My beloved Bailey boy

[blackbaileyboy]

I couldnt let today pass without mentioning my beautiful loyal dog Bailey who left me for Rainbow Bridge in November 2008.

Bailey was the best dog i could ever hoped to have he came to me as a stray 10+ years ago. He was a very handsome black and white border collie.

Bailey had clearly had a terrible start and was shall we say a little skittish for a good while. Over the years he became the steadiest dog you could wish for. People would often stop me and admire him and he got a few little rosettes at our local dogs shows...yes there were a few first places in there but i don't like to boast.

I dont think he had a day of sickness in the 10 years I had him and it was a heartbreaking time when he left me without any warning. At the time I was sad that I didnt have the opportunity to say good bye properly but now i know i was spared any pain of seeing him being unwell.

I think about you every day Bailey and I still love you as much as I ever did when you were here. So many things remind me of you and you are in my thoughts when I am awake and my dreams at night.

My reason for posting today is that i have by my feet a lovely little collie Nina who I am fostering, she is my first foster dog. I had a bit of a wobble this morning thinking about fostering and wondering if people would think I had forgotten about Bailey and wondering if Bailey was looking down at me thinking I had moved on.

Bailey it is because I loved you so much that I am now fostering a collie, maybe one day I will have a forever dog, maybe i will be a failed foster at the first attempt. Who knows? the only thing i know is that I will love you Bailey forever, you will always be mummy's boy x

[terrytrouble]

I can second that the bond between ann-marie and bailey was something truly fantastic. Ann is one of the nicest people you could ever meet and he was just one of a kind so it was a match made in heaven right from the start really. It has been a huuuuge deal for ann to take a foster on but Nina has fallen on all paws there and whilst I couldnt possibly comment on the possibility of a FF (although today at her house it was like Nina had always been there) Bails would be extremley proud.

[eileenjones]

I so understand how you feel. When I brought the first dog home after Sophie disappeared I felt dreadful but consoled myself with the thought that she would love to have another dog around. Then the next and the next and the next till there were 8. After that I started to rehome the next ones that came along hence FOA RCT.

I think Sophie would go into shock if she walked in now. Thank you so much for giving Nina a place. I know her family have loved her so much and by coming to us she hasn't ended up in kennels.

[niax]

Well done for taking such a huge step Ann! I think Nina is very lucky to have you.

[eileenspal]

I have a huge lump in my throat and feel your emotions so strongly. It is because we care that it hurts so much, when we loose a beloved friend.
We haven't known each other long but I know you have a huge heart and lots of love to give. I'm sure Bailey would approve of your willingness to open you heart and share a little bit of what you and he obviously had together.
I will probably feel the same when the time comes, but I know there are so many dogs in need of a warm loving home, that I will foster for as long as I can.
Thank you so much for helping with Nina because she's worth it.

[blackbaileyboy]

Today is the 3 year anniversary since by beloved boy Bailey left me for Rainbow bridge. Although I am marking the three years by this post, the actual date matters not to me, as I think about him every single day as much today as I did in the early days after he left.

The only thing that has changed over the years is how I feel about him slipping off to Rainbow bridge with the slightest hint. At the time I felt robbed but now I have come to realize that I wouldn't have wanted to see him deteriorate nor have had to make any heartbreaking decisions which I am sure would have haunted me.

My beloved Bailey, I love you now where ever you are. I will always have a soft spot for collies because of you. People talk about a "soul dog" and I have no doubt that you are mine.

There were some dark dark days after you left and I often wonder how I would have got through it with out my lovely friend Sar.

Bailey, the days may have passed since you were here with me but it doesn't mean I think about you any less.

xxx

[smallestbean]

I am trying to type through my tears. I can tell from your post how much Bailey means to you. You are doing a marvelous job fostering because you are giving another animal the chance of a wonderful life. Bailey would want you to do that. He will always be with you no matter where you go. It takes a very special person to foster and from the other posts it sounds as though you fit the bill well. Take care, love Andrea xxxx

[redgypsy]

Sending hugs to you,as I am sure many of us can relate to how you feel,but I bet Bailey is running free and well again knowing you are helping other dogs that need the love and care that Bailey knew so well,our pets never really leave us,they leave footprints on our hearts forever.

Glenice.

[eileenspal]

sorry Ann-Marie I have only just caught up with this. I know how much your beloved Bailey has stayed within his special place in your heart, and he always will.

I'm sure he is running free and well and palying with all the other bridge babies xxx

[yvon]

They stay in our hearts forever .......Run free bailey boy you were well loved .
Thank goodness for the Angels that rescue

xxxx

[raggiedoll]

i say the same i lost my bella to nasal tumour (she's a cat lol) 4 years ago and i swear she sent me my wonderful babies they are all insane with great personalities and I'm sure she told them about my crazy cat house.
Funny thing is i don't really believe it for humans but for furies i do

[Our Little Godsend]

I just wrote, posted and subsequently deleted a huge post cos I didn't realise your original post was 2 years ago

Baileyboy was very special, we can tell that by your words - i'm sure he watches over you every minute of every day ;D :hugs:

[raggiedoll]

lol i didnt even realise how old the post was haha and i bet they stalk us from where they are

[blackbaileyboy]

Sorry if I confused by adding to an old post!!

For those who dont know we did indeed fail with our first foster who my husband describes as the best girl in the world..I am not sure if I am number two...I dont like to ask!

Thank you for all the lovely messages.
x

[eileenjones]

Gosh how the years fly by so we are so lucky to have such wonderfil friends to remember.