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Bailey's Journal

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

Bailey's Journal

Tag Archives: dogs

Baileys Everywhere

05 Friday Feb 2021

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, amazon.com, animal companions, animal families, birds, dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, faith, letters, missing your dog, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Dear Bailey,

We must try to keep up with our letters! We have been been bad, although we talk and talk, don’t we? In the park, at the sky and the moon. There is currently a commercial on lately with a dog that reminds me of you. I see “Baileys” everywhere.

Your loving sister Joy says woof/hello. Today I have to take in Sabie for his echo on his little heart. Yes, he is still a little biter and yes, I have tried and tried, it’s just who he is, though he has gotten better but he is only 5, coming up on 6 in the summer. Here are some current pics for you.

How are things up in Hyfryd? We have this crazy thing called a pandemic all over the world. It’s a very bad virus that is highly contagious and because of that we cannot travel. Someday, we will be able to do that again and it is my goal to get to Wales especially Aberystwyth which is on the ocean. Border Collies descend from there as you well know, and I would like to visit some while there and see them herding on the vast farms that are there. Joy just herds Sabie all over the places. She likes to herd ducks in Pennsylvania and birds no matter where we are. And she now barks constantly at the postwoman and all delivery trucks. Yes, we are still snowbirds ourselves. I want to hear more about how you are doing and please let me know about all my other kids, especially Tarzan Cheetah, Jane, Freedom and Lucky. I thank you for taking care of them over the Rainbow Bridge.

Well, you write me back as soon as possible and I will watch for your letter. Recently a few people bought our book, I get notices from Amazon each time someone does. It’s nice to know because I feel our book helps people!

I love and miss you my Sweet Bailey and just like when you and I walked the planet together, everywhere I go without fail, someone tells me what a beautiful girl Joy is, which always reminds me that the same comments were always made with you as well. I know you are with us on every walk in every motion in every micro atom in which we exist. xoxoox, Mommy

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Happy Birthday Bailey

20 Wednesday Jun 2018

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, animal companions, animal families, birthday kisses, Birthdays, border collies, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, joy, love, loving dogs, loving life, parks, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, Senior Dogs, spirituality, trees, Uncategorized

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bailey buhl fall 420180525_132618

Dear Bailey,

Today is your 15th Birthday, How much do I wish you would have lived past age 10? There is not a day that goes by when Joy and I don’t talk about you. Here we are a few days ago visiting your dedicated tree in Buhl Park. We could not go today due to the rain, but we will get there tomorrow, it’s supposed to be a nice day. How you loved Buhl Park! Look at you sitting like the beauty you always were. I love you so very much and I know part of you is inside of Joy.

I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have both you and Joy together, what a fun pairing that would have been.  Joy would have loved you and you would have loved her too. I do not know what it is about you Border Collies but it is special. I actually cannot imagine not sharing life without that energy that surrounds me. I still feel yours and Joy has enough for 10 BC’s.

I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday and hope all is well in beautiful Hyfryd and that you are taking care of Safari, Tarzan, Cheetah, Jane, Freedom, Luck, Angel, and all the rest of our friends. You owe me a letter and I suspect I will get one this week. It’s been much too long since our last letters and I know you are thinking, okay Mom, I will write to you this week! I love you beautiful and always will. Someone just bought a copy of our book the other day. I hope that they enjoy it. You have fun today little lady. I love you so much and always will. Love, Mommy xxoo

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The Color of Bailey

06 Monday Nov 2017

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal companions, animal families, border collies, cats, Christmas, dog/human relationships, Dogs named Bailey, faith, Fall, Journaling, joy, love, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, rescue dogs, Senior Dogs, spirituality, Starbucks, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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Screen Shot 2017-11-06 at 10.19.12 AM.png

Dear Mommy,

I know you keep visiting our tree and I keep telling you that I would write to you but I haven’t and I feel badly, so I wanted to take some time to do that this morning!

I just am always so busy with taking care of everyone and working here in Hyfryd. I have messages from Safari, Cheetah, Tarzan and Freedom! They all have been bugging me to write to you so they could relay how much they love and miss you. Of course I do too but I have all this responsibilities being the Mom here. Basically I am you up here. There is always so much to do. They are all doing great and I am too.

Can you believe how big our tree has grown at Buhl Park? Wow! It looks so pretty in the Fall with the beautiful red leaves (my favorite color) but when they start to fall off it looks so skinny doesn’t it? I think they tree’s growth shows us how time moves right past us with such subtly. Do you notice how I make the wind blow every day when you come visit? I know you plan on coming today in the rain after your appointment and I cannot wait to see you. I feel you when you kiss the leaves too. I like watching the dogs in the doggie park. Only you could have picked the perfect spot for the tree! Remember when there was no dog park? Now it’s even more joyful!

Hyfryd is getting ready for Christmas too. Yours truly is in charge of all the decorations in our section of town. Oh! I forgot to tell you the best news! How could I forget? Three months ago I opened two businesses. Well, of course everything here in Hyfryd is free. Remember how I used to knock over your Starbucks so I could get a taste of coffee? I know I was not supposed to do that but I just could not help myself sometimes! Anyway I opened Bailey’s Pup Cup Coffee Cafe! That was another reason I was so busy. Of course we can drink or eat anything here without getting sick – that is one really cool thing that everyone LOVES! We don’t have to be worried about fat-free, grain-free or anything. We are really free to enjoy everything! And right next door is the Kit Kat Kitchen, which of course is headed up by Tarzan and Safari and Cheetah and Freedom work with the customers! All our food and drinks are so yummy! The Hyfryd News rated both places 10 starts out of 10!

So all is well up here Mommy. I have pictures of everyone in our family on the walls of both places, including these favorites of yours but I think we have about 10,000 pictures!Screen Shot 2016-12-09 at 4.02.46 PM.png

bailey buhl fall 4.jpg

I love you Mommy! I miss you every second of every day and you know a little of me is inside Joy – you know that and feel it every time she rolls around our tree in the park the second you arrive. I am there too, right next to you, smiling. Give Joy and Sabie a kiss for me. Safari told me to tell you to tell Sabie quit the biting. I know, you told him too 1000 times, I think he is improving, but he is still a baby. Keep working on him says Safari.

I promise to write more often and you do the same! I am sending you a million hugs and kisses from me and the kitty crew.

All My Love,

Bailey Girl

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The Joy Beneath Your Tree

01 Friday Sep 2017

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, border collies, coincidence, death, dog/human relationships, dogs, missing your dog, rescue dogs, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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Screen Shot 2017-09-01 at 8.08.58 PM.pngJoy always stands beneath your tree, the second we arrive at your  special place in the park. There, she rolls in the grass each time with such glee, Part of you is part of her. I just know it.

I was thinking about how your personalities differ and how they are similar. Both Border Collies, you love intensely and you were very smart, just as Joy is. There is a strength in Border Collies that I much admire but their intense drive to love is what I love the most.  You were the kindest dog to everyone you met. Joy loves meeting new people but she is more choosey than you were. I think of you everyday Bailey, Joy and I have never been to the park without visiting your tree. I continue to feel your love fro the heavens above and envelopes me in a beautiful way that allows me to see you through Joy. I love you and am so thankful I was the one that got to rescue you and give you the senior life you deserved. We are only passing through this earth but I am sure glad that you were my daughter. I will love you always. Write Soon Bailey!

 

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A Shared Birthday Kiss…

29 Wednesday Mar 2017

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal companions, animal families, birthday kisses, Birthdays, border collies, coincidence, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, Dogs named Bailey, faith, joy, kisses, love, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, rescue dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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Screen Shot 2017-02-27 at 5.28.49 PM.png

 

Dear Bailey,

It was the day before my birthday last month and I was walking into a grocery store when I noticed this sweet girl waiting patiently in the car for her peeps to return. I went in and then saw her again as I was leaving so I stopped to talk to her this time.

Suddenly a man walks up and starts talking to me saying how nice it was that I was spending some time talking to his dog and that she loves everyone. A second later, his partner comes up and says, “Has she kissed you?” “Not yet I exclaimed!” “She will,” he said proudly, agreeing with his partner’s statement that she loved everyone. I asked if she was a Springer Spaniel and the two nice men from Canada confirmed my guess. I said that she was really sweet and soft and then she kissed me. “Let me get a picture of her with you on your phone!” “Oh that would be so nice,” I said, knowing I would use this for our blog.

“One more thing guys. What is her name?” “Bailey,” he said. “My heart raced and it figured, that one day before my birthday, another Bailey girl would be here on earth giving me kisses because my Bailey was over the Rainbow Bridge in Hyfryd managing the town – for those of you who read our book, Letters To Each Other,” you know what I mean.

Thanks Bailey for helping my Bailey come and give me a special birthday day kiss. The book, A Dog’s Purpose talks about this phenomenon.  My Bailey is part of many Bailey girls and that was the best birthday gift of all. I love you my Bailey and I loved that another Bailey let us share kisses together.

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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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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 Tree- Fall’s First Blush

15 Saturday Oct 2016

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal companions, animal families, border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, faith, Fall, Journaling, love, loving dogs, loving life, parks, rememberence, rescue dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Uncategorized, walking, Working Dogs

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IMG_4950.JPG

 

The weather is finally Fall-like in Western, Pennsylvania. Bailey’s tree, her beautiful Red Maple, is dedicated to her at Buhl Park. We spent a lot of time there, as do Joy and I.

I love to watch the tree grow grow bigger each year and each Fall we look at the leaves and watch the little bits of red paint blush the tree leaves. Red was Bailey’s color. It was the color of her Coach collar and leash. A Red Maple is so fitting for her special tree and that is why I chose it.

The dog park she now faces was not there when the tree was planted. It is a new addition to the park and her tree has a perfect view of the dogs romping and playing. It’s perfect.

The leaves have just started to turn. I like that the change is slow and subtle. Joy and I walk in the park so many days during the week and it’s fun to see what changes happen right before our eyes.

Fall has always been my favorite season. It’s so colorful and crisp, although global warming has made it much warmer then I would like. I remember when September and October were freezing growing up in Chicago. 

Bailey died in the Fall of 2011, so while I love Fall it also brings  with it the anniversary of her crossing the Rainbow Bridge although I never feel like I am without her. She is omnipresent and she is within my heart. In the Fall and in each season, as the moon grows full and the earth rotates, we live our lives connected by nature.

 

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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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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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Time For a Winter Nap…

04 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal companions, animal families, birds, border collies, cats, death, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, faith, Fall, Florida, joy, spirtuality

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For readers of this blog, you know Joy and I spend much time walking at Buhl Park, which just celebrated its 100th birthday! The difference between Bailey’s tree between August and today is vast as these two pictures illustrate. It is time for the tree’s winter nap.

I do not ever think I have ever voted when the temps touched the 70’s in early November. Tomorrow Joy and I will visit Joy’s tree and take a long walk for the last time before the trip to the South for the winter. We won’t be back until the end of May and when we do return it doesn’t take me more than 24 hours to get back to the park to see Bailey’s tree. While she is buried in the yard, it is always at the park I most feel her presence. Joy and I cannot go there without a bird landing on the tree, a squirrel playing hide and seek or a rustle of the leaves by a sudden burst of wind. Something always happens. Always.

As we head around the corner on the path that leads to the tree, I always say to Joy, “let’s go to Bailey’s tree now.” Joy knows the way. She’ too is a Border Collie and she is very smart. The minute we get there, she rolls all over the grass. Some days she does not want to stay too long and move on, but I never leave without talking to Bailey’s tree and touching the leaves while looking up toward the sky.

No matter where the atoms that comprise our body are, our spirit and soul is everywhere and omnipresent. At this time of year, when I know I won’t be at the park for many months, it sort of saddens me, but then I find Bailey on the water when I am on the boat. She loved to go to the beach and be on the water with her long hair whispering in the wind. Joy does too. I am grateful that I am blessed with Joy and her new kitten Sabie, who will be experiencing this road trip for the first time.

Bailey’s red Coach leash remains in a special place inside the car and travels with us. Like I said, she really never left. Her tree will nap during Winter’s rest and when we return it will be green and in bloom. By then, the dog park will be right behind our tree with barking happiness all around.

IMG_0375   Bailey at Buhl Park, age 8, 2009

joy and me fall buhl 2015 by Bailey's tree Joy, Me and the tree…Bailey's tree winter nap 2015 Bailey's Tree Aug 2015 joy rolling around buhlsabie gorgeous pic october 2015

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If It Weren’t for Bailey…

03 Saturday Oct 2015

Posted by Sherri Maddick in books, border collies, coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, Doing Your Best, faith, Fall, Pope Francis, the elderly

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animal communication, animal rescue, animals, Book about dogs, border collie, border collies, Dog walking, dogs, fall, older people, Pope Francis, Service, spirtituality, vets

Dear Bailey,

While Joy and I visit your tree so many times a week, I often think about how positively our lives still intersect. I always knew they would, I just wasn’t sure how but things just seem to happen because of you. It’s just the kind of dog you were here on earth.

I am sure you and everyone over the Rainbow Bridge heard about Pope Francis coming to America. After all, he took the name of the best Saint, St. Francis of Assisi, the one known for his love of animals. It’s no wonder everyone loves him he seems to be more progressive than previous Popes and he enjoys people, just like you did.

When the Pope was here, I watched him and listened to things he was trying to convey to people. One was to be of service and do simple things, one of which was to help an older person who lives alone. And that got me thinking that recently, my friend Cathy, had asked me if I had seen Mr. Bruce. Remember Mr. Bruce? We talked about him on the back cover of the book. He was the Vietnam vet in the wheelchair we would always see fishing around Lake Julia at the park. You sure loved him and he loved you too.

Well, I never told Cathy on Facebook that I did go to see him a month ago and was happy to know that he was still alive but when I saw him he was on oxygen now due to COPD and Emphysema. His tiny apartment in the senior building where he lives, was quite a mess with a lot of mail and junk piled up. He had captured a large snapping turtle and had it in his bathtub. I told him the next time he went to the lake, which he was planning to do that day, to please take it back because his tub was filthy from the turtle poop! It was a big mess and needed some organization. I asked him if he wanted my help because I did not want to impose my wanting it to be clean unless he wanted it. He did. I told him I would call him.

About three weeks went by before I could get back over there and it truly was the Pope’s message that forced me to make the time to go there. I called him on a Sunday morning and he said, “Hi! I was expecting you!” I asked if he would be home and he said he would stay home if I was coming over. His only personal mode of transportation is his motorized wheelchair and this man does get around. I told him I would be over in 20 minutes or so.

Armed with natural cleanser and garbage bags, I went over to see him. Before I looked in the bathroom, I asked if the turtle was gone. “Yes, I put him back the same day after you told me to. Do you know when I put him down, he turned and looked back at me and then went into the water,” he said, smiling. I know he enjoyed the company of the turtle. This is a man who had companion dogs when his wife was alive.

Piece by piece, we went through piles of paper on the makeshift coffee table that stores everything from pills, to junk mail, cell phones that don’t work and one that does, fishing things and Coke bottle caps. In essence, Bailey it was a lot of filth and  junk. So we went through it and he did good, letting me throw a lot of junk away and organizing the rest. I moved his TV to a higher shelf so he could see it better and I dusted the whole area. When I was able to actually see the coffee table and clean it the paper towel turned black instantly.

Of course when our book, Letters to Each Other came out I had left him a copy and he pointed out that he had found it and had put on the shelving system where the TV was. I told him that it was only because of you Bailey that I was there. I don’t know if he and I would have ever talked while he fished had I not been walking you all the time. You were always the conversation starter because of your amazing aura of friendliness. Everyone wanted to meet you and stroke all that soft fur of yours. You were always willing to let people touch you and love you up. I am hoping Joy will take on the characteristic with such a fervor in her later years. She is still a pup.

So Bailey, we did some good this Fall. I wanted you to know that, although I know you were there with me I am sure. You, along with a little nudge from the Pope, inspired someone to get some help and truly it was Cathy’s thoughts about Mr. Bruce that got me going to begin with. We thank her for that Bailey.

I cannot reach out and stroke your fur or give Cathy a hug because we do not live close. The closeness is always accessible. Even if someone is far away Bailey, good thoughts bring us together in action and love.

Love you always,

Mommy

Joy rests at your tree
Joy rests at your tree
Mr Bruce
Mr Bruce
The start of Fall 2015
The start of Fall 2015
Beautiful Bailey
Beautiful Bailey
Our Book
Our Book

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