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

Bailey's Journal

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My Bailey Valentine…

11 Saturday Feb 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Florida, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, valentine's day

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog communication, dogs, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, female dogs, letters, life with dogs, love, Love Letters, missing your dog, pet adoption, pet parents, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, Valentine's Day

My Dearest Bailey Girl,

I was so proud after reading your letter about the class you are teaching. It did not come as too big a surprise that you would be telling people how to love because you are so great at it! You are a perfect role model of what a doggie girl should be. I have never understood why a dog is called “Man’s Best Friend,” when they are truly “Woman’s Best Friend” as well. Nothing made me happier that walking with you in the park – or any of the many places we made tracks in the world, whether it be in sand, snow, leaves or mud. Our imprints are forever.

I will bet that more and more furry folk sign up for your class and I cannot wait to hear more about it! Did Onwen take the class or is he helping you? I bet you had Barkley there! I don’t know if you would want to do this since it would be very personal, but perhaps you could share one or two of our letters with the class, so they could understand how writing can help them adjust to their new home situation. A day does not go by when you are not talked about. Even while I was cooking my Chocolate Soup today at The Fresh Market, your name came up. Maybe some of the people in Hyfryd would want to know their people on this side are probably talking about them as well.

Dr. Victoria and I have talked a lot about you as well. I know you must have made me find her and Joy – there is no other explanation about how all these things happen. Your sense of place here is so profound and just because physical space separates us, it does not make us any less apart. You know Valentine’s Day is Tuesday and though the “holiday” has been turned into a very commercial one, the true meaning behind it has always been my favorite – to honor love and I have always been so happy to be born in the month of the love! I came into this world ready to give a lot of it to those who truly deserve it. You my Bailey, are my true valentine and really, aren’t all these letters between us valentine’s? They are love letters, that is for sure.  Write me one soon.

Happy Valentine’s Day My Sweetest Girl – With Love Deep in my Heart

xoxoxoxoox, mommy

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Loving You 101…

07 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, love, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, petfinder.com, spirituality, talking dogs, the rainbow bridge, www.petfinder.com

  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

 

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93 Days

31 Tuesday Jan 2012

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

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animal companion, animal rescue, animals, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, circumstance, dog communication, dogs named Bailey, finding peace, Going Home..., Jon Katz, letters, life with dogs, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

Bailey,

Today I sat down, late in the day and read Jon Katz’ book, “Going Home Finding Peace When Pets Die.” What was interesting is how many things in his book I have touched on in our letters to each other. While it was a wonderful book, I did not learn anything I did not know – perhaps it gave me validation to have my feelings. It always helps to know when others feel like you do.

Today is 93 days since you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and the book got me thinking how much I do celebrate your life. Something happens everyday that makes me think of you . I do feel you and think I always will. Part of the book is about adopting another dog. Not sure 93 days is enough, but his point is that there ar so many dogs waiting for homes. He made a point about an elderly neighbor who thought she was too old to get another animal, so he helped her adopt a 14-year-old cat, which I thought was a great idea.

I remember when I first saw your picture at www.petfinder.com and read that you were 7 years old, I said to daddy, I do not know how long we will have her if we adopt her, but at least we are giving a senior dog a great life and that is exactly what we did.  A really great life. Of course all the animal companions under my care over many years, have had great lives because that is what I am all about. I bond closely to your spirits because they are genuine and have unconditional love. Most human folk do not have that, though there are a few.

I was not prepared for your diagnosis, however. There just was not enough time, but Katz’ philosophy, from a dog’s perspective is that you dogs come into lives for a reason and leave when your work was done. You are there to lead us to the next circumstance. Maybe writing our book was just that task. That is what I wanted to ask you tonight. Katz says he feels his dogs around him all the time. I know you are with me as much as I know that there is water at the beach. I want to know your opinion, Bailey, so please advise in your next letter. You are the greatest gift; your spirit and intense love.  I need you to know that you made a difference in every life that you touched and none so more than mine.

Well, I wanted to tell you about the book. Of course I was crying once again and needed a lot of Kleenex to get through it. So tell me what you think. I need you to find us the next dog. You must tell me when the time is right. I cannot do it without you by my side.

Write Soon Sweet Girl. I love you endlessly,

Your mommy

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Loving Laps….

30 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge

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adoption, animal companion, Bailey dogs, border collies, dog communication, dogs, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, female dogs, lap dogs, letters, life with dogs, loving dogs, male dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, The moon and stars, unconditional love

MOMMY!

Good Monday Morning to you…I am SOOO sorry for not writing sooner since my last letter, but Onwen and I took a little trip to see his cousin Taffy who is an older Border Collie and he lives in the town of Seren. I suspect you might have been outside last night because I felt you looking up at the stars – it was a very clear night, wasn’t it? The sky was so clear that I thought I saw you sitting on the chair outside in the cool air last night. Were you looking up? I thought you were. Did you notice that the belly of the moon’s smile shape made a larger smile? I saw that I am sure you did too.

I think that happened because were in Seren and guess what Seren means? STAR! Like you always told me, everything happens for a reason, we just cannot figure out one thing and that is why we have to be separated from our loved ones. When someone figures that out, let me know cause they will probably get the Nobel Prize or something.

I wanted to send you this picture I have up in my den. I LOVE this picture of us. I really always wished I was a lap-sized dog, cause I was always trying to cuddle up with you, but somehow you always made it work; see how happy you look holding me in this picture? We look so content together. Laps are so good for love. They are cuddly and comforting and who would not want to be huddled in a lap?I LOVED YOURS, but of course I would since you loved to hug and squeeze me and I must admit I enjoyed that so much. That is another thing I miss here in Hyfryd. I do not have YOUR lap, but I have carried on your tradition and let Barkley get into my lap when she wants. I know I really do not have much of lap like you do, but I let her snuggle up to me really close, she is so funny. She loves love like I do. It must be a girl thing, right mom? We are all girly girls like you always said – especially ME!!!!

So Onwen’s cousin Taffy is a handsome lad. He’s a black and white boy and he’s 12 now, but here over the Rainbow Bridge, age does not matter. You always feel good – that is one positive thing I can tell you. Onwen and Taffy grew up as little pups together but then his parents wanted to be closer to their sibs who lives in Seren. It’s a pretty cute town, not as nice as Hyfryd. We have more open space and rolling hills. Seren is a bit more condensed with den after den. It’s in a an older section, so there are more doggies and kitties there. The other thing I noticed is that they have TONS of squirrels there, which are really fun and playful. I talked to a couple named Lisquit and Bisquit! How funny is ?  They are twins!  Did you know that squirrels are the 7th smartest animal? They told me that. Is that true? Can you look that up for me? I think us Border Collies and many dogs are WAY smarter!! (of course!). I told them they can come visit anytime. Barkley did not come with us on the trip since it was about a 15 mile walk and she is too small for such a long haul, so I told the twin squirrels they need to come meet her because Jack Russell terriers LOVE squirrels and she would have a lot of fun with those two comedians!

I promise to write back much faster after I get your letter, okay? At least I had some adventures to tell you! I have to go clean my den and go doggie food shopping – my FAVORITE ACTIVITY. Well, my favorite was always loving you and I always will mommy!

Missing your kisses, your lap and your smile,

Your Sweet Bailey – just look toward the stars and they will light your way to see me….xoxooxoxoxo

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Sunday Thoughts….

22 Sunday Jan 2012

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

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

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

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Looking Around….And The Sky Was Blue

16 Monday Jan 2012

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

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Cats, dog communication, dogs named Bailey, Indian Summers Border Collie Rescue, letters, life with dogs, love, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

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

 

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The Year’s Beginning (without YOU!)

10 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, New Year's Eve, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, The Rainbow Bridge

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

Dear Mommy,

I know you must be wondering why I have taken 10 days into the new year to write to you when you have already written. I have wanted to, but this time (and I know I have told you not to do this) I am the one having a hard time. I was thinking about 2008, when you came into my life and how fun it was. Oh, don’t get me wrong, Hyfryd is beautiful and I have so many friends and my den is very nice, posh and diva like (of course) but I was thinking as the year began that the one thing that was missing was you. Well, actually 3 things were missing – you, daddy and safari. Although I have been entranced with my new life up here, as 2012 began it sort of hit me that this was MY first year without you in 3-1/2 years. You are my family and always will be and I miss you so much.

I see how much work you have been doing on Facebook  in regard to help in rescuing dogs, especially ones at high risk. Keep up the posting I hope that it helps!~ Yes, we have doggiebook up here and they just told us that soon I will be able to post on your site. It would help if you set me up an account on your dogbook they said, so work on that, okay? I know that makes you want to rescue another dog and I know daddy is not ready and I certainly don’t think that safari is. I saw how he was when Zoe came rushing into the house – and she’s a tiny dog! He was not too fond of Rodeo and he’s my size! I really want you ALL to be ready together. I know you, you would rescue everyone if you could – your heart is always in the perfect place. It certainly was on June 20, 2008 when we found each other.

So I was having a hard time as I sat down to write you under my favorite tree. I think it just hit me that this year will be our real first year of physical separation and I long to push my nose into your face and kiss and lick you and walk with you and drive you crazy! haha! I was running with some friends the other day and I was winning and I was remembering as I slowed in my running with you up our special path you would ALWAYS says, Bailey Wins! Bailey Wins! You always let me win at everything. You are the perfect mommy and who would not miss their perfect mommy, so that is why I did not write sooner. I will admit it, I was a little sad. You know, Border Collies are strong though and JUST like you, I am a strong female, so I thought about not ever telling you all of this, but I can’t help it. I have to be honest.

I personally did not do much of anything to ring in the New Year because of all of this. Barkley was here and we shared some good hamburgers and some potatoes. He misses John and Tracy and we commiserated about all of this. Onwen and company came over later and we barked some songs and fell asleep before midnight. I know – none of you made it either. My tree looked good but I took it down on the 1st just like you did and I hung your picture on my tree like you did there. Aren’t we just the same, you and me? I know we are so if you were a dog mommy, you would be a high energy Border Collie – everyone said we had the same dark brown eyes!

So that is about all since the New Year. Today is the 10th and it feels like more days have gone by. And, by the way, when are you ordering the book? I am so excited! Do it tomorrow! I want to be the star of the blog book (of course). Red cover, right? Good!! I cannot wait! That will cheer us both up – or maybe it will make us cry? Ahhhh, either way, it shows that we are forever connected no matter what year it is, so that is one thing that IS the same in this New Year. In our hearts we are truly one. Always and Always.

Write me soon, mommy! I love you way up to the stars xoxooxoxox

Your Sweet Bailey Girl

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The Year’s Last Letter

03 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick 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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adoption, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Cats, dog communication, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, senior dogs, unconditional love

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

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A New Year Without My Bailey Girl…

30 Friday Dec 2011

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

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Cats, Christmas, dog communication, dogs, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, senior dogs, the new year, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

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

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Our Secret Christmas…

23 Friday Dec 2011

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

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, chance, Christmas, coincidence, connections, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, love, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, rainbows, senior dogs, talking dogs, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I MISS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT YOU  SEE I WAS THERE with you the WHOLE TIME! I needed to alert you to my beautiful presence (haha) so I showed you the rainbow as soon as you hit Aruba! It’s amazing how you and I can communicate between the Rainbow Bridge and Earth, isn’t it?  No one in Hyfryd believes me when I tell them how we do it. Maybe none of them had a mommy as wonderful as you. Onwen said he had a pretty great dad but he does not sound as great as you, I have to say, although I am biased of course!

I am sending you this cute picture of myself in my Santa hat that you like. I am willing to BET that you put my santa hat under the tree. I heard you tell daddy this morning that it’s not the same without me there and I feel the same way…BUT I feel like we can have our very own secret Christmas/Hanukkah together Although I love how we “talk” I do miss your hands on my fur all the time. You gave me more loving than any dog anywhere on earth and while I still feel your presence and love every single second of everyday, I loved how we would cuddle and that is what I miss and I know you do too. I feel it. Who else but would carry a dog treat and some my hair from my brush in her purse everyday, not to mention my pictures and your matching Bailey Dog tag!?

I can hardly believe that 3 days after Christmas will be 2 months since I last saw you. I see you crying as you write this–don’t! Or at least try not to…60 days is a long time for me too and I still have not even had a thought about finding you another doggie pal, because I know he or she has to be so special for you because I set the bar high! haha. I know you are reading this and saying, “yes you did Sweet Girl.”  You know Mommy, I know I was a needy person, but I knew you would meet those needs from all my medical needs to all the love and attention I constantly demanded from you. I don’t want you to have that same experience with another doggie. I want to send you an “easy dog,” let’s say. Someone loving like me, but not so needy.  I never felt guilty about needing you though. I wanted you to need me a lot because I never had anyone who loved me like you did in my whole life, so maybe I took advantage but I AM GLAD I DID and so WERE YOU!  I know how you think anyway. You and I are and soul mates – I just am your furry soul mate!

So let me tell you that things here in Hyfryd really look pretty for the holiday season. There are A LOT of pretty lights and Christmas trees all over the place. There are many dens with Hanukkah candles burning bright in the windows and tomorrow in our town, there will be singing in front the “town tree” in the center of our village. Cats and dogs will all join in and sing like the angels we are and I am sure it will be lovely. I was thinking about how you gave me the best gift, by getting me out of pain and having to pee every 5 minutes, not to mention how great my legs are again! I know you would rather me be there with no problems–and I would too but we are both realistic people. My gift to you was the Rainbow in Aruba and you looked out at the exact time it was there and did you notice how it was not there for long, but YOU were in the perfect place at the perfect time to capture it on camera? Do you think that happened by coincidence? Not a chance. I was not going to let you miss my present. But remember, I am with you always. We made a pact that we would be together always and  we always will be mommy – I promise you. Our gift is our connection and we need no holiday to celebrate that.

I Love you forever and ever,

Your Bailey

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