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Bailey's Journal

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

Bailey's Journal

Tag Archives: the 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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A Shared Birthday Kiss…

29 Wednesday Mar 2017

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

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dogs, faith, God, life, love, spirituality, the rainbow bridge

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

 

Dear Bailey,

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

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

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

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

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Bailey’s Tree- Fall’s First Blush

15 Saturday Oct 2016

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

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dogs, faith, life, love, nature, senior dogs, spirituality, the rainbow bridge, trees, walking dogs, writing

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Bailey, 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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Tags

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

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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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Time For a Winter Nap…

04 Wednesday Nov 2015

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

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animal communication, animal rescue, animals, beautiful dogs, being outdoors, border collie, Cats, dogs, God, spirituality, the rainbow bridge, transitions, Walking your dog

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

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

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

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

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

IMG_0375   Bailey at Buhl Park, age 8, 2009

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

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Don’t Worry Mom, Safari is Here with Us!!!

27 Monday Apr 2015

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, cats, dogs, faith, The Rainbow Bridge

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

animal communication, animal companions, animal siblings, border collies, Cats, faith, love, missing your cat, missing your dog, pet parents, safari boy, the rainbow bridge

babies of mine

Dear Mommy!

I know it’s late, but I had to tell you that Safari is safe and sound. I saw everything that was happening with Safari and we prepared for his arrival. I made him a Welcome Home Sign and everything was ready in his den which is connected to Tarzan, Cheetah and Freedom’s house!

I know you are so sad to not be with him physically, like you were with me, but I was so soooooooooooooooooooooo happy to see him and kiss him and he seemed happy to see me too! I think he was a bit confused as he was crossing over the Rainbow Bridge, but we were all there to greet him and bring him home with us and I knew that would make you less sad.

I just wanted to tell you that we all love you so very much and someday we will all be together in this beautiful, peaceful and fun place called Hyfryd! You can know now that Safari si safe with us and we promise to write – both of us! I will teach him how to blog on his Sweet Safari Boy site, okay?

I know I have not written in a while but I will give you an update this week. I have been so busy with school and new classes and I will tell you all about it, but for now I just wanted you to know he was okay and looked gorgeous as he always does! I know the ladies will be asking about my handsome brother!

I love you mommy and we all miss you and like you said, we follow each other within our hearts – always and furever – your Sweet Bailey Girl….xoxooxoxo Write soon! I will Too!

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A New Year’s Wish of Remembrence

01 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by Sherri Maddick in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, love, loving dogs, loving life, memories, missing your dog, rescue dogs, second chances, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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adoption, animal companion, Bailey dogs, border collies, coincidence, dog communication, letters, New Year's, older dogs, remembrence, seeing dogs after death, senior dogs, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Dear Mommy,

I keep this picture in my den right next to my bed. We have so MANY great pics together but this is a favorite because it’s the day you brought me home and we both were so very happy. Every year at this time I do get a little sad because it does not seem fair that I only had 3-1/2 years by your side. I am SO grateful you adopted me as a BEAUTIFUL senior, but I wish you  were mine since I was a puppy. However, I still squeezed SO much LOVE into those years with you, Safari and Daddy and so did you of course. When I think of all the adventures I had in both the FL and PA houses it’s amazing!

Mommy, I just want you to know that I always miss you when the New Year turns because it sort of ticks off another year that we have been physically apart and it makes me sad. But, I get happy when I think how the last part of my life was the BEST part and I think even for old people that is important because it is what you remember the most. You are the best Mommy ever and when I talk about you everyone is jealous! Ha!

Please tell Safari, Daddy and of course Joy, whom I hand picked for you, that I love and miss them too. By the way, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky send their love as well – they miss you so much too. We all do, but we know that our pictures are all OVER those houses and most of all in your heart.

Happy New Year Sweet Mommy,

Love your Daughter, Bailey with all my paws and heart. xoxoxoox

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A Tribute to a Gentleman Farmer…

29 Monday Dec 2014

Tags

animal rescue, Christmas, death, dog communication, dogs, farmers, friends, loving dogs, missing your dog, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

santa bailey 1steve beck

santa bailey 2

Dearest Bailey,

I received news this week that our friend, Steve Beck had died. You remember Steve and his dog Boo Boo? I do not know if you remember, but when you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge to Hyfryd, Steve is the person who helped place you in your special resting spot with love and care, while i cried as hard as it was raining that day. He too loved you so much. Steve, a gentleman farmer, loved animals. Remember we used to go there to visit the draft horses and cows? I am sending you his picture for your den!

It is always sad news to hear that a friend died and because we are not up North during this time period, we could not go to his funeral. I am not a person who likes funerals, but when I return in the Spring, Joy and I will take a special walk at the park to commemorate his memory and we will do that here in Florida as well.

Since Steve loved animals so much, I am hoping that he finds his way to Hyfryd since there are so many animal lovers and animals there. If you see him Bailey, please guide him toward you. He may be trying to find a good place to settle and I know you would welcome him with open paws.

I miss you so much everyday but when I look at your Santa Bailey picture I just wish I could reach out and bury my face in your fur. I know, I know, do it with Joy is what you are whispering in my ear. I do, of course and I love her so very much – I always think how great the two of you would have been together. You live in my heart and I wear your heart necklace everyday and my earrings to match are on today as well. Red Rubies of course, being that red was your color. The color of Christmas, Valentines, hearts and of course love.

With all of mine to you. Write me back soon, okay?

Your Mommy

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Posted by Sherri Maddick | Filed under animal families, Christmas, death, dog/human relationships, Florida, Journaling, memories, missing your dog, spirituality, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, walking

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Gallery

Spirits Touching

07 Monday Jul 2014

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, letters, love, loving dogs, memories, missing your dog, rememberence, rescue dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, trees, Workign Dogs

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coincidence, dog communication, female dogs, love, missing your dog, older dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, the loss of a pet, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

This gallery contains 3 photos.

Dear Mommy, I know you love it when I make the wind blow hard when you visit my tree at …

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Santa Bailey I Love You…

11 Wednesday Dec 2013

Posted by Sherri Maddick in animal families, border collies, Christmas, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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border collies, Christmas, coincidence, dog communication, letters, life with dogs, senior dogs, spirituality, the rainbow bridge, unconditional love

santa bailey 1
santa bailey 2
santa bailey 3

Dearest Bailey,

The tree, the ornaments, the lights, the color red, most of all. Red was your color. The color of your Coach collar and leash. The holidays are all about red and I cannot help but see and feel your energy everywhere. Little Joy reminds me of you. I never knew you as a young pup, but I always think you would have been just like her. You Border Collies are so similar in your sweet dispositions and great energy – and Joy has amazing energy that I wish I could bottle and give to people everywhere. I love that about her. It’s so joyous and positive.

I need you to write me a letter very soon and tell me how you are doing. I need to know how everyone is in Hyfryd. Anwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Barkley, Shauna, EVERYONE! I need a holiday report. Have you decorated the den yet? Is it sparkly? I hope so. Tell me everything.

I love you the most in the Universe my Sweet Bailey. Write me soon. I need it.

Mommy xoxooxx

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