Tag Archives: the loss of a pet

Nearing the Year….

24 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by 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 life, missing your dog, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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Dear Bailey,
Safari & Joy are sleeping behind me as I write this. We are headed out soon to start the Russell’s b-day festivities. First on the list: A Pirates game! As the end of this month approaches I am focused on the fact that Fall is just around the corner. I was looking at this picture of you when you were so healthy and crazy for adventure, just like Joy is now. When I think of last year at this time I was so sad. Sometimes Joy makes me so happy I almost feel badly about it! I know I know, that IS crazy.

You know i am very grateful because you did a lot of research in finding Russell, Safari & me the purrfect dog and you did. You did even better in giving me a new friend in Victoria and I love you so much for that and I know she does too. How many times a week do Joy and I visit your tree? A lot! Each time I think how much people loved you at the park. You loved them too. No one did not love you the second they met you.

Everywhere i take Joy they think she is so cute and pretty just like they did with you. She is quite the adorable one. She has a sparkling personality and today she went in the car with NO BARKING! She is learning that she does not have to worry about people attacking us! Yesterday, she met some really cute little dogs and had fun kissing them. She is a BIG kisser – just like you. I think you found me her because in many ways she is just like you – a bold personality, full of fun and craziness – but hey – you ARE BORDER COLLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I heard you tell me yesterday at the tree to wish Russell a happy birthday for you. I will. This is his first without you in many years. Tomorrow we will be up at the lake – I cannot wait. Well, I just wanted to say that I was thinking of you and that I miss you so very much. I always try to be positive but sometimes I get caught up in the fact that you are in Hyfryd and not with me. I am so glad you are doing such great work. I know you are so busy now that school is in full session! Fall is my busy season too, that is for sure. New clients, Joy, Safari & Russell all keep me very, very busy. Seems there is never enough time in the day! So here is to you my dear….thinking of you and hoping that you will write me soon and let me know how your first full week of school was. Give Onwen my love as well. We are only pages away from the book being complete! Love always, Mommy

Joie de verve….

29 Sunday Jul 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, dog/human relationships, dogs, loving dogs, rescue dogs

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My Darling Bailey!

My sincerest apologies for being so late with my letter. At least I talked to at the tree 3 times this week. Amazing I even got there that many times with the way the weather has been. As you saw, Joy goes crazy at the park chasing her squirrels or even hunting for one that may never appear! Sometimes I am secretly happy when she does not find one because at least my arm won’t be pulled out of its socket that day!

I was SO VERY proud to hear about the success of the Finding Joy class! Of course I always expect the best of you because you never gave me any reason not to. I love this picture of you. Those big brown eyes of yours always were so full of life and warmth.  I loved that you never barked at anyone unless you got barked at first!

I knew that class would be very helpful. I just read something tonight on Facebook that someone read the book A Dog’s Purpose to help them get through the passing of their god and they finally were able to get a puppy. I read that book too after you went over the Rainbow Bridge, but I do not think it helped me. Being a writer and having our very close connection just naturally made us write letters to each other. It was interesting to hear about all the different stories from the animals that they brought to the class. Just like in people’s lives, there is so much tragedy and  pain in the animal world as well and that makes me as sad as I am for the people too. I am glad that in Hyfryd you are very happy and there is no pain and bad things that happen. I think people have enough of that when they are here! Of course there is always good, but there is always stuff to deal with. Hopefully for most, the good outweighs the bad, but I am sure that is not the case for abused people or animals. I can tell you that I am very proud that you are doing good work there and helping people. No one appreciated being rescued more than you so it is natural that you would want to help others. What is so great is that you put yourself in that position because you could. If more people here on earth would do that the world would be such a better place.

I know that your class is much-needed and that you will tell me a lot more about the new students you are helping and I cannot wait to hear about them. After hearing from a girl who reads your blog (and is a big lover of Border Collies) I was thinking we should have a class like that here too. I know there are support groups for people who lose their animal children, but maybe people are afraid to go to them. It would be nice to have something online – who knows maybe there is something like that already? I was thinking about how I could help like you do? Maybe you can help me on that one – let me know, okay? I want your opinion on that one my sweet teacher!

I have to get up early so I am going to sleep. I love you so much and am so proud. I was trying to think how many more classes have taken place since you write? I am thinking two more, right? Let me know. Again, sorry for being a little late, but you know I carry you in my heart every minute and your charm on my purse. Like we always said, we will never be apart. I love you girl. xoxoxoxox

Forever Young….

19 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, spirituality, teaching, Uncategorized, www.petfinder.com

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 HELLO MOMMY!

Well, I have SO much to tell you. First, I thought I would give you this picture of, well, who else? Me! I know you love this picture. Do you remember when you rescued me how I had no hair cause those dingbats shaved all my beautiful fur? I like this picture too because it was when all my fur started to grow back and plus I look so happy, like I am now. I was young and happy – and THAT gets me to my point!

My new class, Finding Joy, was a great big SUCCESS this week – Did you expect ANYTHING less from your Sweet Bailey Girl? One of the many things I found people to be concerned about was aging. Here is an example of what I mean. Telwyn helped me teach this particular group which included:

Symoen – a beautiful Golden Lab, who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at the too young age of 7. He had heart problems.

Trilee – a sweet, white toy poodle who crossed at age 16! She simply died of old age.

Patience – a big black tabby who was 18 and also simply died of old age.

Aleena – a strikingly beautiful draft horse who was worked too hard on a farm and his legs finally gave out. He was 6.

This was the first class we taught, so we wanted to keep it small. We have taught it since and the list keeps on growing for more people who want to take the qualifying test to be in it. That tells me that there are so many people who come here, not understanding their situation. Why don’t they? Well, that is something we talked about.

Telewyn and I always talk about all the rescues we meet here. It seems that they have a much better “feeling” for life and death in general. I think that what I am learning is that those are ones who are the most grateful for their lives and the least happy about leaving their people. However, once they get here and see that you have no more pain and you get to be ageless – they are accepting and fine with it. We all become each other’s comfort and there is strength in numbers, as the say – although for me, personally I might not agree with that wholeheartedly. I liked belonging to just our family which was the perfect for me. I would not have wanted to been in a home with a bunch of dogs and kids because I was already a senior when you found me, so that is a personal choice. We talked about our various situations. We all know we have to pas son eventually – nothing is forever of course Since death is the unknown it is scary for people because it is something so out of their control so they fear it. For us dogs, cats and other animal creatures, we are dependent on our families for everything, so we are even more scared because we never had to do much for ourselves to begin with, so everyone thinks: Now what? Who is going to take care of us? Love us? Feed us? Hug and kiss us?

For Patience and Trilee for example, the reason they took the class is because they are truly missing their people so much. When you spend so many years with your family, you really do not know how to live without them because that was their only experiences. They were with their peeps since puppyhood. In Telwyn’s and in my own life, we were adopted in our later years and then lived our best lives last, so perhaps we were better prepared. I also think it has to do with personalities as well. For Aleena and Symoen, they died too young.  Especially Aleena, a horse should never have to work so hard that they literally worked to death. He was at an Amish far and I immediately thought of Joy being in the Amish Puppy mill. We know all Amish are not bad. I told them I used ot go visit some Amish people in Pennsylvania, but Allena would have nothing of my tales. He is very mad about his deck of life-cards and Telewyn, coming from the racing life, totally gets it. When animals are used for something to benefit others, such as racing or farm work, they do not like it too much once they have had the chance to stop and reflect upon their lives. Telewyn talked to the class about his racing days and how the owners are all proud of their wins and mostly their money but he does not feel like they love the animals at all. He says it’s really all about them and that is a shame. Horses want to run and be free and they want love as much as a dog or cat or any other animal. Showing horses in a 4-H club or teaching kids how to ride a horse is one thing, but working a horse to death is another and it will take more classes of talking about it to help Aleena through this.

Symoen, being a simple, sweet and loving lab, just does not understand why he had to have heart problems. I told him why did I have to get bladder cancer? I had the greatest life EVER! Sometimes we cannot help what happens to us and of course we all want to live our happy lives as long as possible and for some of us 7 or even 10 years is not enough because we are so happy. So, we talked about how Symoen can do good work here in Hyfryd and get his giddy-up back. He is a sweet guy and very handsome – I am really liking myself! ha! You always told me I was sweet like a lab! Maybe I will invite him to my den for a pup-cup of yogurt! So while everyone wants to be forever young, we talked about that not being the case, except for when they cross over. THEN you can be ageless and most of all HEALTHY! You always told me the greatest thing you can have everyday is good health. Here that is true but the sacrifice is the separation from your people until you see them again and with that the conversation in the Finding Joy class will continue. So that is my news!

I saw you at our tree the other day. Yikes it was so hot. I saw you sweltering there with Joy but you saw me rustle the leaves! She is SUCH the squirrel chaser. Don’t let her break your little arm!  Yeesh! She has an enormous amount of energy – just like me when you rescued me – although I think she has a bit more being that she just turned 3. Yep – you have your hands full! haha! I gave you good Border Collie training! You are the best mommy ever in the world and I will let you know about this week’s class. I am so busy teaching and I spent the summer break getting ready for the class! Well, once a working dog …..doing good work and giving love – that is what it’s all about….You were my example and I carry it in my heart and pass it on……

Forever and Ever, Your Sweet Bailey Girl…..Write Soon! I love you so!

Bailey

Precious Two….

21 Thursday Jun 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, Petfinder, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, summer, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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Dearest Bailey,

I am so proud of all the pre-qualification work you have already done in planning the new Finding Joy class. It makes so much sense that you have become a teacher – a working dog must always have a job and certainly because you passed at only 10 young years, you had more work to do. Nothing stops my tenacious Bailey!

I came across this picture of Safari and you and it’s one of the few pics I have of the two of you sitting very close. When you did, it was so sweet and I find that Safari really had missed your company, as he likes to sit close to Joy when she is not acting like a wild Border Collie! Because you were a senior dog and Safari, a senior cat, I think Safari finds this new experience a lot different with  baby Joy. She totally keeps him on his toes and I think that is a good thing, considering he likes to simply chill. The only time he runs around is when he should be sleeping at 4am, waking everyone up! The funny difference is that you did not care if he was up running around. Joy, on the other hand, says, What? Why is he up? I think I will herd him back to sleep! She is like you in the fact that she is very sensitive to noise and she is VERY protective over us.

She is a definitely a great one. I know, you are thinking, “of course she is! I found her!” Yes you did and I would not expect anything less of you. I do have to work with her all the time on the barking at men, however. With you I always thought it was so nice I could take you anywhere and you never cared who touched you, talked to you or petted you. Joy has not had worldly experiences, although each day she is getting more. She is very nosy with the neighbors! She needs to know what is going on at all times; I think that is part of her protectiveness too. That will never change. Already though, she has stopped barking across the way, which is nice. It will just take time.

Here is a picture of them together before the room was redone recently – it looks great by the way! I have a new office, which of course is where the kids like to hang out just like you and Safari did in the picture above! Sometimes when I only catch a glimpse of Joy from the back, she looks just like you. She is   bit less furry and smaller than you, but she is loving just like you. You did good my girl, you really did. In fact I was thinking how much good you put onto this planet – now you are just doing it in a different location of the planet – Hyfryd – you are the Princess of Love! You certainly are my Princess of Love and now I have two, thanks to you with  help from the beautiful Ms. Victoria.

Well my sweet girl, I am pretty sleepy. I have a tiny cold so I want to go lie down and get away from the computer as I had a long day and got a lot of work done – lots of crisis management PR today! Write me more and let me know some of the folks you have qualified. I am sure you have chosen some people by now as you only have a little more than a month till the new class begins and you are still teaching all your other classes! Whew! You are a busy and beautiful working girl! That is my girl! We would not have it any other way….

With a ton of love from here and many kisses thrown through the air, I love you….

A Touch of Class…

13 Wednesday Jun 2012

Posted by 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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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

 

 

A Wistful Wind and So Much Love…

03 Sunday Jun 2012

Posted by 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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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

A Match Made in Heaven…

28 Monday May 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, cancer in dogs, dog adoption., Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, second chances, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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Hi Mommy!  Well, I told you that at the right time I would find you a new friend to walk in my paw prints, so I found you Joy – literally and figuratively and it is a match made in Heaven literally!!! So you made it through your first two weeks with her. I think it’s so funny, and obviously Victoria does too – that you thought Joy might not like you and daddy. Are you kidding me? And, I found you another Princess just like me and I have to give Victoria credit here as well. In the year that Joy has spent with them, she has really been the model doggy girl. Victoria told me that she turned down a lot of people who inquired about Joy. I have to say that lady is pretty darn smart in waiting for the right one to come along and that was You, Daddy and Safari. Well, just know that I am watching and I have heard some things you have said to her during your walks – of course I hear almost everything you say, but if I am teaching my classes, it’s hard for me to concentrate on both things. I just wanted you to know that yes, that is exactly how I was at age 3! Adorable of course and full of feisty energy. I wish you could have found me then instead of when you did because I would have been in better heath of course, but as the greatest mommy in the world, you did everything to help me and I am forever your heart doggy as Victoria likes to call it. Joy is too, I can tell. We can both be. She is a real sweetie pie and I could not be anymore pleased with the guidance that I have given you! So that leads me to my next news!

I am adding yet another class to my repertoire and it was Joy who became my inspiration. In fact, in addition to teaching Loving 101 and All Better 102. The new class will be called Finding Joy and I have so many peeps who are very interested in doing what I did for you and daddy and learning how to do it. Of course only select people can take this class. Only above-average animal companions, who have an intense connection to their families will  benefit from this as I am going to use our book to teach from – well at least as much of it as we have written. I really want us to get to 100 blogs since that is when it will truly be our completed first volume and ready for publishing – raaaaa rooooo!

So I know you are wondering how will I choose the people, when there are so many who are interested? Well, I have enlisted Onwen, Prila,  Dayo, Telewynn, Barkley and a few others to do interviews. I have come up with a long list of questions for them to ask potential students for the new class because I think only really special people can have success in doing what you and I have accomplished. It really takes an extra special connection to work with guidance from over the Rainbow Bridge. You and I… never a beat missed – others they may have a harder time I think. The idea of the class is to be able to help people enrich their lives through adopting new animal companions and finding just the right one for each of our families, like I did for you by leading you to Victoria.

I would  ask you what do you think, but I  know that you will like the new idea and you can tell Joy she will have a new class named for her. I heard you tell her one day how she and I would have been great friends – oh my goodness yes to that!  She is so cute and fun, I would have loved playing bone with her and I am so happy that she liked all my toys that I left behind. I heard you tell Daddy that “Bailey’s love just keeps on giving through her toys,” and that is so true and of course you would get it. Those are the kinds of things we need to teach here to help give guidance down there. You and I did not need to be taught, but some dog/cat people do need it because just as I had posted a noticeo f the new class with a sign up sheet for interviews we already had more than 400 names! Can you imagine? That’s a lot of guidance!

That, my dear mommy, is my latest news from Hyfryd. Oh! Thanks for the birthday letter. You are the sweetest! I had a good birthday although it was the first one in 3 years that I had not celebrated at home with you, but life now is about many new firsts and forevers. I just wanted a simple dinner at home with Onwen and Barkley. They went home afterwards and I thought about the structure of the new class and just wanted to spend some time alone to think about You, Daddy and Safari. I need some reflection time too, of course. I am so glad that you talk to me all the time. You are so funny, you talk to me no matter where you are. I love that you think of me everyday. I do too. Not a day goes by that we are not connected by our hearts. That is what a Time for Joy class will be all about. Write me soon. I miss you so very much and love you even more. Furever yours in kisses, Your Sweet Bailey girl… xoxooxoxoxox

And the Wind Blew…

21 Monday May 2012

Posted by 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, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Dearest Bailey,

I got to your tree and I was almost scared to go. It’s a bittersweet tree for me. It honors your memory yet it means you are physically no longer here. However, you ARE here with me always. It was very still outside when I got to your Red Maple. I said, “Hello Bailey” and I touched the leaves and instantly as my hand sifted the leaves, a big wind rustled through both my hand and the leaves. I knew you were there and I simply smiled. You continually show me your presence and this makes me so happy.

You were right about Joy. She kissed us both right away. She still has fear of strangers, but she is okay once she meets you. She is loving like you and loves to play bone and she thanks you for sharing your toys. Her favorites are even the same as yours. We have accidentally called her Bailey so many times already. Can’t help it really. Her coloring is the same as yours except she has no black. She is smaller than you and is quite active. Walking her is much more difficult than you due to her fears whereas you would go up to just about anyone. I am trying to teach her. I never had to teach you. You and she would have been great friends, of that I am sure.

So how are you my precious one? Buhl Park is not the same without you. Have not seem Mr. Bruce yet and am wondering if he will be around or if he is ill. I hope not. He loved you so much, but who didn’t? You were the star of the park and wherever you went of course – that was your way. Russell has called Joy Bailey more than I have! We miss and talk about you constantly! At least you and I have our way of continuing the story, don’t we?

How is Barkley and Onwen? Tiger is missing – I meant to tell you. I do not know where he has gone but it makes me upset. He was here a few times and then he wasn’t. I miss him and it feels like another loss and I cannot deal with more losses these days. Victoria had a dog that she was very close to names Hope, whom she calls her heart dog. There is no question you are my heart dog. No matter how many dogs there are in my future, you are my heart dog, my top dog, my best girl – I want you to know that. We are nearing 100 entries and after that I can get the book done! Are you so excited? So tell me more of your latest adventures, I will waiting to hear from you – make it sooner than later, okay? Safari sends his kisses and we send ours, especially me….With all my heart and love, mommy

I Found You Joy….

13 Sunday May 2012

Posted by 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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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….

Bringing Home Joy…

12 Saturday May 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, 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, summer, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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Dear Bailey,

Thank you  my sweet daughter of love. It is so fitting that  you sent us a dog named Joy. After missing you for a long six months, it only took you four months to find her for us and it took us 6 to get to her. She is home now with Safari. If I had found you as a young dog, this is how I imagined you would be and in some ways I think that you sent her to us to show me wha your youth looked like. She is filled with boundless energy, just like you and endless love and cuddles. I know she shares your heart and spirit and that is why you led me to find her. I know that in the deepest part of my soul and brain.

She is playing with your toys and loves them as and always, you are a girl that keeps on giving. You loved to share and your legacy continues on here – like we said even though we cannot see you physically you could not be more present. There is so much that reminds me of you. She loves food, treats and people. She has a lot of love to give and it amazes me how you people trust us even after being treated by idiots who have no appreciation for animals.

Which brings me to Victoria. How I love this woman. YOU would have loved her so much and Kernie too. What truly wonderful, interesting people. On this Mother’s Day I honor her, you and Joy and all the people who are moms who know their fur kids are an equal member of the family. I could not have been more bless to have found you, my sweet Bailey girl and to find Joy means so much. She is so special just like you and Safari. Our story continues my sweetest girl and I cannot wait to hear from you tomorrow!   will have more to report I am sure. Haven’t got to the tree yet . Planning on Monday. xooxoxoxoxo, me, yours always.