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Bailey's Journal

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

Bailey's Journal

Tag Archives: loving dogs

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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Positively, Bailey….

08 Thursday Dec 2011

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

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Bailey dogs, border collies, Christmas, dogs named Bailey, life after death, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, spirituality, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

Hi Mommy!!!!!!!! I am sending you this picture…Remember this? This is such a great picture of me, if I do say so myself! Yeah, so I could not BELIEVE that guy in Fresh Market told you that he was going to have a kid and name it Bailey and then when you were watching TV last night – the victim in the show was named BAILEY! You have heard my name more times  than BEFORE I crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, haven’t you….? I cannot say I am not amused by all of this. There is NO WAY you could ever forget ME, of course, but no one else is letting you either and you don’t even know these people!

I am excited you are gong on the cruise. I cannot believe it’s your 21st anniversary! Congratulations, of course I knew I had special, LOVING parents! I know you have my hair from my brush in the little bag and a doggie treat in your purse…you are just so funny. You want to take me wherever you go, because you always did, which I loved of course. Don’t forget my picture now – oh and Safari’s too, of course! I want to hear all about it. Maybe you could take notes and then be all ready to write me a VERY LONG letter when you return. Sounds like a plan, right?

Well, we are gearing up here in Hyfryd for the holidays. I helped decorate the tree in town. It’s 20 feet tall and all the decorations pertain to animals; cats, dogs, birds, squirrels, you name it. There are some very funny ornaments too. There is this one that magically runs somehow. It has a bird feeder and a squirrel chases another squirrel around it. I love watching it but I cannot figure how it works – maybe with batteries? I took a picture of Safari that I had – yes, the one I am sending on here. I put it in a Best Brother Frame and hung it up on the tree.  Everyone here in Hyfryd does that for their animal companions that they miss. I have MANY pictures of you andme,  THAT is for sure. I am glad you are such a crazy camera person!

 I know you probably think that getting a dog home in time for the holiday is a good idea, but we agreed that you needed at least 6 months, so I AM NOT sending you a SIGN until that time, so just get over it. Sure, look all you want at all those doggie pictures but I have to find you the best doggie for you – you know that! And, I will, in good time. Mommy, you went through a lot of stress with my illness and this is your first vacation since last year and you and daddy really need it – so ENJOY it. I want you to, okay? I love you so very much, you know that and you know, the holidays are ALL ABOUT spirituality and you and I could not have a better connection that way. We are together in our hearts and minds and like you said, we always will be. 

That was very nice of you by the way to give $100 to Guiding Eyes for the Blind in my name for the holidays. I love you for that – well, I love for everything, but like your friend Cathy says, you have a big ol’ animal heart! I think that sounds so funny but it’s true. That money will go to good use to help train the dogs for people who need them to love and survive.  That is a beautiful gift Mommy. And, even though you probably have a hard time knowing this, you gave me the best gift by not making me suffer. I hated that bladder tumor and having to pee constantly and the second I crossed over the Rainbow Bridge I was healed and I feel perfect. That must be the trade-off I think. You have to leave the ones you love for a while, but you get perfect health in return. That is a good gift for sure. And of course, my dear mommy, we were the best gift that anyone ever gave to each other – along with you and daddy and Safari of course!  Have a good trip! Travel safe and write me when you return. I will be around you….

A ton of love and nose to nose kisses….

Your Bailey LoveT

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Not a Merry Christmas….

05 Monday Dec 2011

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, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, Thanksgiving, The Rainbow Bridge, vacation

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, Christmas, dogs named Bailey, letters, life with dogs, loving cats, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, petsmart, rainbow bridge, senior dogs, talking dogs, unconditional love

Dear Bailey,

My screen saver seems to be a never-ending kaleidoscope of your many faces, actions and antics. I see you not only in my heart everyday, but in pictures everywhere. With Christmas approaching, I am further reminded that you will be having your own party over the Rainbow Bridge with your friends and that I will be here without you by my side at the Christmas tree which you loved to dig your toy presents out from under. I am going to miss that.

We are leaving on our cruise this Friday. Daddy and I need a vacation after this difficult year, so I won’t be able to write until I get back, but I will have lots of adventures to write about afterwards.  Of course I am taking yours and Safari’s picture with as I always did. I feel bad for him too since you are not there to watch over him like you did so well, but I have two people doing so! I loved the way you protected him always.

You remember Rodeo right? I took him for a walk the other day. He was so happy to go but he was wondering where you were and so were Lola and Courage. EVERYONE around here misses you so much – you were everyone’s favorite girl, especially mine of course! I wish people would stop telling me to “get another dog.”  No one understands that my Bailey set VERY HIGH standards and I keep telling everyone that I am awaiting your decision about that at the right time and the way you have been communicating with me, I know that you will send me a clear sign.

It was nice of you to meet Gracie at the Bridge. I appreciate that. It was a bad day for me and I knew that you would! When daddy was watching football yesterday, I was talking about you and all of a sudden I see the back of the Dallas Cowboy named what else–BAILEY! I just happened to walk in at the very second he appeared on-screen, so I imagined that you were playing ball in Hyfryd. Were you? I wish I was playing ball with you. I miss that so much.

I really don’t want to bother with the tree since this is a longer trip and Christmas will be soon after we return, but I have to for Safari. He loves a tree and knocking down those ornaments. Everytime I go into Petsmart without you it’s just so weird. All the people there asked about you and miss you. Everything is a constant reminder that you are not with me and it’s just very difficult. I wonder if you miss me as much? I know we are still connected in many spiritual ways, but how I long to touch your beautiful, long fur and brush you after I bath you.  Your constant kisses are a lack that I cannot stop thinking about. You are just so adorable and your love is so unique.

Anyway, sorry I sound like this. I do not mean to. I just miss you. I will write after the trip. If you want to write before I leave, please do I LOVE to hear from you my Sweet Girl! I know you will….

Nose to Nose,  xoxoxoxooxoxox

mommy

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You Are Surrounded By Me…..

01 Thursday Dec 2011

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

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animal companions, Bailey dogs, coincidence, dog and cat relationships, dog communication, dogs, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, life with dogs, loving cats, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, rainbow bridge, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, vets

Mommy. Hello!

Do you see how I GAZED into your eyes in this picture? I LOVE this picture because it shows how I can look deep into your soul!

I know you had an upsetting day yesterday. Do you think it was by coincidence that the ONLY dog waiting at the vet in the lobby was named Bailey – AND it was an OLDER dog – a male yes, but a Bailey dog! And did you not think it was ODD that they did not even stay for their appointment? I heard her say she had to leave for work so she could not wait any longer and the Bailey’s legs were better.

So, that left you in the waiting room with that little stray cat Gracie, who you so kindly took to the doctor because you knew she was feeling bad. You amaze me mommy, you are always there to help the injured or sick. It’s like you are the animal nurse to wayward furry souls! I saw the look on your face when that Dr. Mark said she was dying and could not breathe. Here, I have only crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge a few weeks ago and there you were dealing with death of a furry girl – again. Even though she was not your cat, you helped her cross over and I just love you for that. Of course there was a Bailey dog there cause it was really me although I am NO SPRINGER SPANIEL and I am way prettier! haha. (Although that Bailey boy had nice brown eyes like me – not AS nice, but sweet.)

I was there to help you through the trauma, Mommy and I made sure they let Gracie live close to me here in Hyfryd. I met her at the end of the Bridge yesterday and I told her who I was. She said hello and could breathe fine. again. You were right she is very pretty and social like me. Funny, you had just mentioned her in the last letter and now here she is with all of us. I told her how special you are and that she should hang with us and she was so happy to have made friends with me, Onwen, Caru and Barkley of course. So just so you know, we have taken her in and she is safe. Here is here picture:

She is very beautiful with those emerald eyes! Not as special as my brown ones, but hey you and I are “brown-eyed” girls – they made a song about us! I am sorry you had to go through such a bad day. I know it was shocking that she was so sick and you did not know until he told you, but honestly, Mommy, you did the right thing for her. She is going to be lots of fun here. She already came over for a bowl of Friskies today. Yes, I keep my den stocked, because for some reason, cats just love me. I have to introduce her to these other cat friends in due time: Shauna, Emid and Emyr and Risari – those are a few of my favorite cat buddies who stop over to chow and chat!

How is my Safari? I miss him – he is the sweetest – bet he misses me too. I know, he does! Yet, it is YOU I miss the most. Daddy too. Yes, it has been a month of missed kisses and hugs and petting my beautiful fur- don’t forget that, please!  I had planned on writing you about my adventures, but I will save that for next time, since all this came up with Gracie, I thought that was more important. I wanted to tell you all was okay with her. She will be fine and her crossing was peaceful because of you. Know that and feel it mommy. You see, I was with you and you will always be surrounded by me. We are inseparable!

With The Very Most Love Always,  Your Sweetest Bailey Girl xoxoxoxoxooxoxox

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A Month of Missed Kisses…

28 Monday Nov 2011

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 rescue, animals, anniversaries, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs, letters, life with dogs, love, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, pet parents, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, senior dogs, unconditional love

Dearest Bailey,

Today is one month since we said goodbye to our physical relationship. I carry your lock of hair and a treat of yours with me in my purse. Today I pulled out the treat to smell it like you did, with a sense of vigor and interest.

I am glad you were going to have a nice Thanksgiving. We did too and whenever I eat turkey I think of you. When don’t I thtink of you? If I see something you would like, I think of you. You never are out of my mind and I know I am not out of yours either.

It poured rain late in the day and we are supposed to experience some cooler weather. Ralston was here – he misses you, as does Mai, working on some landscaping in the front of the house. You would really like this cat Gracie that hangs around. I named her that. She is very loving and sweet and VERY social like you…sometimes I wonder if you sent her here? I keep thinking that I could never meet another dog like you. There is sometimes a bond so joyous and special – like what Russell and I have. People always tell us that they wish they had a relationship/and or marriage like we have. Sometimes you just know something is right for you and you and I were just like that. Safari is that way too. I can never imagine him having anyone else to care of him but me. Since you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge he has been extra close and loving. He misses you too.

I just wanted to tell you that I love you so much. All those pictures I took of you now are hanging up here. They look so great because you are just so gorgeous! Write me soon of your adventures. I do not have anything too exciting to report and I am sad today without you. I cannot believe I have lived without you for a whole month. I can’t stand it. I hear your woof and bark and see your smile in everything that perfect. I miss your kisses.

Nose to Nose with all my love,

Mommy

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My Side of Thanksgiving….

24 Thursday Nov 2011

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs, Thanksgiving, The Rainbow Bridge

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animal companions, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, dog adoption, dog communication, dogs and cats, Gratefulness, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet parents, senior dogs, Thanksgiving thoughts, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

 

Dear Mommy,

That last letter you sent was so beautiful and it made me cry thinking about how much you miss me. I feel exactly the same you know but I don’t want you to be sad. You have to celebrate the love we shared everyday from now on, okay? I mean, it’s okay to msis me and cry too, but I rather you be smiling like in this picture, which I love of us. You are holding me so sweetly, like you always did – like a mom who loves their furry child the VERY MOST!!! – YES! That would be be ME!

Let me tell you why I am thankful, since this is my favorite holidaytoo especially cause it involves my favorite food- Turkey!

I am thankful for you finding me and giving me the BEST home in the whole universe.

 I am thankful that you helped me get rid of a lot of different health problems from the very start.

 I am thankful that our cat, Safari liked me so much and let me herd him around.

I am thankful that you worked at home and got to be with me 24/7!

I am VERY thankful for getting to have two big houses with lots of room.

I am thankful for everytime you brought hom new food, you were thoughtful and brought me some new veggie bones and a new toy.

Can you imagine how thankful I am for all the turkey you gave me – not the deli stuff either – you only gave me the real cooked stuff – so delicious!

I am thankful that you never got mad at me when I gobbled down Safari’s food when I first came to love with you and daddy. I LOVE cat food!

You mentioned all the zillions of miles we logged on foot and by car; SO TRUE! I am so thankful for that – not to mention the doggie parks in PA and Florida AND OUR FAVORITE PLACE TO WALK – BUHL PARK!!!!

I am thankful you always took me shopping in FL – Those gals at Bath and Body Works and Dillards really loved me!

I am thankful for my very special Red Maple tree in Buhl Park and the beautiful dedication that honors me – I am sure I am the ONLY dog in the 400 plus acres that has their own tree!!!

Mommy, I could go on and on and on and my list would probably never end because our family was the BEST family. You could be a dog because you are such a loyal person. I see how you treat daddy too and how much you love and care for him and of course Safari too! That is just who you are, as your friend Jennifer likes to say. Loyality is very important to us dogs and it’s nice to see that some people have that too – it’s just that you go above and beyond – And, by the way, I KNOW this is true, cause I read all the cards you got after I crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and EVERYONE said that in their cards about you and how well you took care of me! You never put yourself first and you are a very thoughtful person and I love that about you. I knew it the minute we met and THAT is why I kissed you immediately so you would take me home and see, you did! I knew right then you loved kisses too!

Today Mommy, I want you to think of all the things you and I have to be thankful for. I’m thankful for www.Petfinder.com  who helped you find me! Had you never been searching for Border Collies on there, we would have never met, so I have to say I AM VERY thankful for that. Remember that we have much MORE to be thankful for than not and most of all I am simply thankful for US!

Barkley, Bingo and I are having Thanksgiving with Caru and Onwen. I am so excited. There is PLENTY of turkey up here for everyone. We are having it at my doggie den. I am making a beautiful table like you enjoy making- you taught me everything! 

I love you so much. Write me back soon because I love your letters and I know you love mine. What’s not to love because they are from each other!!!

Your Loving, Smiling, Sweet, Bailey Girl (kisses! nose to nose!)

 

 

 

 

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The Two Sides of Thankfulness…

21 Monday Nov 2011

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

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adoption, animal rescue, anniversaries, border collies, cancer in dogs, Cats, dog communication, dogs, holidays without your dog, life with dogs, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, rainbow bridge, rescues, senior dogs, thanksgiving, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

My Sweet Girl,

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

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

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

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

Thankful for your love always – Mommy

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You Keep On Giving…

15 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, parks, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs

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animal shelters, Bailey dogs, donations to shelters, full moons, letters, life with dogs, loving dogs, poems about dogs, poetry, the loss of a pet, The Rianbow Bridge, writing

My Sweet Girl,

I took the last of your Newman’s Organic Dog food to Petsmart yesterday to donate to homeless dogs who live at a shelter just like you did before we met in 2008. Did I tell you that I had read on Facebook a shelter in Charlotte, NC that needed heartworm medicine and I still had five doses of your Revolution, so I mailed it to Amber at Ruffed Up Rescue – isn’t that a sweet name? I was thinking that since you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, you still keep on giving – but that is the kind of gal you always were and still are, I am sure over there in Hyfryd.

The stationary I had made with your picture came today as well and a big magnet bearing your name so it’s like you are still taking rides in the car with us only sadly, I cannot turn around and have you there barking at me. I miss that so very much. I meant to tell you to ask around for a collie mix named Bagels from Chicago. That was my dog for one week when April and I were kids. Our mom gave him to my grandmother though because he peed once in the house. He was only a little puppy and we were heartbroken, although we got to be with Bagles almost every weekend at her house. I only have a couple of pics of him, but he was a collie mix and so sweet. If you see him you might want to be friends, he would be a good friend I am sure.

Today I worked on some projects and then ran a couple of errands – not too much to report to you. I did want to tell you that I wrote you a poem which I thought came out really well – you can read it and let me know in your next letter how you like it. I wrote it in New Bedford one night after sitting on the rocks staring at your grave, The moon was full and new and your mums were still in bloom. It was a cold clear night and very beautiful. You always inspire me….I will await your next letter….Love and kisses, nose to nose, mommy

For Bailey

Red Maple Winds
Skip Leaves at my feet
Yours I hear
… in their landing

New Moons;
Full moons
Enlighten senses
of your place beyond me

Slipped into Fall
The Colors of you
Shed life with leaves
that fall fast as my tears

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Miss You Too…

13 Sunday Nov 2011

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Florida, loving dogs, loving life, nature, parks, rescue dogs, second chances, talking dogs

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cancer in dogs, dog communication, life with dogs, loss of a pet, loving dogs, missing your dog, rainbow bridge

Mommy! I miss you too! I know you were crying when you were alone in the car today – I always see you – just know that. Well, the first two weeks here in Hyfryd have been a ton of fun. I am always busy – and as you know us Border Collies LOVE to be busy; especially me! BUT, I have to say that during your drive to FL I was thinking how I wish I could have been with you. It kind of all hit me that I will have to settle for these letters. I too wish you could reach out and kiss me and hug me and stroke my fur like you always did so sweetly. I keep thinking that our 3 years, 4 months and 8 days were the best years of my life EVER and TRULY. As I told you I do not even remember what my life was like before the year I spent in the shelter. I think I have blocked it out of my head. Whoever had me first were jerks because who would want to give me up to a shelter? YOU Never would have even when I did not listen as well as I should have.

When I look back at those pictures you took when I first came to live with you, I was so scrawny and I had nolong  hair cause they shaved me stupidly! You know I HATED having any hair cut! You took such good care of me – you really did. I always felt that there was nothing you would not do for me. I knew that and as a senior dog when we met, that was so important to me – you must know that.  Our senior years are never as easy as our youthful ones, so having someone love you so much and take such great care is truly such a gift you gave me. I know you loved me (and STILL DO I MAY ADD!) more than anything and I felt the same from minute I kissed you at the shelter. I kissed you because I knew I was supposed to be with you. I remember how fast you made your decision and the folks at the shelter said, “you’re really taking her tonight?” You said, “Yes I am!”  It’s funny, I entered your life on a Friday and I left our life together on a Friday – We came full circle at least, even though it would have never been enough time, Mommy. You put more love and energy into that time then ANY doggie could have ever asked for, and for that I am so very grateful and proud to call you mine. I will always be with you like you said. I know everyone is telling you to get another dog to make you feel better – but do not listen to them. I will let you know, I promise I will. You would not feel any better just because you had another dog and you know that and I know that. The reason you have all these feelings is that you do carry me in your heart and we will never be apart – even when you get another dog – cause I will be giving you some of my sage advice – hehehe.

I want you to know that no matter how much fun it is here in Hyfryd over the Rainbow Bridge, I miss your touch and scent and all the love you bestowed on me every second of the day, but you are with me too, because I carry you inside me as well. True love stories Mommy, never really end and ours never will. I really wanted just to tell you all this tonight instead of writing about what is going on. But, I can tell you that Cocoa, Ginger and Barkley and I had lunch again yesterday under a RED MAPLE tree that was way bigger than the one you bought me at Buhl Park, since here it has been growing for years. It’s Fall here too. yes the colors change here, but then you get summer again – you would love that right! We get the changing colors to the Fall colors but then they turn green after a month – the leaves never fall off they just change magically somehow back to Green – it sounds very interesting. Hyfryd has a lot of gorgeous trees just like at Buhl Park, so here I am with my very beautiful red Coach Collar you got me, the most stylish girl in town! You have the leash and we will always be attached.

With all my love 4ever and ever and ever, Your Sweet Bailey Girl xoxoxoox

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