Thursday, November 29, 2007

One Last Post on Bailey

Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ~ Roger Caras

Judy made me cry again this morning... she made up this little banner and emailed it to me:



DH and I were talking about the fact that we got Bailey as a puppy on almost exactly the same date as we lost her. Eleven good, solid years. I want another eleven.

Yesterday was tough. We stayed away most of the day, but once we were home... it was the little things. Slicing food on the chopping board always made Bailey run to the kitchen. She loved fruits and veggies, and always got the bits I didn't use: the core of the tomato, the ends of the cucumbers, etc., and frequently got a little more than that because she was just so darn cute.

Opening a can was another thing that always got her attention. Cans = food of some sort! She loved to lay at my feet when I cooked, and I'd forever be tripping over her, but I never made her leave because I enjoyed having her nearby.

"Whoops!" was a sure way to get her attention. Again, it usually meant we'd dropped food on the floor. Last night, while we were having dinner, DD dropped a bit and said, "Whoops!" automatically (because, hey, having a dog is like never having to clean up the floor) and then burst into tears.

Bailey was, without a doubt, "MY" dog. She loved everyone, but I was pack leader. She hated being away from me, and would follow me everywhere. When I got up in the morning, so did she. When I went to bed, so did she. If I was on the second floor... so was she. As she got older, it was harder for her to do stairs, so she would watch to see where I would settle down before she decided where to go. I keep expecting to trip over her, to turn and run into her, to automatically pat her on the head as I pass by.

Even my cat it confused. DH cleaned up all things Bailey... so no doggy bed by our bed, no food dish by the entry way, no toys all over the floor... and the cat has been wandering around sniffing, meowing...

DH, though, is taking it the hardest. He's this big guy who never lets anything get to him. But he has been felled by this. He can barely function... it's the most painful thing I've ever had to watch.

And that's all I'll say here on this blog. I promise.

16 comments:

Allie Boniface said...

Sending you all the hugs in the world...

Ceri Hebert said...

I'm so sorry, Marianne. It's so unfair that they can't stay with us forever. I'm glad you had those years with her.

(((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))

Sarita Leone said...

Holding you close in my thoughts and prayers.

Dru said...

{{{{{{{Marianne}}}}}}}

Beautiful words. You're in my thoghts and prayers.

Diane Craver said...

I wish all of you could have had more time with Bailey. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the love you had for your wonderful dog.

Angela James said...

Thank you so much for commenting on my blog and the kind words about Oliver. You know I feel your pain about Bailey. It seems like things like this shouldn't be so hard, but they are. My sympathies to you and your DH.

Charity Tahmaseb said...

Oh, I'm so sorry. I know that empty feeling, that's something/someone is missing. Hang in there. I'll be thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

Lots and lots of *hugs*. I'm sitting here sniffling along with you. It's so unfair that furry family members can't stay with us longer.

Brandy said...

They sneak into our hearts and steal them. Thinking of you.

Eileen said...

I was behind on my blog reading and I missed this. I am soooo sorry, please pass my thoughts to your family. I adore both my dogs so I know how they get into your heart and make a home.

Eileen said...

I was behind on my blog reading and I missed this. I am soooo sorry, please pass my thoughts to your family. I adore both my dogs so I know how they get into your heart and make a home.

Bailey Stewart said...

(((Marianne)))

Avery Gray said...

Oh, I'm so sorry! You must be devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Jen said...

I'm so, so sorry... and huge hugs to you.

groovyoldlady said...

*sniffle*

(((((((Marianne))))))

Alice said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your dear Bailey. *Hug*