Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Good-Bye to Our Friend Bailey

I am so sorry to tell you all, that again, for the third time in 32 days, we have another loss at Golden Pines.  Today, we said good-bye to our beautiful girl, my confidant, my friend Bailey, who for nearly two years was my constant companion at home.
~Bailey - On our way home - The day we met~ 
Yes, my heart is truly broken and there are no words to say how sad I am about a loss that I knew was coming. But as I write this, I'm not kidding, there is a little wren sitting on the railing outside my window, singing its big song. Maybe it's telling me to not be sad, but to sing and celebrate that what for Bailey, was a long life.  She was more than 14 years old.

I don't know much about Bailey's life before she came to us in September of 2017. What I put together from the papers that came with her, is that she was born in Kentucky, not far from where my own Mother was from. She was part of a family with 2 children and the husband was in the military and was stationed in Germany, where she lived too. Somewhere her life changed and there was a divorce. Bailey lived with the husband, and several other dogs until her owner died.
~Bailey - Stuck in the middle~
I've said before, and it was so true, that Bailey was truly the quintessential Golden Retriever. She was always happy, easy going, gentle, and a good friend, companion and comforter. And I never mentioned it, but Bailey's former owner, took his own life. Of course I don't know the circumstances of any of that. But as my day has ended without my beautiful Bailey by my side, and as she journeys back to the one who created her, I hope she is met on the other side by "Jim" who loved her first - Because if his soul still needs that same comfort and friendship that she always gave me, I know that  she will (again) give it to him.

God-speed Bay-bay...  Through my tears and heartbreak  I am trying to smile and find joy and celebrate the time we had together. You will be missed, not just by me, but by all the dogs who you were a friend to. I will look forward to the day when I'll see you again. Until then, those memories of you are tucked into their own place in my heart that is only for you.   
~A fun outing - Bailey looking at the chicks~ 
And finally, Bailey's color is cinnamon. When I had her at the office several months ago, the daughter of a co-worker thought with all the white in her coat, that Bailey looked like a cinnamon roll. Kids have a way of pointing out the obvious, because Bailey really did look like one. And we all know that nothing says comfort food like a big, fluffy, soft cinnamon roll warm and fresh from the oven - And "soft comfort" was what Bailey was all about.


I will miss my friend.



23 comments:

  1. Rest in peace Bailey. Many hugs to you Kim and the crew. My heart aches with you. Cinnamon rolls reminded me of the ones my mother used to make and I will never see another one without remembering your Bailey. {{{{{Hugs}}}}}

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  2. Cinnamon is my favourite spice and I put it into every meal that I cook. I will always think of the most gorgeous Bailey from now on. :)

    I feel such happiness that Bailey got to bask in the sunshine of your love and enjoy the company of your many canine friends. What a beautiful gift you gave her.

    Sorry for the loss of your Bailey.

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  3. tears are filling my eyes. I too hope she can meet up with Jim.
    just feeling that brings a little comfort doesn't it. and that's what she was … a comforter. my heart aches for you Kim. I don't see how you can do it. so many times. and there are the special ones. like Bailey.
    sending you love. and strength … which you always seem to find.
    the pictures of her here are wonderful. bless you dear one.

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  4. RIP Bailey. I am so sorry Kim! Beautiful photos of Bailey. I am glad Bailey lived her last days with you.

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  5. Bailey gave and received the most important thing in life, love. RIP beautiful Golden Girl.

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  6. We're so sorry to hear that Bailey has crossed the Bridge. She was lucky to find herself in the warm embrace of your loving home for her final years. We send warm hugs and soft licks to comfort you.

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  7. Kim, I am devastated to read that you have lost your special girl.
    Thank you for posting the photos as a reminder of what a beautiful girl she was. May she find happy companions at the Rainbow Bridge, and you find comfort from the unconditional love she gave.

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  8. Unfortunately, it's in your job description for what you do.

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  9. My husband is a veteran and do you know we lose 22 veterans a day to suicide. I hope she can be with Jim on the other side and someday you can meet up with all of them again. You are such a wonderful person. I would love to be your neighbor and come visit you and hug you for all the wonderfulness you bring to these dogs lives. I have gsds and they do not seem to live long lives so 13 is a good number (altho in my eyes, they never live long enough for me even if they lived to 20). Hugs.

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  10. Awwwww.... sweet Kim! The tears are flowing down my cheeks upon the loss of your Bailey. I also have goosebumps... thinking about Bailey running up to Jim and the reunion they had when Bailey arrived. I can hear Jim saying "I have waited for you, girl, and oh how I've missed you." Then I picture Bailey walking by Jim's side, saying hello to all the other soldiers in heaven who may not have a furry companion to greet them. On behalf of all of us who love & rescue, THANK YOU!! Thank you for taking dear Bailey in when she needed a place to be. May her spirit comfort you and the memories of her make you smile instead of cry one day soon. We will have NO trouble finding you in heaven, honey.... you'll be the dear soul surrounded endlessly by waging tails. Love you, Andrea xoxo

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  11. And we will miss her too - what a very sweet girl she was! We hope she has reunited with Jim and they both have some happy times across the RB. Soft woos and gentle hugs from all of us.

    Woos - The OP Pack

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  12. You are an angel from heaven to love and help all these wonderful dogs. You are their blessing, thank you.

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  13. A sweet girl. You've had a bad run at the moment. Unfortunately giving your heart to animals means it gets broken; but those memories will be with you forever.

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  14. Sending love and hugs at this very sad time. Sweet Bailey will be so missed. God bless your heart for loving these sweet beautiful seniors and giving them the love they deserve
    hugs
    Mabel & Hilda

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  15. We're so sad to hear about your dear Bailey. What a beautiful cinnamon girlie! My ghostwriter says that at her nursing home where she works, deaths always come in threes. Hopefully you won't have any more losses for a good, long time now. Sending lots of hugs and POTP and cocker spaniel kisses.

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  16. I am crying for you and for Bailey. Thank you for giving her so much love after such a terrible loss before you knew her. Hugs to you Kim. Sending love up to the heavens for Bailey.

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  17. You must not have much resilience left after this swath of losses. What a miracle that Bailey was able to be with you for so long at her age. When we lost our golden on Easter morning, I remember the emergency vet looking at his records and saying, "Holy Cow! This golden is almost fourteen years old. Mine is nine, and I'm praying that he lives to ten." It comforted me to know that we had had kept him, also a rescue, in a happy stage of his life for so long. I hope you are similarly comforted that you did that for Bailey.

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  18. Parting is such sweet sorrow and, if my experience is anything to go by, you'll almost see Bailey, Joy, and Cissy in their favorite places in your home and yard. Of course, they'll never fade from your heart.

    I hope Bailey and Jim are together again.

    Hugs...

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  19. Oh my gosh, that sweet, sweet face! I am so very sorry for your loss. It's not any easier when you know it's coming, and after two other losses and all so close together, I can only imagine sad how you feel. She lived a good long life and I am sure Jim watched down and appreciated that you made the last two years of her life so special. ♥

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  20. Once again, Kim I'm so sorry. The loss of one precious baby is bad enough. Multi losses are unbearable. My heart goes out to you and your family. RIP in the meadows at the Bridge, sweet Bailey. 💙💕💙

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  21. I am so sorry.. I have tears when I read this.
    love
    tweedles

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!