Tag Archives: the rainbow bridge

Book Signings and a Bug On Your Face

15 Thursday Aug 2013

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letters from bailey cover

Mommy! I know…I can just hear the yelling now! “Why have you not written to me?” I am SOOOOOO sorry but I have been sooooo busy doing book signings here in Hyfryd! You are going to have to send me more books because I have become quite in demand. Before I go on, remember when you were at our tree the other day and you kept trying to swat at a bug by your face? Yes, it was me, kissing you! I know you thought of it after it kept happening over and over! I thought it was SO funny!

Anyway, I really am sorry for not writing. I know I am not keeping up with my letters but classes start in two weeks and I have had a lot to prepare. I am teaching two new classes. “Love Communication,” which will help the animals figure out ways to keep communication alive after they come over the Rainbow Bridge. I must admit, that this class is not for just anybody. You really have to be a certain kind of person to want to take this class. The other class is “Healing 101.” I know this sounds like some of the other classes I teach, but I am structuring this one differently. This one will focus on the immediate needs after one loses their physical family I think this is really important. Although we know we will be reunited one day, dealing with how to make that time count is important. As you and I like to say, Border Collies are working dogs and we need to help! SO those are the new classes.

The book has only increased the number of people who want to take my classes. Anwen is helping teach and now Barkley is as well. I have not quite convinced Tarzan, Cheetah or Freedom yet, although they help do things within the school, administratively. Cheetah says she is thinking about it. She has missed you very much; I know she was very close to your spirit – I can feel that about her. Tarzan too misses you a great deal. He was truly your boy.

I really have not felt as though I have been neglecting you, I just have been so crazy since our book came out. I have to say to you that I am very thankful for all the hard work you put into it and I know you are working hard to get our love story/message out there so we can help others. Don’t worry about having to do it quickly just take your time. It’s hard to do all that and your job as well. It’s like a second job – see that is how I feel but I am certainly not complaining!

Well, I am very tired and like you tell Joy, I have “tired eyes,” so I am going to sleep now. I love you so very much and I am very proud of our book. Write me back soon. I know you will.

With all my love and soul,

Your Bailey Girl xoxoxoxox

Looking Up…

20 Monday May 2013

Posted by in birds, border collies, Journaling, joy, loving dogs, missing your dog, rainbow bridge, sky, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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bailey looking upDearest Bailey,

I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you today. I was lying in Bob and Jamie’s pool on a raft, staring at the sky after working on two long press releases and I needed a break from the computer.

Often when I look up, I think of you and wonder what you are doing and if you are looking at me. At that very moment a big bird appeared out of no where and was swooping the mostly cloudy sky. It was a dark bird, so he or she contrasted well against the clouds. As soon as I whispered, “Bailey is that you?” The bird swooped more down and then up again toward the big cloud that blocked the sun. It sailed on the air as I watched it and then it went through the cloud and I could no longer see it.

I always take those as signs of you, those little pieces of nature that just tends to happen randomly, I love those quiet moments because they are rare for me and so needed. When I do have those quiet moments, I am glad that my thoughts turn to you my sweet girl. I miss you so much; you can never know how much. Joy continues to be a joy and that is all because you took the time to find me the perfect girl. Papa said today, “Joy is so much like you!” I told him that he always said the same thing about you and me! Although I have always seen myself as more of a cat, the only dog I could ever be is a Border Collie because of their wonderful work ethic which is so important to me.

I just wanted to say if that was you, thanks for “appearing,” in whatever shape or form you can accommodate. You are so near and dear to me, I truly feel your presence everyday, I really do and I hope you feel the same.

By the way, I am awaiting the arrival of the first printed book before it really goes to press. I have to read it cover to cover once again to make sure it is perfect! I am so excited and I know you are as well.

Goodnight my beautiful girl. Write me soon. I await your words. Your love I have, always.

From Earth to the Sky,   xoxoxoox

Mommy

Happy Mother’s Day!

12 Sunday May 2013

Posted by in border collies, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, Mother's day, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized

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Hi MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!

I KNOW, I KNOW! At least I am writing back on Mother’s Day! I have been so busy wrapping up my classes for summer. School is over and the break is MUCH needed! I want you to know that EVERYONE here is going to want a copy of our book, so you had better get me lots of copies! I am so proud of you on completing our book, Letters to Each Other. When do you get the preview copy for approval? After you approve that then it goes on the market!  ROO ROOO! It’s been a long process, huh Mommy? I am overjoyed! Well, I am pretty proud of myself too since I am the co-author. Everyone here thinks I am celebrity and they are setting up a book signings here in Hyfryd and some neighboring towns.  I decided to not teach this summer and just work on promotion of the book and the rehab of the den–it is coming along so beautifully.

You and daddy taught me that it is really good to live in open space, so when this is done it is going to be so great. It will only take about another month and it will be complete. Tarzan, Cheetah and Freedom as so excited about moving in permanently and being attached. Well, you know me, I always liked to be attached! I see Joy sisthat way too. HA! I saw the other night when you told her to go have a pee right before bed and she would not go until you put the leash on her.  WHO does THAT remind you of? She makes me laugh because in certain ways she is very much like me, so it is no wonder you love her so much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOY, MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER! I wanted to say Happy Birthday to Joy, because I know it is one year TODAY (!) since you adopted her. It’s so cool that today her birthday lands on Mother’s Day!!!! Can you believe how fast time flies?  I miss you so very much, but I since I get special abilities that allow me to see some things from here, I feel like I am living along side of you, just very quietly, like intuition does.

Well, I just wanted to wish you a good day mommy. I hope you have fun day and I love you so much. SO MUCH! I am in your mind and heart forever and ever and you are in mine. I know you are thinking strongly of me today, as I am of you.

Always With Love and Kisses,

Your Sweet Bailey

2013, Our Letters Are Late!

06 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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Bailey sweetness

Dear Bailey,

WOW! We have never been so late in writing back. It’s a new year and it is already February 6th! I think we are both guilty, but I have a great excuse which will make you very happy.

I am almost – ALMOST – done editing the book. We are on our way, or shall I say, you are on the way to being the famous doggie diva you have always wanted to be. The person we are working with is Sara Ann. She is very nie and isn’t it funny her name is Sara, even spelled the way I like? Remember I told you that it was going to be a lot of work and as it turns out it really is! The key has been finding blocks of time for editing and after I get all the pages done I have to do the painstaking task of choosing pictures to go into your book. The fact that you are so beautiful does not help matters, but I have to limit the number we can use.

The other thing I had to do was change the theme of this blog and I had taken just about forever to make a decision until I found this one, which oddly is called Chateau. That seems fitting for a Princess like you. I felt the next series of letters should look different on here at least.

So to say things have been crazy busy is an understatement and I am sure that your classes are well under way since you said you were going back to school on the 7th of January and here we are a month late!

I wanted to bring you the exciting news about the book. I am working as fast as I can! Write me back and let me know how the new year started for you my sweet girl. I feel like there have not been enough signs lately, except Sara’s name- which I truly knew was  your doing and I love you for it. The title is Letters To Each Other.

We took Joy on the boat for the first time and I took a picture just like the one I have of you. In the next letters I will send them side by side. You will like it. I miss you sweet girl. Write me tomorrow, please. I long to hear from you.

Always with love….me

My Rainbow In Your Sink…

26 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by in animal families, Christmas, coincidence, dog/human relationships, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, Poetry, rememberence, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Hi Mommy!

So you saw the Rainbow I sent you. I did not mean for it to land in the bathroom sink, but maybe that is where it was supposed to land since that is where you were at that exact moment! That was my other Christmas present to you. I am sure that you liked it because you sure rushed to get the camera! ha! The day was not that sunny, so it probably did not last too long, but I thought it was a great gift to give you, the colorful light of my energy.

I just realized that this si the 99th letter! Wow! So I guess one more will make our 100th and here we go to the bookstore!  WOOF! It’s going to be a lot of editing work that is for sure! A new project for 2013! I am so excited. I guess we might have to split letter 100, l okay? Then we will BOTH have the last word of the first book! haha! I like that idea. We have to do it before 2012 ends, right. Right!

Christmas with everyone here was quiet, much like at your house. I prefer it that way – a good time for reflection and you have always been one to write about a year in summation – me too. We will have a great 100th letter. Let’s think about what we want to say and meet back here this week and finish our work for the book. I cannot wait!

I love you forever,

Your Bailey Always xoxoxoox

Starbucks, Bailey and Joy…

17 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in border collies, Christmas, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Florida, Journaling, joy, letters, missing your dog, second chances, Starbucks, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Joy Loves Her Puppy Lattes!
Joy’s First Santa Hat
Bailey Plays Santa
Bailey, you poser!

Dearest Bailey,

It was so good to FINALLY hear from you! I had to tell you this little story. You know how everyone at Starbucks adored you? You loved the little red cups at Christmas time to drink your water in the car. And who loved Puppy Lattes MORE than you?

The other day, Papa and I went to Starbucks and we thought we could try to sit outdoors with Joy. Lots of dogs go there and she is used to going there up North, but usually in the drive through Starbucks. I thought this would be a nice change for her and she could get a puppy latte (whipped creme in a cup, for those of you readers who might think I give my Joy coffee, no!)

Russell stayed outside with Joy while I went in to retrieve our drinks and tiny cup of whipped creme. Joy was SO excited. A man came towards our couch and said, “I have to come and pet that cute dog,” and at that very moment Joy started barking at him. I said, “sorry maybe another time!” A few minutes passed a younger guy named Evan came towards us and said, “Oh my goodness, you are just too adorable with those freckles on your nose.” Joy did not bark a word! She liked him and let him pet her. “I have to go get my dog, she is in the car.”

He was wearing a cool t-shirt that said In Dog We Trust, maybe that is why Joy knew he was okay! Next, I said, “Oh what kind of dog do you have?” “A Sheltie,” he said. She is kind of shy like Joy.” “Awww, a Sheltie? I love Shelties. What is her name?” I asked? “Bailey he said.”

Of course it was. He could have had any kind of dog with any name in the world, but it was a Sheltie in the same collie family and she shared your name. It could not have been a more perfect moment. You shared it with us because you are always omnipresent. Always. I feel you everywhere I am and I am glad you make your presence known in many different ways. That was the best Christmas present I could have been given. Thank you Bailey – you and the Sheltie….

With all my Love,

me

PS: Two pics of you and two of Joy to show everyone in Hyfryd!!!

I Should Have Written Sooner…

16 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by in border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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744I am SO SORRY I should have written sooner! I was so busy finishing all the classes before the break, so I am sending you this adorable picture of me and you with hopes that you will forgive me. Oh yeah, I’m Bailey, you ALWAYS forgave anything I did! hahaha – Although let’s face it, I never was really bad ever! I know yua re saying, “yes that is true,” right now!

Sometimes around the holidays all the critters here in Hyfryd really have a hard time with missing their people, but Onwen and I try to teach them that the “spirit” of the holidays are really always there – just like you and I know each other is just a whisper away.

That is what I teach the people here. I try to explain that everyone will be reunited with their people in the future – some sooner than later and vice versa. I want people on both side of the Rainbow Bridge to be grateful for what they have now; that is what is most important. So many people take it all for granted. You and I never will.

I am so happy that you adopted Joy. It’s funny she has the perfect name for this season, huh? I can see she makes you laugh like me. We are very similar, that I see. I was just more outgoing than her. Remember how you thought I was so friendly that I would just go with anyone? I never would have, you know. Joy, on the other paw, would bark at them and protect you to the nth degree! I like that quality in her, actually. I can see how much progress she has made already in her socialization. You just keep taking her places and she will do fine. She is QUITE the squirrel chaser like I was, huh? Very funny!

I do have to say that I am ready and happy for the holiday break from school. I don’t resume classes until January 7th. I never thought I would be THIS busy over the Rainbow Bridge, but hey, what’s a Border Collie to do? We are working dogs and I love helping people. I always think about that movie, It’s a Wonderful Life that we watched each Christmas. If you had not adopted me, I might never have been a teacher. I certainly would not have had the great experiences in my senior years that you guys gave me. It was so great of you to adopt a senior dog, really, cause nobody wants the older dogs and cats. Of course I should not say that – there are some, but for the MOST part people want the young ones. We certainly chose each other and on this second Christmas without you, papa and safari, I am thinking about that. I am thinking how grateful I am to have had a wonderful three years with you because the first part of my life was not good and I block it all out. You truly loved me with all your soul and heart and I feel that everyday, even today over the bridge.

Guess what? We only have three more stories before we go into a book! I am SOOOO excited!!! I cannot wait. We ARE going to do a second one too, right? Yes, I figured as much. That is great because there is so much to say and so many people to help understand how to deal with this new part of life! Oh and I wanted to tell you that yes, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Lucky and a bunch more others will be here with me, Onwen and Barkley. Barkley has been so great at school. I have given him a new class to teach come January. He will be teaching a class of very young folk who crossed way too early due to accidents, just like his. He is such a wonderful guy I just love his enthusiasm.

Write me soon, okay? I promise to write quicker! We have to move on to the 100th blog!!! – I love you and will talk to you before Christmas.

All my love, Bailey Girl….

Giving Thanks….

19 Monday Nov 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, loving dogs, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, Thanksgiving, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Mommy! I am so sorry this is the longest it has ever taken me to write you back and you HAVE to forgive me! Of course, being your Bailey girl, you will! If you remember,  I told you in my last letter, that we were SO busy with the new classes and the influx of new students that time just seems to slip away but now I am on Thanksgiving break and have 10 days off. After that I will teach until 2 days before Christmas and then I don’t go back until after the new year whew! It has been crazy and again, I am sorry and I have missed you.

I am sending you this picture because I know it is one of your top 3 favorites and it reminded me of Thanksgiving. Why? You must wonder since it was not taken on Thanksgiving. It makes me recall how grateful I am for all of the wonderful experiences you and papa shared with me, I know we went ont he boat several times and I think you thought I did not like it, but i loved it. I was just always worried about peeing in the boat even though you said I could! The stupid bladder cancer always made me feel less in control than I wanted to be. I am SO glad that when you cross over the Rainbow Bridge you have no health problems! It is so great to just be a regular doggy again and pee when you simply have to, not constantly!

Interestingly, that brings me to my next bit of information. I am starting another new class! This one is for people who pass before their time, lets say – because of an illness – like me! It seems that there is a lot of resentment that some people have here that they have not done all they could have or they feel they got ripped off of being loved more than they were. These people really need this special class because they hold a lot of sadness still in their hearts. I will help them learn how to turn that around and still feel close to their families, but give them learning tools to move on and do good things here in Hyfryd.

So all of this recalls my thankfulness. I know, I know, you are thankful for me too – THAT goes without saying! haha! I am watching you all the time. Joy is interesting. She is soooo much like me – a little princess – she actually listens to you much better than I did – she is not as stubborn as me, it seems, but you know us Border Collies, at heart we are all stubborn and want our way. However, we give back 3000 percent and more with our love, right? Right!

So I just wanted to say Thank you for all of your love and all of your continued love and support. I know you miss me as much as I miss you. I feel it as much as you do. If you are wondering if I am cooking Thanksgiving for Onwen and Company, I am, of course and Tarzan, Cheetah and Freedom and Lucky will all be here, a long with a slew of others. I am starting to cook on Wednesday there is so much to do and you know HOW MUCH I love TURKEY!

Well, I will wait for a letter from you now. I am glad that you made it down to Florida for the winter and Joy was good on the trip. I knew she would be. She is loving the old neighborhood, I am sure. Tell Angel and Zoe-Zoe I say hi. I love you mommy and thank you for the best part of my whole life – the part with you, papa and Safari. Kiss them for me please. As for you, my kisses are all around you.

Forever your Sweet Girl,

Bailey

A Tree-Blushed Kiss…

21 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Fall, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, Poetry, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Working Dogs

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 Dear Bailey,

You blushed in full bloom. You are a stand-out amongst the hundreds of other trees at Buhl Park, so red and full like a woman’s lips searching for a kiss. And who kissed you more than me?

Today is October 21 and week from now will be one year since you went to Hyfryd and it seems so much longer.  So much longer, yet I am so proud of all you have taught me and all you continue to do there. Our spirits are so aligned and I feel you everywhere. Russell talks about you all the time and you know I talk to Joy & Safari about you everyday. To be honest I still feel sad some days when I think about how much I miss you.  That is how I am. n Cheetah and Freedom and Lucky are always at the top of my mind. Sharing your life with an animal companion is very special because of its very nature and relationship. There is nothing else like it and it is different from humans. Animals of all kinds love without condition – something that some humans have not learned to do with each other. There is just a special sweetness that is unbridled. I know so many people like us too who feel compelled to be part of an animal’ s life, be it a dog or cat, horse or bird. It’s simply part of who you are or not but I am glad I=it’s always been part of me and when we met you became entwined into my soul as I have with you.

Joy reminds me of you in a lot of ways but she truly is a puppy. She is still discovering the world and she has much to learn. She is a lot of fun and she literally makes all of us laugh everyday. Safari and her play so sweetly and truly like each other a lot.  I have to say my working girl, you certainly kept your promise and found us the perfect girl for all of us. She will never take your place, please know that. She simply has her own and thanks to you – with help from Victoria – she found her way here, where she belongs.

I just wanted to say hello after seeing your tree today. I wanted to say I love you, I am with you and thinking of you daily. Your pictures are in front of me and your spirit surrounds us.

The Changing Leaves…Green and holding

08 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Doing Your Best, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, parks, rainbow bridge, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, trees, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Dear Mommy,

Did you see that I am holding on to my green leaves? Only a couple of red tips so far, that is all you can see. October is not my favorite month and I know it is definitely not yours either. I don’t really want to focus on how I left you this month because  “the sad-day date” is still far off yet, but a year has sure travelled fast hasn’t t? I know you feel it has as well.

I did NOT want to leave you, but my body did not want to perform anymore I guess and the best way to continue my love, kindness and good work was to wind up here in Hyfryd, where I am doing great in all those departments. Since teaching the classes on life after the Rainbow Bridge, I too have realized so much about life on earth versus life on Hyfryd. I love that my body feels so good all the time here. I often think, is that worth not waking up next to our bed anymore? I try to make sense of those type of thoughts but realize that life is just life, filled with happiness, sadness, rewards and expectations, but what is most important is love and knowledge. There is nothing more important than love and as you know, there is nothing so pure and simple as the love between a man/woman and their animal companion. Nothing.

I love that you planted our tree in my honor and I love that you visit it constantly. I know the visits to the tree at the park are more meaningful than my special place in the yard.  You know why, don’t you? Of course it is because you and I loved walking in that park together, just as you do with Joy now. The time we spent there – each moment was perfect (except for the couple of times you fell! That was funny sorry!) and happy. My special place is of course right outside the door to our sweet home, but Buhl Park, while it is everyone’s home, can be your home in the minutes and hours when you walk there.

So for now I am holding onto my green leaves. Even though my color is red, I am not shedding them for winter quite yet. I am staying as green for now just for you, with just that tinch of red. Like the tree there, I have grown here in Hyfryd. You taught me how to be grateful and mostly –  loved unconditionally. I try to pass on all those qualities to my students. They tell me I am doing a good job because they are learning how to live here without their families and when you first arrive it is a difficult adjustment, but if you can find ways to contribute then it becomes acceptable, sort of. I will never not miss you and I know, by watching you every single day, that you  feel the same.

It was funny in Chicago the other day when your cousin asked you about how you came to love dogs when you had cats your whole life (and still do, of course!) and you mentioned April’s influence and Marla, your former vet. If I never did, then I have to thank April for that because if it was her love of us dogs that originally rubbed off on you then good for her because she did a great job of making you crazy about us! Ha! Of course I know you would be anyway because, as Marla always said, it’s a different relationship. It is. Especially me and you.  One of extreme kindness, caring and endless love.

Your Sweet Bailey, Forever and Ever…..Write me soon! I love you,