other. This is the last one of 2011, but we have a lot more to look forward to in 2012 – which starts in a few hours! Like you , I am sleepy and will go to bed before midnight, but I wanted to get this letter to you, so I can sleep well and think of the next beautiful letter I will get from you.

With all my love forever,

Your Sweet Bailey Girl

A New Year Without My Bailey Girl…

30 Friday Dec 2011

Posted by in border collies, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs

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My Dear Bailey,

Thank you for your sweet letter. I miss you too – more than you know. When I was a young girl, I used to keep a journal – much like you have! Upon New Year’s Eve, I would write a recap of all that happened that year and what I hoped for the New Year. You crossing over the Rainbow Bridge was the most significant and worst event of 2011, most definitely. I know you did it with ease and you now have a beautiful life in Hyfryd, but it cannot be as good there as it was with me- right? I know, I am being silly. Of course you loved being here with me, because you showed me everyday.

As I reflect on entering 2012, I only think of it as being the first year in more than 3 years, that you will not be part of a specific year. You were with me most of 2011, and now, 2012 will be completely without the beautiful girl I walked with, rode in the car with, kissed, fed, loved, played with and pampered every step of the way and I can tell you that for me, 2012 might be a sort of empty year. Sure, I will have your tree to visit, but I cannot know how I will ever find another dog, boy or girl, who could be as great as you were with me. As you said, you set the bar high – you truly did.

Rodeo has been enjoying me walking him. I think he wonders where you are and Courage follows us too. You know I always loved those two dogs and I think they know I am missing you and want to spend some doggie time with me. Of course your little pal, Zoe loves coming into the house finding Safari and eating a bite of cheese – cheddar is her favorite. Angel likes to play too, but Zoe really loves the heck out of me. You know I love the big dogs, but Zoe gets a soft spot in my heart for such a little girl. At least I get doggie kisses from everyone. Did you tell them that I need them? I think you have because there have been a lot of doggie visits and Safari has no clue what to think. “That’s not my Bailey,” is what I think he is saying when his back arches up and his tail grow fluffy with excitement.

I am wondering if you will send me a sign. Will 2012 be the right time? What do you think? Paris first?  Maybe, but I hate being away from Safari too. The trip was great, but I am always thinking of Safari and getting updates from Paul because I miss him and want to know he is okay. I am going to leave it up to you my sweetie. Yes, 2012 will be an odd year, I have a feeling because it is one that is starting without you in it. Yet, I am grateful – very grateful for all the many hundreds of days we had together. I know – QUALITY is better than Quantity. I keep trying to tell myself that and then I simply cry. I miss your love, and your astounding love, beauty and grace.  I feel you with me everyday. I thank you for the Rainbow in Aruba. I knew you were there and always will be.

Write me back before the new year rings in…

With love always,

your mommy

The 44th Day Rainbow…

20 Tuesday Dec 2011

Posted by 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, The Rainbow Bridge

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My Dearest Bailey,

You never disappoint me. You said you would be with me and of course, you were. After two days at sea, as we travelled South in the Caribbean Sea, there was the rainbow I hoping to see someday. It took only 44 days to appear after you crossed over that Bridge that, I am sure, leads to many rainbows which light the sky beautifully for all the wonderful furry children that people like me, your mommy, miss so dearly.

As I sat on our balcony I thought of you many times. I thought how much you would love to go on a big ship and see lots of people and be near water and beaches, pools and sun. This trip was not that sunny really, we actually had a lot of cloud cover, but it was still warm and partly sunny. Aside from seeing the 8th wonder of the world, the rainbow was the very best thing I could have seen because once again, I knew you truly were there with us. As sure as I know my own name, you are with me every step of the way and for those that do not believe in a another place, I feel sorry.  It’s like you said, we can’t be together physically, but we can be spiritually and you and I have always had a mental interaction that I do not feel with most people, so now it just presents itself in a stronger way.

I wear the Ruby heart necklace and earrings daddy had made in your honor and I love them, as I love you. Aruba was our first stop and it’s where your rainbow appeared.  Daddy bought me a beautiful ring made of Hawaiian Topaz there. It’s gorgeous like you. I wore it out of the store, so I never looked inside the little bag until we got back on the ship. Of course, you sent yet another sign that you were with me. The little ring box was red. How that made me smile. Saw several doggies on the trip in various counties, but they all looked like they had a hard life and I felt sorry for them. I take so much solace in the fact that I was able to give you everything you needed or wanted. Safari too. I cannot tell you how much he missed us – like never before. He was just squealing with delight upon our return. He slept in bed with us last night all cuddled up and he was so happy to have company again. That was his first time being alone without us and without you and I knew it was going to be difficult but he did okay. I had two different friends watch him so he would get extra attention. He misses you so much like I do.

What can I tell you my Sweet Girl? You are missed because you are so loved. We see things that remind us of you always and I know it will always be that way because you are special. I put up the Christmas tree and tonight we lit the Chanukkah candles. It’s that spiritual time of the year, but I do not need a holiday to bring on that feeling because you brought it into our world from the day we met, June 20, 2008 at 6:30pm. – exactly 3 years and six months ago today, when life would change for the better because of you Sweet Bailey. I cannot wait to hear of your holiday plans in Hyfryd. Write me tomorrow. I know you want to!

With All My Heart and Love,

Mommy xoxooxoxox

A Month of Missed Kisses…

28 Monday Nov 2011

Posted by in border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs

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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

The Two Sides of Thankfulness…

21 Monday Nov 2011

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, New Year's Eve, parks, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, Thanksgiving

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My Sweet Girl,

Oh, how I miss you. With Thanksgiving coming up I am conjuring up images of you and the pleasure you derived from Turkey. Of course you ate your turkey everyday, but you always knew it was my favorite holiday and for the first time in many years, and perhaps in protest, I am not making my favorite dinner this year.  Instead we having it with friends at their club. Perhaps it was fortuitous that Ronna asked us this year to join them; I am not feeling in the holiday spirit by any means. It just does not seem like the holiday season without you and I am thinking of skipping the tree as well because without you here to search under it for a new ball, bone or toy, what fun would it be?

I know I should go through it all for Safari, he loves the Christmas tree and knocking off the ornaments, so maybe I will, but I am not feeling the seasonal glow, let’s say. Then there is New Year’s Eve and I will be thinking about how I really hate 2011 because of losing you and then it will be 2012 – a new year without you in it. I am not sure this will ever get any easier for me, Bailey. We were just so joined at the hip and so perfect for each other – I cannot imagine another doggie bearing your greatness. My friend Jeff told me not to think of it that way and I know he is right. he said, just like people, doggies are all different and no two will ever be the same. I understand that logically, but mentally I am not there. He just went through it with Marlowe and now he has Harper and they are very different and he loves her very much, but I still think he has an extra soft spot for Marlowe that will always be there. I never even met Marlowe and I can just feel it from talking to him about it. I think Marlowe was much like you – tenacious and feisty, smart and beautiful and attached at the hip.

So the question is to give thanks or not? I cannot give thanks for you getting cancer. I cannot thank God or whomever is in charge of taking you from me at your young, senior age of only 10. I guess I can think of some things to be thankful for. I am thankful that you still ate like a horse to the very end! I am thankful you NEVER looked sick- EVER! You are the most beautiful dog on or above the planet.  I am thankful that I got more than a year of fun with you after your diagnosis. I am thankful for your Red Maple Tree we have dedicated to you in Buhl Park. I am thankful for the thousands of miles we logged on foot and by car. I am thankful for all the doggie friends we made and the people that we met along the way. I am thankful for all the fun we had going shopping together at our many stores in Coconut Point. Most of all I am thankful that we found each other through Petfinder, kissed each other literally thousands of times and shared a love that most people never feel as strongly. We were lucky for sure, just not for long enough, but as you said, Bailey, we had a lot of quality time together and that is more important that quantity.

I still cannot help but miss you so don’t ask me to. I do love hearing about all of your adventures and I am VERY thankful for your letters and I am thankful you are having a blast in Hyfryd and have met good dog friends and that you are taking care of little Barkley – who I miss as well as Bingo. So keep those letters coming my sweet girl. Know that you are are very much missed in so many ways, but I carry you with me in the Ruby heart necklace and earrings Russell had made for me in honor of you. Your leash stays with us always in the car so you travel with us in spirit and we celebrate you everyday in our thoughts, pictures, magnets on the car – you name it – we are still attached maybe not within physical reach, but in the most spiritual way, in our hearts and especially mine.

Thankful for your love always – Mommy

So Many Reminders…

13 Sunday Nov 2011

Posted by 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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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