• About

Bailey's Journal

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

Bailey's Journal

Tag Archives: coincidence

Day 365…Two Letters Today

28 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Fall, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, rememberence, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

animal rescue, anniversaries, coincidence, dog communication, loving cats, pet parents, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, the loss of a pet, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

My Sweetest Bailey,

I have 1000’s of pictures of you and each one is cuter than the next. It is hard to fathom that today, 365 ago, you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge into Hyfryd.

I have been privileged to share my life with so many wonderful furry children and you were one of them – a stand-out by all accounts.

We taught each other much, but you taught me more and you still do, each and everyday. I love hearing of your teaching and work in Hyfryd and I am so glad that you found Onwen right away upon your arrival because he is truly your best companion and working pal.

All the leaves on the tree are gone, save for a few browns ones ready to fall. I am sure by now they are all gone as we are having cold and rainy weather. I am sure it is beautiful by you and I was hoping that you would write today as well and I know that you will.

I miss you so much everyday. I can only thank you for finding us the perfect girl to carry on those specific Border Collie antics that only Border Collies are capable of!  We honored you by rescuing Joy, another girl in search of a forever home which we have provided. Like you, she is so grateful.

Although this day is so very bittersweet for me especially, I feel good that we gave you the best three years of your 10 year-old life, which, I know was never easy until I found you and got you out of the shelter and I could not have been happier to share life, love, cuddles and kisses with you. In my heart I still do.

I will love you forever and always…..xoxooxoxoxox

Dear Mommy,

Thank you for your sweet letter. On this day a year ago, I think you cried the entire day and for months afterwards. What makes it better is that you were able to get through your grief, like I did and get back to work like a good Border Collie! I always told you that if you were a dog, you would be a Border Collie! You have high energy, you love to be loved and give love and you have a long nose – not as long as mine..but in the genre…haha. People always said you and I were like two of a kind and I think that was true and always will.

I really, really did not want to get cancer and leave our beautiful home but my body felt so sick and the second I walked over the Rainbow Bridge my body felt great, but I do have to say I was sad. I walked over the bridge and knew that I could go back to work and teach others how to cope. You had such a hard time with my passing and so did I because I only had three years with you, but like you said, they were just the best. We were hardly ever apart and very hyper-attached except for when you guys went on your vacations.

I knew that others around here could benefit from learning how to deal with a best friend’s passing and it turned out just like I thought.

As for Joy, I knew you needed another girl. We are princess girls and Joy fits in perfectly. I know you love furry kids more than anything and the ones that have graced your life will always be grateful. Oddly, I can tell you that it is true.

I wanted to wait to tell you this, but today seems like the right time. Tarzan Freedom, Cheetah, Jane and Lucky are all living together in Hyfryd! I was doing some shopping at the Doggie Depot for some food and I overheard these cats talking about a Sherri. I had heard you mention their names before so I just went up to them and asked if they would possibly be talking about “my sherri!” Tarzan spoke up first and said, where is she?”

So we sat down with some treats and water and talked for hours. Cheetah misses you so much as does Freedom and of course your Tarzan, who told me that he was the King of the house! He is pretty funny. I told them about your life and that not much has changed since they last saw you and that you and Russell were still married – 22 years!

It turns out that they only live around the block from me two streets over. They asked me about my classes and if they could help. I know you loved them so very much. They are lucky that they all spent so many years with you. SO now we have made good friends and they are all helping in my Fall classes. They send their love and I am so happy that we found each other. Hyfryd is truly a magical place.

The Finding Joy class is actually overcrowded! There were so many people that needed the help I had Onwen teach a few extra classes to meet the needs of everyone. In my next letter I will tell you some interesting stories about our students. Today I only really wanted to say that you are in my heart. I carry you with me everywhere and could not love you more. I miss you so much, but I never feel like you are that far away. It’s like if I had a pocket, you would be in it all the time. I feel your presence here with me and I know you feel mine as well. It will always be that way. Always. I love you forever and ever.

Your Sweet Bailey Girl…..xoxoxoox

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

A Tree-Blushed Kiss…

21 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Fall, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Poetry, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Cats, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, seeing dogs after death, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

 Dear Bailey,

You blushed in full bloom. You are a stand-out amongst the hundreds of other trees at Buhl Park, so red and full like a woman’s lips searching for a kiss. And who kissed you more than me?

Today is October 21 and week from now will be one year since you went to Hyfryd and it seems so much longer.  So much longer, yet I am so proud of all you have taught me and all you continue to do there. Our spirits are so aligned and I feel you everywhere. Russell talks about you all the time and you know I talk to Joy & Safari about you everyday. To be honest I still feel sad some days when I think about how much I miss you.  That is how I am. n Cheetah and Freedom and Lucky are always at the top of my mind. Sharing your life with an animal companion is very special because of its very nature and relationship. There is nothing else like it and it is different from humans. Animals of all kinds love without condition – something that some humans have not learned to do with each other. There is just a special sweetness that is unbridled. I know so many people like us too who feel compelled to be part of an animal’ s life, be it a dog or cat, horse or bird. It’s simply part of who you are or not but I am glad I=it’s always been part of me and when we met you became entwined into my soul as I have with you.

Joy reminds me of you in a lot of ways but she truly is a puppy. She is still discovering the world and she has much to learn. She is a lot of fun and she literally makes all of us laugh everyday. Safari and her play so sweetly and truly like each other a lot.  I have to say my working girl, you certainly kept your promise and found us the perfect girl for all of us. She will never take your place, please know that. She simply has her own and thanks to you – with help from Victoria – she found her way here, where she belongs.

I just wanted to say hello after seeing your tree today. I wanted to say I love you, I am with you and thinking of you daily. Your pictures are in front of me and your spirit surrounds us.

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

The Changing Leaves…Green and holding

08 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Doing Your Best, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, animals, anniversaries, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

Dear Mommy,

Did you see that I am holding on to my green leaves? Only a couple of red tips so far, that is all you can see. October is not my favorite month and I know it is definitely not yours either. I don’t really want to focus on how I left you this month because  “the sad-day date” is still far off yet, but a year has sure travelled fast hasn’t t? I know you feel it has as well.

I did NOT want to leave you, but my body did not want to perform anymore I guess and the best way to continue my love, kindness and good work was to wind up here in Hyfryd, where I am doing great in all those departments. Since teaching the classes on life after the Rainbow Bridge, I too have realized so much about life on earth versus life on Hyfryd. I love that my body feels so good all the time here. I often think, is that worth not waking up next to our bed anymore? I try to make sense of those type of thoughts but realize that life is just life, filled with happiness, sadness, rewards and expectations, but what is most important is love and knowledge. There is nothing more important than love and as you know, there is nothing so pure and simple as the love between a man/woman and their animal companion. Nothing.

I love that you planted our tree in my honor and I love that you visit it constantly. I know the visits to the tree at the park are more meaningful than my special place in the yard.  You know why, don’t you? Of course it is because you and I loved walking in that park together, just as you do with Joy now. The time we spent there – each moment was perfect (except for the couple of times you fell! That was funny sorry!) and happy. My special place is of course right outside the door to our sweet home, but Buhl Park, while it is everyone’s home, can be your home in the minutes and hours when you walk there.

So for now I am holding onto my green leaves. Even though my color is red, I am not shedding them for winter quite yet. I am staying as green for now just for you, with just that tinch of red. Like the tree there, I have grown here in Hyfryd. You taught me how to be grateful and mostly –  loved unconditionally. I try to pass on all those qualities to my students. They tell me I am doing a good job because they are learning how to live here without their families and when you first arrive it is a difficult adjustment, but if you can find ways to contribute then it becomes acceptable, sort of. I will never not miss you and I know, by watching you every single day, that you  feel the same.

It was funny in Chicago the other day when your cousin asked you about how you came to love dogs when you had cats your whole life (and still do, of course!) and you mentioned April’s influence and Marla, your former vet. If I never did, then I have to thank April for that because if it was her love of us dogs that originally rubbed off on you then good for her because she did a great job of making you crazy about us! Ha! Of course I know you would be anyway because, as Marla always said, it’s a different relationship. It is. Especially me and you.  One of extreme kindness, caring and endless love.

Your Sweet Bailey, Forever and Ever…..Write me soon! I love you,

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

Scrapbooks of You…

23 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

adoption, angels for animals, animal companion, animal rescue, anniversaries, Bailey dogs, border collies, breast cancer awareness, cancer in dogs, Cats, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, letters, missing dogs, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

My Dearest Bailey,

I was looking at a big scrapbook I made for you and began crying the other day. This picture takes up one whole page. Do you remember it? It was taken by Photographer Rich Cancio at the Angels for Animals Doggy Days Reunion in 2009 when you were healthy and well, about one year after we adopted you from there.

I am not a huge fan of “portraits,” but I love this one because I look so happy holding you and you look so regal like you always did. Rich had donated his servces that day, which made me immediately like him. I love how you won’t look at the camera but posed like a pretty girl…. You were my photographic muse and I have at least a 1000 pictures of you if I have one! I know your den in Hyfryd is covered in pictures too.

Recently, Rich contacted me on Facebook about a benefit dance he was involved with to help with the needs of breast cancer patients, something that his wife, unfortunately had to deal with. So I was thinking about cancer and how I felt when they told me about your bladder. No one wants to hear that and we all deal with news like that differently.  We are always happy to support causes we believe in, so we bought tickets immediately. October is breast cancer awareness month. Pink things are everywhere – you know that is my color!

I remember when Cheetah was near the end of her wonderfully long life, I used to say she was my soul, Tarzan, my heart and Freedom my spirit. I always thought you were a lot like Cheetah because you loved everyone and you had a true love of life. I can understand why you chose Joy for us. She embodies all those characteristics that I love and don’t you find it so ironic that her name was Joy? I mean, you really went all out to make sure that we got our Joy back – literally and we are so grateful to you for that.

I miss you each and every day but you are always there in so many things that happen. Your Red Maple has grown so large in just a year and as the Fall slowly sets in, the tips of the leaves have recently started to turn red – your color!

But you knew that already. You are red and I am pink and pink is clearly a derivative of red. Of course that makes so much sense. We are of each other, mind and spirit -no matter where we are physically we will never be without each other. We love you, Bailey.

Write me Soon….xoxooxox, mommy

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

When You Strive For the Best….

12 Sunday Aug 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Doing Your Best, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, unconditional love

Dear Mommy,

WOOF! I have been so busy, I am late with my letter. Onwen said to me last night, “you had better get your letter posted to mommy! He calls you mommy too. He feels like he knows you. If you would meet him, you would love him so much. He picked this picture of us to send this time. He was looking at it in my den and we started stalking about how lucky I was to have the best mommy and in our conversation we spoke of how people like us always strive for the best. Onwen is very much like me only in boy form! He likes everything so-so.

We were talking in our classes about deserving the best even if the best had not been the experience of someone’s life. There is this sweet Standard Poodle, named Cuddles in my new class and she is a good example of what I mean. Cuddles told me that she came from a home of 3 dogs and she was the oldest. she came over the Rainbow Bridge simply because of old age.  However, she felt neglected by her family as the senior dog, because they had her for many years then they got a puppy and then a few years later, another puppy. Soon, they did not play with her as much and she was kind of left to be on her own.

I know that you have a soft spot in your heart for seniors and that is why you adopted ME!!  Sadly though, many people don’t think like you do. Cuddles was not harmed in any way but she just wasn’t loved like she was when she was first adopted as a puppy. Some people want the “puppy” experience and then they tire of it. Cuddles, like so many of the folks taking the new Finding Joy class, have had that experience and it makes me sad. I think that when people adopt a cat, a dog, a horse or any animal companion, they should give their very best to them, like you did and all your friends do.

In turn, we should expect the best in life and then I think we get it. If we think we are not deserving of it, then maybe we will not have that experience. When I looked for a dog for you guys, I wanted you to have the best dog. That does not mean she is a perfect dog – none of us are perfect! It just means that she is the best dog for you at this time in your life. From what you have told me and from what I have seen, I think I accomplished my goal with great success! Joy is an interesting soul. She is going to be very interesting to watch grow up. I think she is doing amazing taking in account the horrors she has been through in her puppy-hood. She is safe with you and so loved. She expects the VERY best, the little princess that she is! I find that so miraculous since she never received the best until she went to Indian Summers. As Dr. Victoria has said, even that is not a real home. It’s a safe haven, yes. But now she is where she belongs. That is what I mean.

I think people can apply this thinking too! Maybe life has not always been perfect, but there is always a chance to make it brighter. If you are the best and demand the best from others, you shall receive it in return and that is what I am doing here in Hyfryd with my classes. I know you are proud! So that is my letter for today. You taught me so much about love Mommy, maybe you are not even aware of that, but you did. You are the best and so am I and that is why WE were a team and will always be one! Love forever and ever – Your Sweet Bailey Girl! WRITE ME SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS: OF COURSE I RUSTELED THE TREE!!

PSS: I hear you are going to renew your vows at our tree! I LOVE THAT! I can hardly wait! Write me all about it! xoxooxoxox

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

Joie de verve….

29 Sunday Jul 2012

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, coincidence, dog communication, pet parents, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

My Darling Bailey!

My sincerest apologies for being so late with my letter. At least I talked to at the tree 3 times this week. Amazing I even got there that many times with the way the weather has been. As you saw, Joy goes crazy at the park chasing her squirrels or even hunting for one that may never appear! Sometimes I am secretly happy when she does not find one because at least my arm won’t be pulled out of its socket that day!

I was SO VERY proud to hear about the success of the Finding Joy class! Of course I always expect the best of you because you never gave me any reason not to. I love this picture of you. Those big brown eyes of yours always were so full of life and warmth.  I loved that you never barked at anyone unless you got barked at first!

I knew that class would be very helpful. I just read something tonight on Facebook that someone read the book A Dog’s Purpose to help them get through the passing of their god and they finally were able to get a puppy. I read that book too after you went over the Rainbow Bridge, but I do not think it helped me. Being a writer and having our very close connection just naturally made us write letters to each other. It was interesting to hear about all the different stories from the animals that they brought to the class. Just like in people’s lives, there is so much tragedy and  pain in the animal world as well and that makes me as sad as I am for the people too. I am glad that in Hyfryd you are very happy and there is no pain and bad things that happen. I think people have enough of that when they are here! Of course there is always good, but there is always stuff to deal with. Hopefully for most, the good outweighs the bad, but I am sure that is not the case for abused people or animals. I can tell you that I am very proud that you are doing good work there and helping people. No one appreciated being rescued more than you so it is natural that you would want to help others. What is so great is that you put yourself in that position because you could. If more people here on earth would do that the world would be such a better place.

I know that your class is much-needed and that you will tell me a lot more about the new students you are helping and I cannot wait to hear about them. After hearing from a girl who reads your blog (and is a big lover of Border Collies) I was thinking we should have a class like that here too. I know there are support groups for people who lose their animal children, but maybe people are afraid to go to them. It would be nice to have something online – who knows maybe there is something like that already? I was thinking about how I could help like you do? Maybe you can help me on that one – let me know, okay? I want your opinion on that one my sweet teacher!

I have to get up early so I am going to sleep. I love you so much and am so proud. I was trying to think how many more classes have taken place since you write? I am thinking two more, right? Let me know. Again, sorry for being a little late, but you know I carry you in my heart every minute and your charm on my purse. Like we always said, we will never be apart. I love you girl. xoxoxoxox

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

Forever Young….

19 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, spirituality, teaching, Uncategorized, www.petfinder.com

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, coincidence, dog communication, dogs, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, horse racing, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, rainbow bridge, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

 HELLO MOMMY!

Well, I have SO much to tell you. First, I thought I would give you this picture of, well, who else? Me! I know you love this picture. Do you remember when you rescued me how I had no hair cause those dingbats shaved all my beautiful fur? I like this picture too because it was when all my fur started to grow back and plus I look so happy, like I am now. I was young and happy – and THAT gets me to my point!

My new class, Finding Joy, was a great big SUCCESS this week – Did you expect ANYTHING less from your Sweet Bailey Girl? One of the many things I found people to be concerned about was aging. Here is an example of what I mean. Telwyn helped me teach this particular group which included:

Symoen – a beautiful Golden Lab, who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at the too young age of 7. He had heart problems.

Trilee – a sweet, white toy poodle who crossed at age 16! She simply died of old age.

Patience – a big black tabby who was 18 and also simply died of old age.

Aleena – a strikingly beautiful draft horse who was worked too hard on a farm and his legs finally gave out. He was 6.

This was the first class we taught, so we wanted to keep it small. We have taught it since and the list keeps on growing for more people who want to take the qualifying test to be in it. That tells me that there are so many people who come here, not understanding their situation. Why don’t they? Well, that is something we talked about.

Telewyn and I always talk about all the rescues we meet here. It seems that they have a much better “feeling” for life and death in general. I think that what I am learning is that those are ones who are the most grateful for their lives and the least happy about leaving their people. However, once they get here and see that you have no more pain and you get to be ageless – they are accepting and fine with it. We all become each other’s comfort and there is strength in numbers, as the say – although for me, personally I might not agree with that wholeheartedly. I liked belonging to just our family which was the perfect for me. I would not have wanted to been in a home with a bunch of dogs and kids because I was already a senior when you found me, so that is a personal choice. We talked about our various situations. We all know we have to pas son eventually – nothing is forever of course Since death is the unknown it is scary for people because it is something so out of their control so they fear it. For us dogs, cats and other animal creatures, we are dependent on our families for everything, so we are even more scared because we never had to do much for ourselves to begin with, so everyone thinks: Now what? Who is going to take care of us? Love us? Feed us? Hug and kiss us?

For Patience and Trilee for example, the reason they took the class is because they are truly missing their people so much. When you spend so many years with your family, you really do not know how to live without them because that was their only experiences. They were with their peeps since puppyhood. In Telwyn’s and in my own life, we were adopted in our later years and then lived our best lives last, so perhaps we were better prepared. I also think it has to do with personalities as well. For Aleena and Symoen, they died too young.  Especially Aleena, a horse should never have to work so hard that they literally worked to death. He was at an Amish far and I immediately thought of Joy being in the Amish Puppy mill. We know all Amish are not bad. I told them I used ot go visit some Amish people in Pennsylvania, but Allena would have nothing of my tales. He is very mad about his deck of life-cards and Telewyn, coming from the racing life, totally gets it. When animals are used for something to benefit others, such as racing or farm work, they do not like it too much once they have had the chance to stop and reflect upon their lives. Telewyn talked to the class about his racing days and how the owners are all proud of their wins and mostly their money but he does not feel like they love the animals at all. He says it’s really all about them and that is a shame. Horses want to run and be free and they want love as much as a dog or cat or any other animal. Showing horses in a 4-H club or teaching kids how to ride a horse is one thing, but working a horse to death is another and it will take more classes of talking about it to help Aleena through this.

Symoen, being a simple, sweet and loving lab, just does not understand why he had to have heart problems. I told him why did I have to get bladder cancer? I had the greatest life EVER! Sometimes we cannot help what happens to us and of course we all want to live our happy lives as long as possible and for some of us 7 or even 10 years is not enough because we are so happy. So, we talked about how Symoen can do good work here in Hyfryd and get his giddy-up back. He is a sweet guy and very handsome – I am really liking myself! ha! You always told me I was sweet like a lab! Maybe I will invite him to my den for a pup-cup of yogurt! So while everyone wants to be forever young, we talked about that not being the case, except for when they cross over. THEN you can be ageless and most of all HEALTHY! You always told me the greatest thing you can have everyday is good health. Here that is true but the sacrifice is the separation from your people until you see them again and with that the conversation in the Finding Joy class will continue. So that is my news!

I saw you at our tree the other day. Yikes it was so hot. I saw you sweltering there with Joy but you saw me rustle the leaves! She is SUCH the squirrel chaser. Don’t let her break your little arm!  Yeesh! She has an enormous amount of energy – just like me when you rescued me – although I think she has a bit more being that she just turned 3. Yep – you have your hands full! haha! I gave you good Border Collie training! You are the best mommy ever in the world and I will let you know about this week’s class. I am so busy teaching and I spent the summer break getting ready for the class! Well, once a working dog …..doing good work and giving love – that is what it’s all about….You were my example and I carry it in my heart and pass it on……

Forever and Ever, Your Sweet Bailey Girl…..Write Soon! I love you so!

Bailey

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

A Wistful Wind and So Much Love…

03 Sunday Jun 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, 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, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, female dogs, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, pet parents, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, the loss of a pet, unconditional love

Hello my Bailey Girl!

So it happens again – a wistful wind blows through my fingers each time I go to your tree. It still feels like you are with me. Joy is so much like you in many ways. She is very loving – I mean sooooo loving. She just jumped up for a hug and I hugged her and told her I have to write with Bailey right now and she sat right down by me! She is very well-behaved except for barking at people who are next to us in cars or when she thinks I am threatened! In that case, she is nothing like you. I use to worry that you would go along with anyone who tried to grab you up because you trusted everyone!

You did find us the perfect little princess to pamper that is for sure. Russell loves her soooo much. He is so loving toward her and vice versa  – it is wonderful! So tell me how many people have signed up for the Time For Joy class which, of course is an amazing idea –  you knew I would love it, right? I do think that it takes special animal companion relationships to be able to grow beyond the depths of superficial feelings and I think you are the perfect girl to teach how to do that. You have a deep sensitivity toward people and other animals and they seem to flock toward you. You just have that certain something that everyone loves. It was always so nice to talk with you and never have to worry about any confrontation! Joy’s walk in the park yesterday was flawless and I am very proud of her. She did not bark at one person. tomorrow is supposed to be a very cool day. If it does not rain I will get there again.

So are you working on the lesson plan for the new class already? How are the interviews going. I would have loved to meet Onwen and I know I will someday. Give Barkley a squeeze for me. John and Tracy miss her a lot as do we – such the little smiling sweetie – I bet she is well-liked in Hyfryd. I want to hear all about the progress of planning the class and who you choose to sign up. You have to write to me and tell me about all these special souls! I have been meaning to tell you that I would like you to put the word out to see if anyone knows where Winnie and Hope live – like in which town? Those were Victoria’s very special dogs and I think they would make excellent additions to your class because she is a very spiritual human being and loved them very much, as they did her. I am sure they would love to learn techniques to keep in touch on a more regular basis. Victoria is so busy helping so many dogs and trying to take care of herself, that she has little extra time, so see what you can find out – their last name is Summers. She mentioned the word Hyfryd to me once and I nearly jumped out of my skin! She has some connection to that word, so maybe they live around there or maybe you already know them and you never told me! They are both Border Collies! Let me know!

Your brother says hello. Joy likes to kiss him a lot and you know the mister loves the newly found attention up to a point – pretty funny. They sit together just like you two did. It is so very sweet. I love cats and dogs that love each other – makes me smile. Your Da says hello as well. he talks about you all the time. Well, I will stop by the tree again and I will say hello. I love you my angel of love. I expect a long letter next time highlighting all the details of the class and while you are at it, you can tell how the other classes are going as well. I imagine they are purrrfect, like you!

With all my heart and love, mommy

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

A Match Made in Heaven…

28 Monday May 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

11 And Counting…

24 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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, Poetry, rescue dogs, Senior Dogs, summer, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

adoption, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, coincidence, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, female dogs, letters, life with dogs, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

 

 

Happy Birthday to my girl in Hyfryd. I planted flowers, I placed two sets of wind chimes in your special spot and the sun was shining all day. Wish you could have made 11 to, but in my heart you live on forever and are ageless. Joy an I visited your tree again  today. I touched your leaves and read your plaque. I think of you everyday in the fondest ways. I sing the song I made up for you and carry you with me everywhere. I just had to tell you that. I hope that Onwen and Barkley, Telewyn and all your pals showered you with love. I miss kissing you. We all miss you sweet Bailey,  especially me. xoxoox

 

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts
Newer posts →

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 842 other subscribers

Bailey’s Treats

    Follow @animalsatplay

    From the beginning…

    • RSS - Posts

    Blogroll

    • Angels For Animals
    • ASPCA
    • Bailey’s Journal
    • Bark Magazine
    • Indian Summers Border Collie Rescue
    • Joy's Tale
    • Life wth Dogs
    • Maddick Art
    • Petfinder
    • The Daily Puppy
    • The Humane Society of the United States
    • WordPress.com
    • WordPress.org

    Blog at WordPress.com.

    • Follow Following
      • Bailey's Journal
      • Join 66 other followers
      • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
      • Bailey's Journal
      • Customize
      • Follow Following
      • Sign up
      • Log in
      • Report this content
      • View site in Reader
      • Manage subscriptions
      • Collapse this bar
     

    Loading Comments...
     

      %d bloggers like this: