Miss Bailey 1998-2010

Today was a sad day at the Richard's household. Probably more so for me, since I'm the real animal lover in the house.
Bailey came to us through a friend, who knew we were looking for a companion for Kahlua. Hey, almost free puppies--so, when Kristin was 3 weeks old, we headed out to look at puppies. Margaret, Bills Mom was out to visit and thought I was totally insane for even looking into getting another dog. But, we did, and she has been a great dog.
She had a soft heart, and always was wanting to care for whatever animals we had. When Ashley had kittens and abandoned them, Bailey would gently pick them up in her mouth, and carry them to her bed, to try to care for them. When a neighbors cat got hit on the road, and left a litter of kittens, Bailey sought out her kittens under a house, and brought one home, looking at us as if to say "Can I keep it". I wish I had a picture of that cat dangling from her mouth...it's whole head gently held in her big mouth, and the body hanging. We did let her keep the kitten, which Ashley ended up nursing, as she'd just been fixed, and little did we know, she had a litter in her, too soon to deliver. She had milk come in,and saved this little kitten. Bailey would share her bed with whatever animal we had...as she did with Ashley, and 'Her kitten" Sinatra.
Bailey has been so sad since Kahlua crossed over that rainbow bridge in Sept of 2001....she has never been the same since her caretaker went away...which is when I became her "mother"---when inside and she outside, she would follow from window to window, wanting to be near. A more faithful companion I never had.
This last year has been tough on Bailey, although she had trouble getting up & down steps, she would not sleep downstairs...it was next to where we were or nothing. She didn't seem to be in too much pain, but did move very slow, in which we've especially noticed this last 6 months.
It was a tough decision to do, but I've always been a firm believer in not keeping an animal for yourself, but to say goodbye when it is time. Even to the last minute...she was worried that I was crying....what a faithful girl. Bailey, the morning she left us...

It was very peaceful, she simply closed her eyes, and fell asleep. I am thankful to Dr Amy and the staff at Brownsville Animal Clinic, as they allowed me to be with her to the end...as well as let me sit as long as I wanted with her afterward. To them, I will always be grateful.
Ann Landers had this in her column many years ago...and I was reminded of it this morning when my cousin Sarah said she'd be praying for me.....while this never speaks of heaven...it's there with my Father that I know we will be again!

Thank You Bailey, for your wonderful spirit, your loving gentleness, for the way you always took care of our kids as they grew, and for worrying over me right up until your last breath. You will be missed. My desk chair is a lonely place right now without you laying right beside me.

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
Ann Landers Version
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge,
there is a land of meadows,
hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies,
the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who are maimed are made whole again.
They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing.
They are not with their special person who loved them on earth.
So, each day they run and play until
the day comes
when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches!
The ears are up!
The eyes are staring!
And this one suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen,
and when you and your special friend meet,
you take him or her in your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again
and again,
and you look once more
into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together,
never again to be separated.