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Bailey's Journal

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

Bailey's Journal

Tag Archives: rainbow bridge

A Poem From You to Me

22 Saturday May 2021

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting dogs, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, loving dogs, rescue dogs, talking dogs, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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dog moms, dogs named Bailey, poetry, rainbow bridge, the rainbow bridge

Dear Mommy,

I am finally writing you back. I saw that you posted that cool picture of me from 10 (count em, 10!) years ago. I often think where does all the time go? Hard to imagine that I found Joy for you 9 years ago, after I left to come here to Hyfryd, over the Rainbow Bridge.

So as I was doing some Spring cleaning, I found one of the many beautiful poem you wrote for me. Now I have it hanging up. I think you will remember it. I just wanted to say you are here with me everyday in my heart and soul and I am with you. I see that you saw our tree at Buhl Park the other day right after you returned. I just wanted to you to recall this poem and say how much I think about you and Joy. Sabie sure is a character! Also, Safari, Tarzie, Cheetah, Freedom and all your babies are here in Hyfryd with me having fun and playing together. They send their love and kisses too. xxoo, Love you, Bailey

PS: I really love this poem xx

My Tree is so pretty!

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Bailey, The Ambassador of Love & Friendship Welcomes Ma Cherie…

02 Sunday Oct 2016

Posted by Sherri Maddick in cats, faith, Fall, Journaling, letters, memories, rememberence, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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adoption, animal communication, animal rescue, Cats, loving cats, rainbow bridge, spirituality, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

screen-shot-2016-10-01-at-8-49-51-pm
screen-shot-2016-10-01-at-8-50-23-pm
20160905_125145

Dear Mommy,

I wanted you to write to you today to tell you to let her Mommy Jennifer know  that Ma Cherie is here with all of us. She got here safely and I met her right over the Bridge as you had requested when you talked to me at our tree the other day.

Cherie is so cute and she is very happy to be free of cancer. I showed her the house next door to me and Barkley where all your sons and daughters are. She thinks Safari is quite handsome and by the way he sends his love along with everyone else. Cherie told me she was an only cat so she was super happy to move in with Safari, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Jane, Lucky, Shauna, Grayson, Tiger, Tom, and Smarty. She said she could not believe there were so many cats to run and play chase with! She seems to be having a great time. We all built her bed before she got here but she spent her first night curled up with Safari and Cheetah in Safari’s bed. That Safari is quite the ladies man you know…he even went down to the Kit Kat Cafe and bought her some new toys of her own. She started playing with them and batting the little mousies over to Cheetah and Shauna right away.

I know Jennifer is probably feeling so very sad and you said she would probably find solace in going to church today so that is why i wanted to send this on Sunday. Tomorrow is Rosh Hashanah- the Jewish New Year. You know there is nothing we do not celebrate here!  Religion here is all mixed into one. Tell Jennifer that it is a time of renewal and faith for goodness to come in the New Year for our family and friends, in case she is is not familiar with its meaning. Cherie was really happy to be arriving at such a time of celebration she said.

And she asked me to tell Jennifer a few things. She said this: Tell my Mommy that I was so happy when she and your mommy found her at that crazy shelter in Chicago. I loved my mommy so much because she worked from home and I was able to be around to help her all the time. Tell her that I was glad we got in one last road trip, it was fun. Oh and tell her I was sorry for eating the Lilly’s that made me so sick and she said thank you for saving my life even though it cost a fortune. She said that she and Jennifer had a great life dedicated to each other. She also mentioned that she was worried that mommy would be so sad that she would drink too much wine, so she said not to! She said she wanted her to celebrate her life instead of mourning it. I told her that you and I wrote a whole book about this subject and as the Leader of Love here in Hyfryd, I have to tell Jennifer what we have come to know. You are only separated by a physical presence . Cherie lives in your heart and you and hers, that is something I know for sure.

And Cherie said one last thing. She wanted Mommy not to take too long before helping another or maybe even 2! Cherie said that it would have been nice to have another cat to play with so her advice is to consider a pair, perhaps siblings? she said. She told me her mommy used to talk to her a lot so she will need some kids to keep her company, cuddle and greet her with meows at the door. Cherie said that there are so many who need homes and rescuing is the greatest reward, as she has come to know this is true. Cherie said the the purpose of the Rainbow Bridge is that one crosses a new life begins for those who cross and one who awaits a new home on the other side. Cherie said she will be with you so keep your eyes wide open for the love that awaits. Part of me, she said, will be in the next one or two (1) that she sends your way.

 

 

 

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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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animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, Christmas, Christmas Eve, dogs, faith, love, magic, rainbow bridge, rainbows, spirituality, the beach, unconditional love

 

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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Happy Birthday Bailey Girl…You little “deer”

20 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, Birthdays, border collies, coincidence, death, deer, dog kisses, Dog walking, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, faith, letters, love, loving dogs, missing your dog, nature, parks, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, Senior Dogs, spirituality, summer, The Rainbow Bridge, walking, Working Dogs

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Bailey dogs, border collies, dogs, dogs and cats, female dogs, letters, love, older dogs, pet parents, rainbow bridge, spirituality, the loss of a pet, unconditional love

bailey buhl fall 3  2011, Buhl Park, Sharon, PA

Dear Bailey,

Today would have been your 14th birthday had your bladder not gotten the best of you. Joy and I went to Buhl Park, exactly where this, and so many pictures of you were taken as we shared beautiful summer days and cool evenings wandering this park where your dedicated Red Maple Tree stands so tall and proud.

Right after Joy and I got to your tree, we walked across the way and we heard a rustle. There was a beautiful little cotton tail deer looking right at us. Joy was so elated she could have pulled my arm out of its socket! i figured it was you. Birds talk to me by your tree, owls hoot, something is always happening when we visit. You are omnipresent that is for sure, I have always said that. I took these pictures today to share with you:

Lake Julia
Lake Julia
Joy n me
Joy n me
Bailey's Tree
Bailey’s Tree

The park was particularly perfect today. After days of high humidity and high temps, your birthday was perfect and as you can see, Joy was still looking around trying to see if we could not spot the deer (you?) again.

Of course I talk to you at the tree all the time (and in my mind) but I am long overdue for a letter from you…just a thought from your mommy.

I wanted to send you love and hope you are having a lot of whipped creme today with Safari, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Lucky and Barkley! Are you having a little cake with the whipped creme? I hope so and it should have pink frosting because you are the girliest girl ever – well you and Joy, of course. You never would have sent me anyone who was not all girl!

I love you Bailey and I know that deer was you; prancing through the brush and dodging out to say hello and I love you too.

xoxooxoxoxooxox 4evernever

 

 

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Naked Leaves

31 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Fall, kisses, letters, love, loving dogs, loving life, memories, missing your dog, nature, parks, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, sky, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Uncategorized, walking, Working Dogs

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animal rescue, border collies, coincidence, dog communication, fall, leaves, missing your dog, older dogs, rainbow bridge, spirituality, trees, unconditional love

baileys tree fall 2014 naked leaves 4baileys tree fall 2014 naked leaves 2baileys tree fall 2014 naked leaves 2

 

Dearest Bailey,

It’s that time of year. Three years and three days ago we were robbed of being with each other physically on earth together. But really we have never missed being with each other, have we? I must admit i loved to fluff up your long thick hair and kiss your long nose, but when I kiss Joy’s nose it’s just like yours. You Border Collies have that certain something – a cuddle factor unmatched by any other breed of dog child.

So we wrote the book together and just recently I was in Chicago and a girl who I had not seen in a long time, asked me to sign her copy. That was nice. You are everywhere, even when I travel. Today it’s Halloween. The weather was too rainy to get to the park, but it’s supposed to snow tomorrow, so even if it’s yucky, Joy and I will drive over to the park to see the snow there. I’m sure all your leaves will be gone by now.

Several days ago when I took these pictures of your tree at Buhl park, it was a gorgeous day, with air so crisp like a Winesap apple. Joy was having so much fun crunching in the colorful leaves she turned around twice just to jump up on me and kiss me as though she were thanking me – in fact I know she was- she was so happy to be there on such a nice day!

Each time we go I kiss one of your leaves until there are no more. I do not know why I feel your presence so much more there then in the yard in your special spot. I feel you come alive in the park so easily, through the wind and the way it blows, and motions that Joy makes either by rolling around in the grass by your tree or smelling spots exactly where you did. Not a day goes by little girl that you are not in my mind and heart. I wear your necklace and never take it off. You will always be there in many different ways and I just wanted you to know that I am always thinking of you! It’s your turn. Write me back. I hope you and everyone in Hyfryd are doing something fun for your Howl-O-Ween! Love, Mommy xoxoxoxoxox

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Harry, Lorraine and the Magic of Buhl Park

10 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by Sherri Maddick in coincidence, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, loving dogs, rainbow bridge, walking

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animal companions, Bailey dogs, border collies, Dog walking, dogs, magical places, meeting new people, parks, rainbow bridge, walking, walking in a park

Lorraineswan buhljoy rolling around buhl

pictured left to right: Lorraine, A Swan on lake Julia and Joy rolling around with happiness…

 

Note: I am going to publish this here and on my other blog, www.joystail.com cause it is truly because of Bailey that so many magical things happen at Buhl Park.

For those of you who know this blog because of Bailey’s Journal and our book, Letters To Each Other, you know that Bailey has a special tree at this amazing park that was dedicated to her after she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in 2011. She is the only dog with a tree of her own. I knew she would help me find the right dog after a while and of course her spiritual guidance led me to Joy. Literally.

Joy and I walk at Buhl Park every other day. It is her fun and exercise as well as mine. For me it is my peaceful time away from the computer which is much needed in my work.

There is a woman who is part of the staff of Buhl Park named Lorraine. She cuts grass. For many years she would have treats and stop to see her doggie friends and give them a treat. I am never critical of the park, but they stopped her from doing this as of this summer and I think it is stupid and so does Joy! I am sure I can speak for all the many dogs who walk at the park and were happy recipients of Lorraine’s treats!

Today we saw Lorraine and Joy got so excited as soon as she saw her coming on the mower. I had to give Lorraine some treats from my pocket to give to Joy. Lorraine told me she was having a rough morning, but I think I made her feel better and gave her a big hug. Lorraine, who has a dog of her own, told me that before she ever met me, she had seen the tree and its dedication made her cry.  After we said Goodbye to Lorraine continued on our walk. The last part of the walk occurs around Lake Julia, which has beautiful swans and sweet ducks everywhere. Joy loves to check out the lake. As we were walking, a man came up behind us as Joy was stopped to smell whatever glorious scent she has found and he started to talk to me. He was walking an adorable, tiny dog which was black and white and Joy really liked her because she was not barky or aggressive. He said to me, “I don’t mean to tell you about my troubles, but I was married for 69 years and now it’s just me and my dog. I got her after my wife passed away several years ago.” I asked his name. He said it was Harry and his dog was Lady and she was 7 years old. She was a rescue, just like Joy. He said he liked Joy’s name. I really liked Harry. “I am 91 years old. This is our second walk today.” He told me one of his two kids lived in Florida and the other in New Jersey. “They want me to go live in Florida, but I don’t know.” Harry did not seem like he wanted to go there and he talked, walked and could hear perfectly. He did not even have a cane!  He and Lady seemed to be doing great and I could tell Harry was always a handsome man. He still had his hair and was quite nice looking. I should have taken his picture. I hope to run into him again. “What is your name?” he asked. “I am Sherri and that rhymes with Harry, so I don’t think we will forget each other’s name,” I replied. No I won’t. I hope to see Harry and Lady again soon. Buhl Park has a way of bringing people together and dogs, like people, are social beings who enjoy meeting new people and learning new things. Today we met a nice man and his dog and what could be better than that on an early Wednesday morning?

 

IMG_0420Bailey in my beret, one Fall at Buhl Park!

 

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Yes I saw You and the Rainbow…

08 Sunday Jun 2014

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, rescue dogs, The Rainbow Bridge

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animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, dogs, missing your dog, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, spirituality, unconditional love

Bailey's tree June, 2014

Dearest Bailey,

Of COURSE I saw the rainbow! Thanks you so much for sending it to me. I Love you…..sorry it took me so long to write back, but as you know we got back to PA just a week and had so much to do. Joy and I visited the tree 5 times already though! Look at how BIG you have grown the tree and just the other day it was sprouting some little red leaves. Red was your color and that is why you have a Red Maple! It’s so sweet and pretty just like you. You know I carry a picture of you in my wallet and whenever I open it to get out money, people often look at it and comment on how beautiful you are. I miss you so very much.

You will be happy to know that our little rambunctious Joy was an angel on the trip and has proven to be the best traveler! She liked staying in the den and we felt it was safer in the car that way. She was perfect and Safari is always great in the car as you know. It’s SUCH a long trip and so tiring. We did too much really and now my arm is bugging me worse than it already was. Seeing a new doctor for that tomorrow. Lots of fun, right?  You are probably having tons of fun in Hyfryd. How are my Tarzie, Cheetah, Freedom and Shauna? Please lick their faces for me okay?

I wanted to send you this picture of you and me. It was the day we adopted you – June 20, 2008. Almost six years ago. That is before all your hair they shaved grew back. You were so cute always were. That face I could not resist. I miss you Bailey my sweet daughter. You sure picked the most wonderful girl to walk in your paws when you found us Joy. She is really a sweetie pie just like you. Anyway, I was just thinking about you. Here is the picture for you to put next to your bed tonight and dream of us. I love you always, Mommy – xxoxooxox

IMG_3412

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Did You See My Rainbow?

26 Monday May 2014

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, cats, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Florida, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, memories, missing your dog, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, trees

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animal companion, animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, coincidence, female dogs, letters, life with dogs, loving cats, rainbow bridge, unconditional love

 

Bailey in Yard so lovely

Hi Mommy!

Did you see the Rainbow I sent you tonight from Hyfryd? I knew daddy would show it to you cause I saw him standing outside right after the rain and I had felt you thinking about me yesterday and today since you are getting ready to go back to PA. I heard you ALREADY telling Joy that you cannot wait to see how big my Tree got at Buhl Park. I am NOT going to tell you so it will be a surprise. I cannot wait for you to visit our Red Maple!  I miss you so much lately. You know how much I loved riding in the car all the way from Florida to PA. I made the trip WAY more fun, didn’t I?  I never complained because it was so much fun to just relax, listen to music and eat treats for 1100 miles! Haha!! Now Joy gets to do that. I see you bought her a den so she will be more safe in the car. I think that was a good idea!

Not too much new to report. School is out now and I have to spend summer preparing for some new classes I want to create. One, I know you will like and I got the idea from our book, Letters to Each Other. I was thinking about calling it Love Communication 101. I will place an emphasis on how the doggies, kitties and all the animals here can learn to communicate better with their loved ones even though we do not share a physical world anymore. I will develop different techniques for them to learn; I still have to flesh it out. You know, some days it is so very hard, not just for me, but for a lot of my friends. Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky miss you so much. They heard you say the other day that you think about them all the time. I know you have their pictures everywhere, just like you have mine. I love that you are a picture taker. When you adopted me as a senior, I bet you took MY picture more than anyone ever took it in the 7 years I lived before we fell in love! I see you always taking Joy’s picture as well. That is good to create many memories. We need them. Being separated physically does NOT mean we forget anything!

Writing the book with you really made me MORE popular than I already was and you know how I could turn a head! Haha! You will be proud that everyone here has a copy of the book here and I do not know how you made that happen, but it’s wonderful just like you Mommy. You are the best Dog/Cat mom in the world! Give Safari boy and Joy a big kiss for me!

Well, I just wanted to make sure you saw the Rainbow I sent with all my thoughts and wishes of love. As you like to say “see you soon Bailey Girl…” In my heart and mind I see you each minute of every day.

All My Love,

Your Bailey Girl xoxoxooxox

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Good Food Makes People (And Dogs) Happy!

18 Friday Apr 2014

Posted by Sherri Maddick in border collies, dog/human relationships, food, Journaling, joy, missing your dog, rememberence, Senior Dogs, spirituality, Starbucks, The Rainbow Bridge

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border collies, dogs, food, loving dogs, missing your dog, rainbow bridge

bailey fall 1Dearest Bailey,

I have missed you much of late but then again, I always do. I love that this picture and one of Joy slurping a Starbucks puppy latte (whipped crème) comprises my Twitter page background @sherrifood. Chef Didier Durand’s motto is Good Food Makes People Happy, but I would take that one step further and include dogs as well. Joy certainly shares your passion for dining and I find it funny how some dogs I know are “picky” eaters! Really? There is such a thing?  There are probably NO picky Border Collies! The fact that you both loved food so much and that I am a chef/restaurant publicist is amusing!

Joy continues to live on in your princess slippers but I have to say that she likes to eat very healthy. She loves her veggies so much that I give them to her everyday at lunch. When we returned from the cruise it gave me pleasure to get back to my little routine of feeding her and Safari. Although breaks are nice, I actually like doting on fur kids and I think they like it too. I miss taking care of you as well. I hated when you were so sick and that cancer took you over the rainbow bridge but you are here everyday with me. By the way, our book (Letters to Each Other for those reading this the first time) recently sold some more copies and there are some new reviews on Goodreads! We always did work well together and even now that we have to work far away from each other it’s like I can reach out and touch you and many times I feel you doing just that too. Love you Bailey Girl.

xoxox, mommy

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5 Years Ago and Now Double 5’s

19 Wednesday Feb 2014

Posted by Sherri Maddick in Birthdays, books, border collies, coincidence, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, The Rainbow Bridge

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animal rescue, Bailey dogs, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog communication, letters, pet parents, rainbow bridge, senior dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, unconditional love

744

Dear Bailey,

I love this picture of us. I think it was in the Winter of 2009. This was the picture I used for the back our book, Letters To Each Other and I love it so much. We both have great smiles in this picture.

When I signed on here tonight I had a congrats from WordPress. It said I started this blog with you five years ago. How time flies. Five years ago you were so full of life in this picture and who knew you would be taken from me in only a few short years after finding my sweet senior girl.

I guess it is all about the number five this year huh? Tomorrow is my birthday so of course I expect to hear from you in some way shape or form, literally! Double 5’s. 55. Hard to know where the time goes. What I do know is that I love the time I spent writing the book with you and am grateful for anyone who has been helped by it. Most of all I am happy about the time I spend thinking about you and writing to you and hearing from you. Joy would have loved you so much and we all miss you so very much. You already know that.

I saw a rainbow the other day. It had not even rained, so I know it was just you saying hello and showing your beautiful colors from the bridge – the colors of Hyfryd – so pretty. I just wanted to say I love you Bailey. Another year without you but another year to live within me.

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