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Bailey's Journal

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

Bailey's Journal

Tag Archives: pet adoption

Our Book, Letters to Each Other is Published!

26 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting dogs, books, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, Journaling, letters, missing your dog, parks, Petfinder, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Uncategorized, www.petfinder.com

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adoption, Book about dogs, border collies, dog communication, dogs, female dogs, letters, letters to each other, life with dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, pet companions., petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, unconditional love

IMG_0200letters from bailey coverDearest Bailey, Well, after MUCH hard work, our efforts have paid off. Our book, Letters to Each Other, is now out. It will take a couple of weeks for it to appear on Kindle, but that’s okay they can buy a hard copy now. For all your pals in Hyfryd here is the link:https://www.createspace.com/4161035. Also, I created a beautiful website for it as well so that you can direct everyone to http://www.letterstoeachother.com. I know you and Barkley, Anwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and everyone will be helping to promote our book. When is your first book signing? I told createspace to ship you some books! I took this picture of your tree yesterday at Buhl Park, the day the book was published. When I got there the wind came in very strong and this one very dark green leaf was actually waving as though you were saying hello. I loved that. Do you like the cover? I really do! They did a great job with the design don’t you think? I want to hear all of your thoughts because really, the book is all about you sweet girl. Of course we are working girls and I still have much work to do here to help promote the book. I decided to give $1 of each book sold to Indian Summers Border Collie Rescue, since that is where you sent me to find our Joy. If your friends need more information, the website is http://www.indiansummers.org. I love you Bailey. Always and Always. More later. I have to get back to work and so do you!   xo, me

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The Leader of All Things Good…

22 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, Spring, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge

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animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, dog communication, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, rainbow bridge, the loss of a pet, unconditional love

img_07371Dearest Bailey,

Okay, Okay, I know. My apologies this time for being so delayed in my letter, but I have been working hard to get the book all together! I am so excited for you to see it. Getting all the pictures in one place was a lot of work too! Who could have a book about you without pictures? You are so photogenic and beautiful! I love this picture of you running on the beach. Not sure Joy can go there with all the other dogs and people might be too much for her. Not you! You loved all the people and doggies – well most of them.

How are your classes? I expect that you will be entering Spring break this week or next? Are you going to get to relax? I need this trip to restore so I can complete the work needed for the book because our team is waiting! I was planning on getting a lot of work done today as well. It’s so exciting, but then I think once it is done, it will be over and that sort of makes me sad, as I have enjoyed the process, but I have to say that reading everything over and over again made me cry more than once.

Then, I ran into Evan the other day at Starbucks and I asked how his Bailey was and he told me that she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge two weeks ago, so you need to look for that little Sheltie. She was 14, so she led a great life, but he is very sad, just like I was. I told him about our blog and the book coming out and hopefully it will help him.

I hope that you are well my lovely girl. Soon, we will be going back North and I will see how much our tree has grown. I do not expect it to have grown too much as winter has been very cold there. When I am at sea, I will think of you. Send me your signs – you know which ones I mean and if you get the chance to write me back today, please do I miss you!!! Give me love to Barkley, Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky for me. You are my great leader of all things good.

With infinite amounts of kisses and hugs….

me xoxoox

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Scrapbooks of You….

23 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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adoption, angels for animals, animal companion, animal rescue, animals, Bailey dogs, border collies, breast cancer awareness, cancer in dogs, dog communication, dogs named Bailey, female dogs, letters, life with dogs, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, october, older dogs, pet adoption, pet parents, rainbow bridge, remembering a loved one, seeing dogs after death, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, volunteerism, www.petfinder.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Touch of Class…

13 Wednesday Jun 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, summer, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Uncategorized, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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

 

MOMMY! I am SOOOO sorry I have been late in writing. I have never been 3 days late have I? Well, I have a great excuse because the Finding Joy student qualification process has kept me and my helpers very busy. I have so much to tell you! First, we had to come up with the questions to ask potential students to see who would really benefit from the class. Since these classes will be so intimate, it is important to make sure only those who would truly benefit would be in attendance. So do you want to hear some of the questions? Of course you do! Okay here are some of them:

What made you feel like you were not just an animal? What made you feel like part of a family?

Who was your favorite person?

What was your favorite activity and was this something you did with your favorite person?

Did you like other animals not of your own species?

What was it you most liked about your life?

What food made you the happiest?

Did you and your favorite person “talk to each other” ie: in your own form of communication that was personal to you?

Did you cross over the Rainbow Bridge because you were sick or was it by accident?

So, Mommy, what do you think? The last question is very important because people who cross by accident have the highest amount of regret it seems. Take our little Barkley. Although he loves it here, she was only a puppy and she regrets going into the road to chase the squirrel so much. She really misses Dozer, Molly, John and Tracy, so it was lucky that she had me, her own neighbor who came here not too long after she came because she did not know anyone and was very lost. The fact that we live to each other helps us both out a lot. I was sick, but she wasn’t and that makes all the difference. When death happens by accident, it is harder to understand on both ends and that is why I think the class can help. When the potential students are interviewed we can tell who really needs the class. I was able to lead you to Victoria and subsequently Joy, because of our strong connection on the ground. If you think about the pups or kittens who die too young, they might not have had time to form that strong bond like you and I shared. I want everyone who takes this class to be able to feel like they are not lost and are still spiritually connected to their people if that is what they desire.

I really think Finding Joy is the purrfect name for the class. I know you mentioned last time to see if anyone had known Hope and Winnie and I have some news. They both live in Gobeithio, which is the town next to us here in Hyfryd. It was Telewyn, who found out where they are. When Telewyn first arrived, he lived there for a short time before settling on Hyfyrd. He knew of a group of horses here and that is why he moved. What he told me was that he first came over, there were many horses who lived in Gobeithio and one horse in particular named Summer, who kept the company of two Border Collies,  Winnie and Hope! They must be the ones you are looking for, right? You never did say, but I am thinking those were perhaps Victoria’s dogs? Well, when Telewyn was interviewing potential students, guess who showed up – Yep! Both of them. They totally qualify and have already been informed that they are in. They seem very connected to Victoria already, but Telewyn thought they should be in the class as good examples of spiritual connections and how they can be made even stronger. I assume you will let Victoria know. Personally, I have yet to meet them, but I am looking forward to it. What a story I have to tell them!  “T” says they are both very sweet and I am looking forward to having them in class. I am sure they will have some messages for Victoria as well.

So that is as far as we have gotten. We did more than 100 interviews so far and we have about 150 more to go. Never did I think this class would be so popular. People are coming from town far away just to take the interview!  We have room for 125 at the most for this first year. I am very happy that people want to learn – that is exciting.

By the way I felt you and Joy at my Tree today – did you see me rustle those leaves! I cannot believe how big that tree has grown since Fall, but then I can, because it is so symbolic of you and I. We may be apart but we just keep growing together day by day. I love you mommy! You taught  me all the right things and I am so proud to be yours. Snuggle my little Safari and give Joy a kiss for me and tell her not to be so jealous of other doggies – there is enough of all of us to go around and do good things

Yours Furever and 4-ever,

 

Your Sweet Bailey Girl

 

 

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A Wistful Wind and So Much Love…

03 Sunday Jun 2012

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

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

Hello my Bailey Girl!

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

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

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

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

With all my heart and love, mommy

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I Found You Joy….

13 Sunday May 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, Spring, summer, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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adoption, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, mother's day, older dogs, pet adoption, petfinder.com, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

Happy Mother’s Day!

I knew when you read Joy’s story on www.petfinder.com it would be like how you found ME! I knew if you read it, you would call Victoria at Indian Summers and it was SO obvious that the two of you would hit it off. I was there yesterday on the farm. I saw you all there. Nice pack of Border kids!!! Victoria is very adorable and I really liked her and I could see that she was everything and more that you thought that she would be. I heard her say that she felt like she had known you for such a long time. You have that effect on people Mommy! – Well, not on everyone, but the special ones.

What a great mommy’s day it is! I feel like you literally got YOUR JOY back in adopting Joy. Don’t you find it amazing that was her name – I mean comon’ how perfect a name is that? I Love it and I love you. And yes, I was like her when I was a pup too – boundless energy! She and I would have been great furry pals. High fives to her for me!! She is ALMOST as cute as me! hahah

I am glad that Russell loves her too. She REALLY likes him! He always thought I did not like him as much as you – well, you and I were inseparable, so I did love you more I have to admit. I am glad he fell in love with her. He and Kernie look similar and I think that has something to do with it and that is so cute! I saw you look up in the sky and saw the skywriting – Do you know what it said? Happy Mother’s Day from your daughter Bailey – I LOVE YOU MOMMY and I will ALWAYS be your first-born! I’m the queen and Joy is the princess and of course Safari is the little prince! I do miss you so much mommy and I know you miss me, but I am so happy that we have the ability to write letters to each other often and whenever we want. I will never stop and neither will you no matter how many dogs and cats you have! We made a special mark on each other – one of great love and kindness. Now you go tend to Joy. I am having dinner with little Barkley and Onwen in honor of our moms – I am doing the cooking and of course you know it will be yummy! I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!

xoxoox, Your Sweet Bailey Girl….

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There is Always Time to Help Others…

29 Sunday Apr 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog adoption., Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, Spring, talking dogs, teaching, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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adoption, animal companion, animal rescue, anniversaries, Bailey dogs, border collies, Cats, dog communication, life with dogs, loving dogs, older dogs, pet adoption, rainbow bridge, The Humane Society, the loss of a pet, unconditional love, www.petfinder.com

Sweet Bailey,

Your last letter was lovely and I am not surprised at how much you are helping everyone. The two of us “working girls” like to keep busy and help people. We are truly alike. Everyone always said we were, right?

Hard to fathom that it was 6 months ago yesterday when you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge into Hyfryd. Surely, it has been made a better town with you and your pals in it. The only issue I have is that earth is a lesser place without you here by my side. Soon we are going to meet Joy, and it’s almost like I am scared about it. Why? Cause she is not you. She will be her own, sweet individual self, of course, I get that. Of course I want to give as many people homes as I can; I know you want that of me as well and it is always my pleasure to do so. I feel like you guided me toward her and Victoria without a doubt. That is what I asked you to do, and you did, but I am nervous. I think that will go away once I pull into the driveway. You loved me instantly, I hope that joys does too. When I show people her picture here, they say, “she looks like Bailey.” Aside from being a Border Collie, I don’t think she does, but she is quite adorable and Victoria says she is a sweetheart, just like you. I am still scared. I guess I am just nervous is all and I simply wanted to tell you. Maybe you have some of your sage advice for me. If you sent her to me then I know all will be okay. Maybe it’s because I have missed you for so many months and suddenly there will be a dog in our presence again? Do you think that is it? I have missed walking you, talking to you and cuddling up on the couch with you just like you are in this picture. How you loved to snuggle and kiss. Nothing is equal to that, except from daddy and Safari of course!

Today is a cloudy day here and I just finished working on a press release for Michael. It looks really nice. Now that I am on Vic’s Board of Directors I have a summer project that I want to take on. Did you know that she has adopted more than 2,000 dogs? She has been doing it a very long time and I am proud to be working with her. I need to create a database for all the adoptees! It’s going to be a lot of work, but hey, after finally cleaning out my inbox of 5,000 emails, I think I can do it, right?

I was thinking about how much your classes could be used here on earth. Day after day, I read about evil people. There are just too many of them. I have always wondered why “God”lets those people exist. Why not take all the evil folk and give them bad diseases instead of letting purrectly nice people get sick. It does not seem fair, right? Maybe you have insight to that now that you are in the best place where evil does not exist. After all what is God spelled backwards! Yep, DOG! Of course, because they are the most wonderful people to share your life with. That is the thing. You made me see that having a life a without a dog is terrible! All the GOOD people who share their lives with dogs, cats and other creatures are living a more beautiful and enhanced life – WITHOUT QUESTION! I am sure you have talked about this in your classes because your students are smart!

I wanted to mention one other thing. I am sure you know this by now as it was big news here. Former Humane Society Director John Hoyt, passed away since we last wrote. He was the director during the 1970’s and was a very important force in animal rights and welfare. I am certain he went over the Rainbow Bridge to be with the many animals he helped, so if you see him, welcome him with open paws and maybe he would like to speak at one of your classes!

Well, write me soon dear child. Missing you everyday. Six months without you barking by my side feels more like six years. Although we cannot see each other I feel you everyday. You are in my head and in my heart.

Together we will be always. I love you Bailey. xoxoxoxoox

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I Wear Your Ruby Heart Around My Neck…

15 Sunday Apr 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Looking Up…

08 Sunday Apr 2012

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, animal families, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, vacation, Vacation by car, Working Dogs

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adoption, angels for animals, animal companion, animal rescue, ASPCA, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog communication, dogs and cats, dogs named Bailey, ending animal abuse, female dogs, greyhounds, letters, life with dogs, love, loving cats, loving dogs, missing dogs, missing your dog, older dogs, pet adoption, rainbow bridge, seeing dogs after death, spirituality, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

Mommy! I am sorry that I take too long to write back. No classes today since it was Easter. Onwen, Barkley and I had fun running around all day and now I am really tired and I saw you swimming with Daddy, Beth & David and I bet you are tired too! However, I wanted to tell you about the new class, All Better 102.

I did not realize how much animal cruelty there is, and it’s not just physical but a lot of people who came to my class talked about how their supposed “people”would be emotionally mean to them. It is so very sad. Dogs that would be left alone all day, cats without sufficient food, Telwynn, a beautiful retired race horse in his day, was going to the glue factory until someone rescued him when he could not race anymore. I mean, can you imagine, just because he could not win those idiots money anymore, they would have the audacity to kill and torture this gorgeous boy. I almost broke down in tears when he started to share his story, but I figured I had to be a strong working dog leader for the rest of the class who was depending on me – I held it together but it was hard!

Telwynn was from Kentucky and he had raced in the Preakness and the Derby numerous times. He was a good horse, but not a great money horse, you know. He tried and did his best. He told us all how he hated the sport of racing and thought it should be abolished. I know you and I talked about that before. It’s just as disgusting as Greyhound racing! Someone told me about a pack of four greyhounds here in Hyfryd that were treated poorly in their early years. They are all siblings, but I have never met them and they did not show up at the meeting. Some of the students said they wanted them to come because they had been treated very badly in Florida until they were all taken in by a kind woman named Shauna Taft. She loved greyhounds as a breed and always had them as her companions.  The story goes that Shauna took them all in even though she had 3 others and they lived with her until they all came here. You know those greys, they can be shy. I think now that I had the first meeting they might show up at the second one to share their grief because they are said to miss her very much.

Prila, the calico cat, came with her brother Dayo, a beautiful black cat with little white paws and blue eyes – never saw anything like him. He is truly handsome! They were yelled at all the time by their “people” until someone next door finally called the ASPCA when she saw they were locked out of the house for a couple of days crying with no food or water. They took them and adopted them out together as seniors to the Smythe family, who had them until they arrived here.

One thing I can tell you, and I know you are very concerned about animals and their welfare, so I am sure that you will pass this on: No one ever forgets the bad that might have happened to them, but what they remember most is how they were rescued and how that truly changed their lives for the better with a second chance. Sometimes the emotional scars are there because they do not know why they were treated poorly. I can understand if someone dies, or has no money to provide money to take care of their animal companions and re-homes someone, but treating an innocent creature poorly – animal or human is despicable!!!

I agree with what you said, people who do not love animals are vapid and those who have the connections are purrfect! yes, we do not want everyone to keep companions because they would be worthless anyway and that would just result in more sad stories in my class. Rescuing is so important it is like this picture I am sending you. It is about looking up for a second chance. Like I have told you, I do not even recall where I was before the year I was at Angels for Animals. Thank GOODNESS you came along!!! You changed all of our lives, the four of us.

We will always be the best family and now Joy will be part of it as well. I am sure I will like her from what you have told me. You will know when you meet for the first time. She will let you know and so will I. Even though she is on the farm at ISBCR and having fun, it’s not like being part of a special family who you can call your own. people you can go on vacation with and see stuff and go for rides it the car (MY FAVORITE!!) or walk at Buhl Park. There is just nothing like it–like when you sprung me loose and I jumped int eh back of the CRV!  Thankfully there enough people like you and all of your friends, who love animals of all kinds. I want to hear less sad stories, but I have heard some wonderful ones as well.

So far it is very interesting and my work continues as does yours. We are a team and always will be – we are covering all the bases on and above the planet and mommy, you are a working dog. If you were a dog, you would be a Border Collie FOR SURE (!) because you love working and helping people, just like me. Your insides are that if a Tabby – simply sweet and loving toward everyone – that is my observation! Let’s keep looking up and doing good work – a lovely thought on a Sunday night.

Sent with HEAPS OF LOVE from your SWEET BAILEY GIRL who loves you with all of her heart…..Write soon – you better! xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxo

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A Life, Continued…..

08 Thursday Mar 2012

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

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

Dear Mommy,

I know, I know..I have been remiss in not writing for so many days. I am so sorry!!! First, Joy looks really sweet and I hope that she likes you as instantly as I did. If she does not take to you, maybe you should adopt Shawn, the cute looking boy Border! He is quite handsome and I must say I am attracted to him myself! haha You know us “brown-eyed girls!”

Hyfryd has been bustling and I now have Barkley helping with my classes. She passes out the printed info at the class. I have had a lot of interesting questions from those who recently crossed over The Rainbow Bridge. Want to hear some of them?

Where do my people go when they die?

Does my human family get to come over the Rainbow Bridge?

I think about my family everyday and I miss my siblings. How do I cope with that?

How come all of our aches and pains are gone all of a sudden?

Whew! I have become kind of a doggie philosopher of sorts and sometimes those questions are hard to answer, after all I have only been here 5 months myself! I think the reason I can cope easier than most is because we communicate all the time and are working on our book. I cannot imagine having to have landed here without that connection to you. I have talked about that in Loving 101 and what I gather is that not everyone who lives with a dog has what we had.  I think many of the folks I have met loved their families but the connection that you and I have goes so much deeper than what they have told me.

I saw you look into your rearview mirror today. I know you could not see me there, but I was certainly there and that is why you looked to my space at the back of the van. I love that you still keep the leash in there and some poop bags. I know you made a tag exactly like mine to wear on your purse. I mean, who does that kind of stuff? Some people probably think you are tiny bit crazy, but I just think it’s wonderful.

I am glad you found Dr. Victoria. She needs you in her life. I did lead you to her on www.petfinder.com and if Joy wants a good home then she should jump on you, kiss you like I did and give you the look that says Let’s go have some fun! When I think back on how I sprang into the back of the Honda CRV, it was like getting out of jail – not that the shelter was jail, but I was so sick of all the barking dogs. Living on the farm, Joy and the others have it a lot better than I did before you came along. It was all meant to be, you and me and that is the kind of thing I talk about in my classes. Love is what you make it. It is about seizing an opportunity when it exists because it may never come around again. Moments change lives so profoundly. One kiss, one look – and a life can be so different for many years or in our case, just a few years.

What I have told the students is that love,no matter how long or short, should be cherished each and every day. Wet kisses and big hugs should be never-ending!!! Life seems to go by so very fast and it truly is a mosaic of tiny bits of time all pieced together in a life. You always said that when we were walking in Buhl Park, it was such a zen-like experience. It’s so true because when a dog and their person walk in a park or natural setting, they are simply together in the moment, discovering smells, watching ducks and birds, meeting other people and other doggies which create individual moments that make up that one single hour in that particular day. What is better than that? So, in the class, I talk about that and how we all can create lives together here over the Bridge. It might be a different part of life, but it really is just a continuing part of it until we meet again and that is a big question everyone wants to know. Will we see our family again? I tell them yes you will because i have seen it. I told you that Hyfryd is a magical place where people and their animals are reunited IF THEY WANT TO BE HERE. I am sure some of these kids in my class will never see their families again, but I cannot tell them that. If they have the connection, like we do, I am confident that they will. I see you now and I know you see me too, so I am not worried about it.

So that is what I HAVE been thinking about!! You have taught me much, Sherri and I know I taught you a lot of things, especially  how many treats I needed to keep me happy! haha! I cannot believe you asked Victoria if Joy liked treats! I think you liked to give me treats as much as I loved to eat them!!! I know one thing, the best treat either of us has is each other. I promise not to take so long to write this time. Your turn now. Maybe you can write me from the ship! Look for me while at sea – you know I will be following you…I love you everywhere you are.  xoxoox, Your Bailey Girl

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