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Bailey's Journal

~ The Adventures of Bailey, A Senior Border Collie That was Rescued

Bailey's Journal

Tag Archives: Christmas

Faith and Love

24 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, Christmas, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Hallmark Movies, Journaling, joy, kisses, love, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, spirituality, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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animals, Christmas, dogs, faith, love, spirituality, writing

screen-shot-2016-12-09-at-4-02-46-pm

Dear Mommy,

Just want you to know that Me, Safari, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Jane and Lucky are having a lot of fun up here in Hyfrd over the Bridge. We are having the town’s BIG Christmas party tonight and of course I am the coordinator!  I will herd everyone over there at 6pm and light up Hyfryd in the town square! It looks just like all the Hallmark movies you watch!

I cannot believe it’s been five years since you kissed me and held me, can you? I know you see me in so many ways and I certainly see you as well. Just know that love and faith is the glue that holds us tightly together. Always and Forever. #ADogsPurpose I love you Mommy!

Your Bailey Girl….xoxooxoxoxooxox

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Bailey’s Christmas Visit

24 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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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animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Christmas, Christmas Eve, dogs, faith, love, magic, rainbow bridge, rainbows, spirituality, the beach, unconditional love

 

little bailey
rainbow shells

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Tribute to a Gentleman Farmer…

29 Monday Dec 2014

Tags

animal rescue, Christmas, death, dog communication, dogs, farmers, friends, loving dogs, missing your dog, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

santa bailey 1steve beck

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

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Posted by Sherri Maddick | 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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And Another Year Goes By…

27 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by Sherri Maddick in amazon.com, animal families, border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, The Holidays, Uncategorized

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animal companions, border collies, Christmas, dog communication, letters, loving dogs, missing dogs, older dogs, rainbow bridge, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, unconditional love

letters from bailey cover

MOMMY!

I think you have been wondering if I would write before the new year haven’t you? I know, I am terrible, but ’tis the season for over-business but who cares about that? I want to tell you something.

I am so proud of us for getting our book out this year. That was a goal we set and accomplished and I think we should reflect on that for at least a few minutes! I cannot tell you how many people have read our book here in Hyfryd. It’s a lot! Of course I have been using it in my class, Loving 101. It is so popular.

You know, I can see Papa has not read the whole book through yet. I heard him tell you it was because “it’s a sad story” and you told him it wasn’t, really. I knew what you meant because he does not believe in any sort of life other than the one he knows now. That is unfortunate. I know you have tried to explain that Buddhists prepare their whole life FOR the life that comes next. Papa does not believe in that at all and that is okay. Don’t try to make him read the book, maybe it is too hard for him. I know you want him to for all the right reasons–especially since he bugged you about writing your book for SO long!

I just think it is so great that we were able to write it together and finish it and so all the work that made it a reality – well, you more than me, but you could not have done it without me! ha!

 I know you have been missing me around the holidays because I look so darn adorable in a Santa hat, but I have missed you as well. You will be proud to know that your little girl has the most beautifully decorated den and STREET in Hyfryd. We light up the sky here so beautifully it looks like a magic light show!

Instead of being sad, I just wanted to tell you how much I love you. How VERY much I love and miss you and that the book meant the world to me. I do not care if you and I are the only ones who ever read it. I am just proud that we write, read and shared it with others. I know we have some great reviews on http://www.amazon.com and that makes me so happy.

I love you Mommy. The New Year is almost here. I know you will write before or on New Year’s day as you always do. In the next letter I will tell you all about some news at the school – it;s very exciting and you will have more reasons to be proud of your Bailey girl.

I hold you heart in my paws always and I am sending you kisses,

xoxoxo, Bailey

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Santa Bailey I Love You…

11 Wednesday Dec 2013

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, Christmas, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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border collies, Christmas, coincidence, dog communication, letters, life with dogs, senior dogs, spirituality, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

santa bailey 1
santa bailey 2
santa bailey 3

Dearest Bailey,

The tree, the ornaments, the lights, the color red, most of all. Red was your color. The color of your Coach collar and leash. The holidays are all about red and I cannot help but see and feel your energy everywhere. Little Joy reminds me of you. I never knew you as a young pup, but I always think you would have been just like her. You Border Collies are so similar in your sweet dispositions and great energy – and Joy has amazing energy that I wish I could bottle and give to people everywhere. I love that about her. It’s so joyous and positive.

I need you to write me a letter very soon and tell me how you are doing. I need to know how everyone is in Hyfryd. Anwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Barkley, Shauna, EVERYONE! I need a holiday report. Have you decorated the den yet? Is it sparkly? I hope so. Tell me everything.

I love you the most in the Universe my Sweet Bailey. Write me soon. I need it.

Mommy xoxooxx

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My Rainbow In Your Sink…

26 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, Christmas, coincidence, dog/human relationships, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, Poetry, rememberence, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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animals, anniversaries, Bailey dogs, books, border collies, Christmas, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs named Bailey, female dogs, letters, life with dogs, love, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, teaching, the rainbow bridge, writers

IMG_2000

Hi Mommy!

So you saw the Rainbow I sent you. I did not mean for it to land in the bathroom sink, but maybe that is where it was supposed to land since that is where you were at that exact moment! That was my other Christmas present to you. I am sure that you liked it because you sure rushed to get the camera! ha! The day was not that sunny, so it probably did not last too long, but I thought it was a great gift to give you, the colorful light of my energy.

I just realized that this si the 99th letter! Wow! So I guess one more will make our 100th and here we go to the bookstore!  WOOF! It’s going to be a lot of editing work that is for sure! A new project for 2013! I am so excited. I guess we might have to split letter 100, l okay? Then we will BOTH have the last word of the first book! haha! I like that idea. We have to do it before 2012 ends, right. Right!

Christmas with everyone here was quiet, much like at your house. I prefer it that way – a good time for reflection and you have always been one to write about a year in summation – me too. We will have a great 100th letter. Let’s think about what we want to say and meet back here this week and finish our work for the book. I cannot wait!

I love you forever,

Your Bailey Always xoxoxoox

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Starbucks, Bailey and Joy…

17 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, Christmas, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Florida, Journaling, joy, letters, missing your dog, second chances, Starbucks, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Christmas, missing your dog, Starbucks, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

Joy Loves Her Puppy Lattes!
Joy Loves Her Puppy Lattes!
Joy's First Santa Hat
Joy’s First Santa Hat
Bailey Plays Santa
Bailey Plays Santa
Bailey, you poser!
Bailey, you poser!

Dearest Bailey,

It was so good to FINALLY hear from you! I had to tell you this little story. You know how everyone at Starbucks adored you? You loved the little red cups at Christmas time to drink your water in the car. And who loved Puppy Lattes MORE than you?

The other day, Papa and I went to Starbucks and we thought we could try to sit outdoors with Joy. Lots of dogs go there and she is used to going there up North, but usually in the drive through Starbucks. I thought this would be a nice change for her and she could get a puppy latte (whipped creme in a cup, for those of you readers who might think I give my Joy coffee, no!)

Russell stayed outside with Joy while I went in to retrieve our drinks and tiny cup of whipped creme. Joy was SO excited. A man came towards our couch and said, “I have to come and pet that cute dog,” and at that very moment Joy started barking at him. I said, “sorry maybe another time!” A few minutes passed a younger guy named Evan came towards us and said, “Oh my goodness, you are just too adorable with those freckles on your nose.” Joy did not bark a word! She liked him and let him pet her. “I have to go get my dog, she is in the car.”

He was wearing a cool t-shirt that said In Dog We Trust, maybe that is why Joy knew he was okay! Next, I said, “Oh what kind of dog do you have?” “A Sheltie,” he said. She is kind of shy like Joy.” “Awww, a Sheltie? I love Shelties. What is her name?” I asked? “Bailey he said.”

Of course it was. He could have had any kind of dog with any name in the world, but it was a Sheltie in the same collie family and she shared your name. It could not have been a more perfect moment. You shared it with us because you are always omnipresent. Always. I feel you everywhere I am and I am glad you make your presence known in many different ways. That was the best Christmas present I could have been given. Thank you Bailey – you and the Sheltie….

With all my Love,

me

PS: Two pics of you and two of Joy to show everyone in Hyfryd!!!

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I Should Have Written Sooner…

16 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, coincidence, dog communication, dogs and cats, letters, life with dogs, missing your dog, pet parents, senior dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, www.petfinder.com

744I am SO SORRY I should have written sooner! I was so busy finishing all the classes before the break, so I am sending you this adorable picture of me and you with hopes that you will forgive me. Oh yeah, I’m Bailey, you ALWAYS forgave anything I did! hahaha – Although let’s face it, I never was really bad ever! I know yua re saying, “yes that is true,” right now!

Sometimes around the holidays all the critters here in Hyfryd really have a hard time with missing their people, but Onwen and I try to teach them that the “spirit” of the holidays are really always there – just like you and I know each other is just a whisper away.

That is what I teach the people here. I try to explain that everyone will be reunited with their people in the future – some sooner than later and vice versa. I want people on both side of the Rainbow Bridge to be grateful for what they have now; that is what is most important. So many people take it all for granted. You and I never will.

I am so happy that you adopted Joy. It’s funny she has the perfect name for this season, huh? I can see she makes you laugh like me. We are very similar, that I see. I was just more outgoing than her. Remember how you thought I was so friendly that I would just go with anyone? I never would have, you know. Joy, on the other paw, would bark at them and protect you to the nth degree! I like that quality in her, actually. I can see how much progress she has made already in her socialization. You just keep taking her places and she will do fine. She is QUITE the squirrel chaser like I was, huh? Very funny!

I do have to say that I am ready and happy for the holiday break from school. I don’t resume classes until January 7th. I never thought I would be THIS busy over the Rainbow Bridge, but hey, what’s a Border Collie to do? We are working dogs and I love helping people. I always think about that movie, It’s a Wonderful Life that we watched each Christmas. If you had not adopted me, I might never have been a teacher. I certainly would not have had the great experiences in my senior years that you guys gave me. It was so great of you to adopt a senior dog, really, cause nobody wants the older dogs and cats. Of course I should not say that – there are some, but for the MOST part people want the young ones. We certainly chose each other and on this second Christmas without you, papa and safari, I am thinking about that. I am thinking how grateful I am to have had a wonderful three years with you because the first part of my life was not good and I block it all out. You truly loved me with all your soul and heart and I feel that everyday, even today over the bridge.

Guess what? We only have three more stories before we go into a book! I am SOOOO excited!!! I cannot wait. We ARE going to do a second one too, right? Yes, I figured as much. That is great because there is so much to say and so many people to help understand how to deal with this new part of life! Oh and I wanted to tell you that yes, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Lucky and a bunch more others will be here with me, Onwen and Barkley. Barkley has been so great at school. I have given him a new class to teach come January. He will be teaching a class of very young folk who crossed way too early due to accidents, just like his. He is such a wonderful guy I just love his enthusiasm.

Write me soon, okay? I promise to write quicker! We have to move on to the 100th blog!!! – I love you and will talk to you before Christmas.

All my love, Bailey Girl….

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Holiday Thoughts…..

03 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, Journaling, joy, loving dogs, missing your dog, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

Bailey's Santa Look!Dearest Bailey,

Last year we did not celebrate the holidays. I tried for Safari’s sake, but your crossing over the Rainbow Bridge took a lot out of me. Sometimes I still call Joy, “Bailey.” She hears me talk about you all the time. I know Safari gets what I am saying, but I often think that Joy is wondering, “Who is the Bailey I keep hearing about? I know we walk by her tree up North at the park!”

Joy had big paws to fill upon her adoption, but the funny thing is, you did such a great job in helping me find her on www.petfinder.com  she is perfect. I will show you a picture of her in the Santa hat at the end of this note. I cannot help but think how playful the two of you would have been together. True, Joy is a young one and you were my senior girl, but you both have equally sweet dispositions. Look at your face in this picture. It is so precious you should hang it in your den when you get my letter and show Onwen and all your friends.

I hope that you will write to be when you get your Christmas break next week. I think you said you would be off school for a long break – and I am sure much-deserved. Here is the thing though, we only have a few more letters before it’s time to get the blogs together for the book! I know you are so excited and so am I. It’s going to be lots of work but you and I do not mind that, do we?

I hope you will put up a tree and decorate it with some cute stuff. I put one of your pictures with Santa out in the living room – so cute. Miss Joy would NEVER pose with Santa! I think that she would bark at him! haha! I might try it next year though! I started going to the dog park again. The first day was hard since you loved to go there and Joy REALLY loves to go – we were there today and people talk about how they miss you but they love Joy. It’s funny I was not sure that she would like it there and I could not have been more off-base. She loves it and I am very happy about that. She plays so well with the other dogs and they all love her. She is very gentle just like you.

The holidays are bittersweet for me. It’s only our second Christmas without you but I am focused on the book and getting that done and I am so thankful that we have worked on this project together and we will continue and make a whole series of books with the hope of helping others come to terms with the loss of their animal companions. Work to do!

Here is a picture of Joy with her Santa Hat for your den: She was not too thrilled with having anything on her head but I did it while she was sort of sleepy and would not mind as much! haha! Oh how I love you both.

Write to me soon my sweet Bailey girl. Let me know how you and your friends  are celebrating the holiday. I hope that you will also be with Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky and whomever else you love.

With all my love always and forever……

IMG_1881IMG_1877  PS – Safari wanted me to send you his picture as well. He was half alseep – I will work on new ones!

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I Wear Your Ruby Heart Around My Neck…

15 Sunday Apr 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, loving dogs, loving life, nature, rescue dogs, Uncategorized

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Tags

adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, Christmas, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, doing good work, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, senior dogs, solving animal abuse, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, The UK, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

Everytime I see something beautiful I think of you. I certainly cannot help it. All the kids miss you around here, Zoe, Angel, Rodeo, Mindy, and Courage, especially! I have told them you are doing very important work in Hyfryd and they think it is terrific, but they cannot help but miss your sweet smile. Of course Safari is sleeping in your spot and misses you terribly every day. We all do. Especially me. I am really hoping he likes and adjusts to Joy.

The ruby necklace around my neck (and the earrings too) are really the rubies that are for all of us.  You are with us always, but you already know that. I was just thinking about that today when I wondered how your class is doing. Bob’s sister got a place down here now and so they bring their dog with to his house when they visit. His name is Sonny and he weighs 125! He is a gorgeous all black Lab/Golden mix who loves to play. He was visiting today and we were all talking about you. Bob misses you too because you always liked him a lot. He has a gentle way with dogs.

I am curious to know if you got new people in the class and if the Greys came this time. There was some terrible animal abuse in the news this week, as there is every week, but this was awfully bad. It just turns my stomach, but I do something each day to help those furry kids in need. Your Twitter page is getting more and more followers each day and I think that we have more people following us overseas than in the USA! I love that!

As for the book, I am close to having enough pages, so do not think I am not working on it – I know your diva self longs to be famous. To me you will always be my sweet, simple Bailey girl no matter how famous you become! Remember, Wes also called you the MOVIE STAR! A bright star, that is for sure. Here and there, you shine bright. Write me and let me know how this week went okay? Until then I will look forward to hearing the whisper of love I feel from you at my ear…

I Love You Bailey Girl, with all I got….xoxoxooxox

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