When I found Bailey at the pound, he was so malnourished that the Humane Society mis-identified him as a hound dog – just a depressed pile of bones and droopy skin. He could only walk about 15 feet at a time before he’d need to stop and rest for a moment.
Then, as we fed him and exercised him he grew. And grew. I went from being able to pick him up and put him in the back of the car to, well, having to just swear at him helplessly if he didn’t feel like getting in. This was 12 years ago. He’d eventually get to about 150 pounds, almost no fat. His dog bed was a twin mattress.
He was never an easy dog. Not even the rosiest of glasses could paint that image. He was protective and bad with strangers and would shed baffling amounts. More than once he lunged at something while on-leash, and pulled me completely off my feet.
He would refuse to pee. God, I would get so insanely mad at him out in the dog run – in the cold, or rain. I just wanted him to get on with it. I knew he needed to go, yet he was refusing to partake in a function so basic it’s practically involuntary. Then, when he’d acquiesced, he turn in circles. Endlessly. At one point I began to imagine that he had some weird doggie ritual that required him to add one spin every time he pooped.
We went on countless camping trip, hikes, and picnics. He saw some amazing places. And if we went without him somewhere, he was devastated. He was always too smart and too sensitive for his own good. He would be despondent before the first suitcase was out of the closet. He was so loving to us, though. Standing there with his head on the bed, me reading and petting his head. I bet I could count on my fingers the number of times in 12 years he didn’t greet me at the door when I came home, tail wagging, often letting out a deep, happy howl.
He loved the water, he hated sprinklers. He had a bark that terrified those who heard it, but he would whimper helplessly if he needed to go down the hall and a cat was in his way. He loved to chase hunks of wood, but mostly so he could take it in to the grass and chew through it. He loved popcorn. He hated fireworks. He loved our other dog Clancy, and would not abide for a moment any dog that messed with him. He was, I guess, a dog. He was my dog.
Today he’s gone. Today when my daughter inevitably dropped part of her breakfast, no one was waiting, expectantly, to grab it. Today, when my wife got up, no one led her in, announcing her arrival to the living room. I feel sad when I expect him to be there and he’s not, and I feel worse during the parts of the day that are easier because he’s gone. I feel the weight of guilt for… who knows. Nothing. Everything. For the times he came and sat in a room simply because I was there and I didn’t even say hello; and because he trusted me absolutely but one of the last things I had to say to him, as the vet came in with the syringe, was a lie: “It’s going to be okay.”
He drove me crazy. He cost a fortune to feed. The doorbell ringing set him going like a firestorm. I had to time my walks with him when I was reasonably sure no one else would be out walking.
And all I want right now – all I want – is to get to take him out in the dog-run one more time, and say, “Take as long as you need, buddy. We’ve got all the time in the world.”
The Byronic Man 
July 15, 2014 at 1:40 pm
Bless You for taking him in and loving him!
July 15, 2014 at 1:40 pm
I am so sorry, B-man. I’ve been there. It is tough. I’m glad you got to be his person and he your good boy. This was a very nice tribute to your very own best friend.
July 15, 2014 at 1:44 pm
I am bawling as I type…when I got my Shelby from the rescue organization, one of my first thoughts was that I would lose her some day. I love this tribute – it is perfect in many ways. I am sorry for your loss but so glad that you had his love and devotion, and vice versa.
July 15, 2014 at 1:49 pm
I’m so sorry. I lost my elderly cat a few months ago – she was just as frustrating as you described Bailey to be on occasions but there hasn’t been a day that has passed that I haven’t missed her… He was lucky to find you. All the best.
July 15, 2014 at 1:49 pm
Ah yes the guilt…I remember it well. In all the ways that mattered, you made everything better. And believe it or not, if he’s not suffering now, it is okay. Great post.
July 19, 2014 at 4:41 pm
The best I can figure is the guilt stems from the animal having such total faith in you, and you somehow failing to protect them forever. And, of course, the countless times you took them for granted or moments of frustration where you thought about how much easier things would be if they weren’t around.
July 20, 2014 at 8:21 pm
I understand perfectly! When my chocolate lab had to be put to sleep, I tortured myself with the same thoughts. I still think about what I could’ve done to change things (and she died 7 years ago!) But in the end, it was beyond my ability to fix. It sounds to me like Bailey had a great life, and maybe he’s taught us to be a little bit more patient…with our pets and ourselves.
July 15, 2014 at 2:04 pm
I’m sorry and you got me crying at work. Dogs are the best. I have a giant like yours who will swim the Columbia but won’t go out in the rain and is scared of the cat. He’s a good dawg and you gave him a good life. Everyone who loves dogs dreads this day. You did good.
July 15, 2014 at 2:13 pm
You gave him a wonderful life that he wouldn’t have had. He was a lucky guy. After I lost my shepherd Goliath (who looked very much like Bailey) I cried every time I picked up a Cheerio that my then 1-year old dropped. There are things you just shouldn’t have to clean up.
Thanks for reminding me that dog-loving isn’t all perfect. We just adopted a rescue puppy and I will think of Bailey (and Goliath and Charlie and Cooper) every time I want to throttle him.
My heart goes out to you and your wife. And to your daughter who will someday only know pictures.
July 15, 2014 at 2:22 pm
A wonderful tribute to a good friend. You were his good friend too and you gave him a much better life than he had in his earlier life. My sympathies.
July 20, 2014 at 5:36 am
That’s one thing about shelter animals – you often get glimpses of a previous life that seems pretty terrible. Bailey, early on, was terrified of men wearing hats. Who knows why.
July 20, 2014 at 4:58 pm
Probably got regularly kicked by a man wearing the hat? One of my cousins adopted a shelter dog which would cower whenever anybody in the room stood up. Poor dog.
July 15, 2014 at 2:27 pm
My thoughts are with you, as are all other dog owners who know exactly where you are right now.
Bailey knew he was loved, and he knew it was going to be Ok, just as you told him. Sadly, we have to make the decisions that are best for our loved ones, not for us. It hurts. It goes with the territory. But knowing that, doesn’t make it any easier.
July 15, 2014 at 2:30 pm
i understand as I have two loving dogs I would be devastated to lose and I know one day I will have to.
July 15, 2014 at 2:35 pm
I am sobbing. This is a beautiful piece, I think you should send it to a local publication. All of us Bendites love our dogs
July 15, 2014 at 2:51 pm
Sorry to hear about your big boy, Bman. I’m dreading my 13 year old leaving this planet for greener pastures before I’m ready for it as well. Funny how aggravating they can be, but they sure do make life better somehow. The circling before the poop part is classic. That’s my jojo right there. I’ve wanted to strangle her before, but I’m going to be just a little more patient with her from now on. For Bailey’s sake.
July 15, 2014 at 3:00 pm
I’m so sorry.
July 18, 2014 at 7:35 pm
They love unconditionally, it’s all they know. I’m sorry for your loss. I recently had to put to sleep my pitbull boxer last month. It’s tough. But it will get better. All the good times, that’s what we have now to remember.
Erik
http://erikconover.com
July 15, 2014 at 3:01 pm
A life saved and then lost is still a life to be cherished. When the time comes for a new dog, the love you learned to give Bailey will continue, paid forward to his successor.
July 15, 2014 at 3:30 pm
Oh, I’m so, so sorry. This was a beautiful tribute to a dog whose frame could be overshadowed only by his (and his owners’) heart(s)!
July 15, 2014 at 3:40 pm
Wonderful tribute and spoke to all the things I experienced with my Dobie, Captain. If there is a god in the universe, we will see them again.
July 15, 2014 at 3:46 pm
Thank you for writing this, for letting us share your loss and pain. For me this post has real meaning.
July 15, 2014 at 3:53 pm
How special was his life that he got to share it with you, and how richly he rewarded your rescue. I’m so sorry for your loss.
July 15, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Too many feels!
July 15, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Beautiful photo, perfect companion, heartwarming remembrances.
July 15, 2014 at 5:30 pm
I’m so sorry for you. The pet thing is a deeply emotional connection, especially dogs, who seem to intuit your emotions. No dogs here, but, this evening, we took Benazir, our ancient, 12 yr.old chicken, off the roost to come out and play with the other 45 chickens. She ate some whole wheat bread, a few leaves of grass, and then was ammenable to being put back on the roost. Her days are numbered, as are our own…..but we get the larger numbers, it’s a bitch.
July 20, 2014 at 5:38 am
One of the hard things, too, is the way many people often genuinely can’t understand what it is you’re so sad about. As if you lost a commodity, instead of a companion.
July 15, 2014 at 5:33 pm
Your post made me cry. The hardest thing about having pets is losing them.
July 15, 2014 at 5:54 pm
I still look to the landing where my big guy once kept watch as if he might suddenly be there once again. My heart goes out to your family. May he live long in your hearts and memory.
July 19, 2014 at 8:52 am
Yeah, the brain tries to fill in the blanks, and so I keep seeing him out of the corner of my eye where my brain knows he “should” be.
July 15, 2014 at 6:04 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss, B-Man. We went through the same thing last year and it’s just heartbreaking. There sure are some great dogs out there and yours was a wonderful tribute to one of them.
July 15, 2014 at 6:48 pm
Aww, I’m so sorry.
July 15, 2014 at 7:45 pm
Animals always love us and always leave us. I’m very sorry. Thank you for sharing.
July 15, 2014 at 8:00 pm
So sorry you lost your pal. It’s alway so hard to say good-bye.
July 15, 2014 at 9:25 pm
A big dog with an even bigger paw print on you. I’m sorry about Bailey.
July 15, 2014 at 10:11 pm
Reading your wonderful post about your dog made me miss mine. She’s been gone almost 4 years and I STILL miss her. Whenever I see someone walking their dog I can’t help but think of her. I miss walking her. So sorry for your loss. I know the feeling all too well.
July 16, 2014 at 1:48 am
So sorry to hear about the loss of Bailey. It sounds like he made your life very full…in more ways than one.
July 16, 2014 at 6:32 am
Aw B-Man, I’m so sorry for your loss. This brought tears to my eyes. 😦 You did a beautiful thing though, saving him. Hugs.
July 20, 2014 at 5:40 am
At the time, it was between him and this peppy golden lab. We would often wonder how different that would have been… “but then we wouldn’t have had Bailey” was always where the conversation concluded.
July 16, 2014 at 7:04 am
To all pet owners in this situation, look up Rainbow Bridge (author unknown), something I was told about and referred to in my post ‘waiting’ (19.11.2013)
July 16, 2014 at 9:13 am
Part of the family is gone. I understand.
July 16, 2014 at 9:47 am
I’m crying and I don’t even own a dog! But I imagine losing one of my kitties this way would also be devastating. Beautiful tribute!
July 16, 2014 at 10:01 am
So beautiful and sad. We lost our rottie/shepherd cross over 4 years ago, and I still cry when I think about her. My heart goes out to you.
July 16, 2014 at 11:00 am
Oh, I’m sorry for your loss. Bailey’s chasing squirrels in heaven now.
July 16, 2014 at 11:34 am
I always knew you were smarter, funnier, and better looking than I am. Now you’ve shown you are more loving too. Well at least I’ll always be older.
July 16, 2014 at 12:01 pm
You didn’t lie to Bailey, B Man. Everything is fine for him. He’s in your heart. What safer and happier place could your pal be?
July 16, 2014 at 4:34 pm
Bailey sounds like he will be missed.
July 16, 2014 at 8:33 pm
Oh God. I’m heartbroken for you, and so touched by your story. You gave him all that he could hope for–a new lease on life, an opportunity to thrive and genuine love in a caring and supportive family. But knowing all that probably doesn’t help too much right now, because there is definitely a visceral sense of loss when someone so close is suddenly not there any more. I wish you all the time in the world to process your grief, patience with the mourning process, courage to mend your heart, faith in the way of things…
July 20, 2014 at 5:42 am
Thanks. The strange part is the way I’ll keep seeing him out of the corner of my eye, because my brain fills him in where he “should” be. Thanks for the help, brain.
July 16, 2014 at 11:05 pm
*sad face*
Lovely tribute….
July 16, 2014 at 11:29 pm
ALL OF THE FEELS.
July 16, 2014 at 11:59 pm
What a bunch of crap. Now, I’m gonna’ cry. Thanks for nothing.
July 17, 2014 at 5:35 am
So sorry for your loss, B-man. He sounds like such a special dog. Your post made me cry.
I often talk with my kids about my pound puppy Princess, and I tell them she was my best friend, a true angel on earth. She’s been gone over 23 years and I still think of her all the time. The thing that makes me smile is I know she was surrounded by lots of love and I was blessed to have her all those years.
July 17, 2014 at 6:11 am
That was beautifully written. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing. As I read, I felt like I was reading my own story with my rescue pup Anna. She is 10 now and I fear the day when my life will change forever, when we inevitably will have to part. Xoxo
July 17, 2014 at 11:02 am
They do become family, don’t they? Sometimes it is only in their absence that the full beauty of a thing can be appreciated. So sorry for your loss – it sounds like you had an awesome companion and provided a very fine life for Bailey.
July 20, 2014 at 5:43 am
That’s one of the rotten things about life, isn’t it? Despite all the painful lessons we get, we still take things for granted until they’re gone.
July 18, 2014 at 2:30 am
I read this with our dog Beau at my feet. Before we got him, I’d have had little idea what you were on about. Now we have him, I think you got it spot on. Sorry.
July 18, 2014 at 11:06 am
i’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he had a happy life together with you and the family.
July 18, 2014 at 11:54 am
It is so touching… I can feel your grief. I hope Bailey rests peacefully in doggy-heaven…
July 18, 2014 at 11:57 am
So touching!
https://randomplethora.wordpress.com/
July 18, 2014 at 12:00 pm
The worst part about having a pet is knowing that they will leave this place before us. Sorry for your loss.
July 18, 2014 at 12:31 pm
you are a sweet soul – and I know precisely how you feel. for whatever aggravation our rescues cause (and it can be PLENTY), I would miss every annoying moment if they were gone. hang in there. it gets easier (and worse) and easier again
July 20, 2014 at 5:45 am
In some ways, with any grief, the getting easier is the worse part, isn’t it? As you move on, it sinks it feels like you’re letting them down by letting them truly go. Of course you’re not, but it’s a strange sensation – “Oh no, I’m feeling better.”
July 20, 2014 at 4:09 pm
Exactly – the conflicted guilt of moving on, even though some big part of you will never forget them
July 18, 2014 at 12:35 pm
I’m so sorry, only yesterday I realised how old my own dog is getting. Sometimes we take dogs for granted x
July 18, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Even though I had a feeling I knew where this was going when I started reading, there was no stopping the tears as soon as you said he was gone. Amazing story told with beautiful words. I am incredibly sorry for your loss, but am happy to know you saved his life and gave him 12 wonderful years. ❤
July 18, 2014 at 1:09 pm
Sorry for your loss. Have lost a pet 2011. “Just a cat” – in case you are a dog owner who despises cats – and she was sick and was not with me for the same amount your Bailey has been with you. But it hurts like hell. Every single time we go through this.
You will get a new one, won’t you? Not today, not this month, maybe not even this year, take your time to grieve a little, you have lost a family member … But you have the right attitude for a dog owner and there is another stray or rescue dog out there that will need you – and I hope you will cross his path and remember you once crossed the path of Bailey and what a difference you made for this dog.
July 20, 2014 at 5:46 am
No, no – it’s the companionship, not the breed. We have a couple cats. We lost one last year and it felt like time. We lost another one years ago, and it was devastating.
July 20, 2014 at 8:21 am
They, dogs and cats, are/were family members, of course their loss feels devastating. But that is life, too – death is just the last part of it.
July 18, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Your story made me cry, it’s a beautiful story, it remind me of my dog he passed away 5 months ago. I’m sorry for your lost.
July 18, 2014 at 2:13 pm
My heart goes out to you. I had to put one of mine to sleep last year. Boo frustrated me like nothing else could but every tine my son fussed he came to get me. Each and every visitor was loved. No yard could keep him in. I miss him, too. Take care. No other dog will replace yours, I know.
July 18, 2014 at 3:00 pm
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed, although it doesn’t appear that your blog needed the boost.
July 18, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Reblogged this on kingstonhottie's Blog.
July 18, 2014 at 5:21 pm
Loved what you wrote-I too was owned by a rescue Boxer-he came to “here boy” so his name was Boi. I didn’t have a lot of years with him because of the condition he was in when he was rescued-it took its toll on him, but the years we had were good ones. He knew he was loved as soon as he got in my truck and entered my house where three other boxers cautiously greeted him. For all our babies running free over that Rainbow Bridge-we miss y’all.
July 18, 2014 at 5:54 pm
You put into words all the feelings I had when I lost my Bruce. I wrote about him too in my blog, but I guess even in writing I try to mask the pain behind some humour. It’s been almost a year since he passed and your post still strikes a chord. Thank you for sharing. http://thislittlepiggysaidso.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/gentle-giant-2/
July 18, 2014 at 6:05 pm
Touching
July 18, 2014 at 6:59 pm
You chose him when you didn’t have to, and somewhere, somehow, he knew this and was grateful for you. I feel your loss, but also your love for an amazing spirit who came to stay in your life for a while. Where ever he is now, I’ll bet you you are what he talks about most…
July 18, 2014 at 7:47 pm
What a wonderful tribute. You were lucky to have each other.
July 19, 2014 at 12:09 am
What a beautiful tribute! You gave Bailey 12 years of love he wouldn’t otherwise have had, and he gave you 12 years of the same. Sadly, the lifespan of our dogs and cats is always going to be shorter than ours, but that makes their time spent with us all the more precious, doesn’t it? You are sad now, but inside you know how much sadder your life would have been if you had left him in the pound and never shared his life. Wishing you comfort in your sorrow.
July 19, 2014 at 12:16 am
He’s gorgeous!
July 19, 2014 at 1:48 am
I know how you feel, about your dog. Mine is 18. She takes forever to pee when it’s snowing outside.
July 19, 2014 at 2:03 am
Too moved to write more.
July 19, 2014 at 3:13 am
Beautiful heart rending story.
July 19, 2014 at 4:19 am
Thanks for sharing about him. Great dogs are like one of the family, irreplaceable. Those beautiful memories will never die though, and believe it or not, he’s way happier now.
July 19, 2014 at 5:19 am
That was absolutely beautiful. My condolences to you and your family. Bailey was handsome and you painted an incredibly moving picture to describe his personality!
July 19, 2014 at 5:19 am
Reblogged this on Landon Knows Best and commented:
Beautiful tribute from a man to his best friend. So moving.
July 19, 2014 at 5:21 am
Reblogged this on not so private history and commented:
Dedicated. I am terrified of the day when I write my post about Baxter.
July 19, 2014 at 6:09 am
Reblogged this on AKUL GOEL and commented:
Wish I had a Dog like that
July 19, 2014 at 8:44 am
Reblogged this on Apps Lotus's Blog.
July 19, 2014 at 9:41 am
A wonderfully written tribute to your Bailey. He is still with you, somewhere.
July 19, 2014 at 12:31 pm
Having loved and lost many canine companions, i feel your pain.
July 19, 2014 at 2:18 pm
He loves your post. Even though you can’t see him he still there going crazy when the door rings. I hope I’m not speaking out of turn… I just can feel him wanting to know this. Mx
July 19, 2014 at 2:27 pm
When I read this the first time I hoped it would be Freshly Pressed. A beautiful post…
July 19, 2014 at 3:00 pm
Great post
http://fashionforlunch.net/
July 19, 2014 at 3:51 pm
Wow. Perfect.
July 19, 2014 at 3:51 pm
Precious. I am dealing with an older dog right now. He has got me through a brain tumor, loss of a marriage, and loneliness. He is my best pal. I get this. I truly do. Hang in there.
July 19, 2014 at 4:59 pm
You have truly struck a chord with many. It never ceases to amaze me how people can be so opposite on so many topics but bring in a rescued dog (or cat) and suddenly everyone can relate and agree at some level. Your kindness, compassion, determination, patience and unconditional love for your beloved Bailey is something just about everyone can relate to. We understand the loss, the emptiness and the void in your life(s) now.
This is a great piece of writing and you have given Bailey a wonderful tribute. I hope that there will be another rescued dog in your future, every dog looking for a home should be as lucky as Bailey was to find you.
July 19, 2014 at 6:14 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m heartbroken for you. You gave him a wonderful life & I’m sure he’s very grateful for you & your family.
July 19, 2014 at 7:01 pm
Reblogged this on Carpe Diem, Sieze the day & enjoy the moment and commented:
Reminded me of Jack and the wonderful times spent with him!
July 19, 2014 at 8:20 pm
So sorry for your loss
July 19, 2014 at 8:45 pm
Bailey never knew one moment of disappointment with you, not one. You even let him spin in the rain. And you’ll never forget him. We keep what we give.
July 19, 2014 at 11:18 pm
This is a beautiful tribute, thank you for sharing it. You didn’t lie to him, when we was young you saved him from suffering, and now you’ve saved him from suffering again. Thank you.
July 20, 2014 at 12:29 am
I haven’t had the privilege (yet!) to experience the incredible bond between a human and his dog firsthand, but I believe it’s one that no bond between humans can rival.
It’s a truly unbreakable bond that based a completely unconditional love.
I once read about a story about a vet who had to put down a dog while a child was present. What happened next gives so much food for thought that I would like to share this story with you here.
while the specifics of the story unfortunately have faded, it went something like this:
The child and his dog had been inseparable ever since the child was born.
Unfortunately, after a few years, disaster struck and the dog had to be put to sleep.
After much deliberation the parents decide it was best for the kid to be there when the dog would breath it’s last breath.
When the vet was about to give the dog the injection, some words were spoken about how sad it was that lives of dogs are shorter than human lives. When the kid heard this he said something that left both the parents and the vet wondering:
The kid said that the purpose of life is to live a good life. Humans live a long time because they need many years to figure out how to live such a good life.
Dogs, however, already know how to live a good life, that’s why they are only on this earth for a couple of years.
I wish you all the strength you need in the time to come,
warm regards,
Jonatan
—————————————————————————————
I just started my blog called “charisma on fire”
In my blog I hope to teach others how to have fun and meaningful interactions with everyone they meet without feeling awkward, so perhaps we can come a little closer to the bond that exists between a human and his dog.
It would mean a lot to me if you dropped by, perhaps read my first post about who I am and why I started my blog.
If I left you curious, you can find my blog here:
http://charismaonfire.wordpress.com/
July 20, 2014 at 2:15 am
I’m not one to squirt tears much, so it’s a good thing I read this in Starbucks and had to hold them back, otherwise I would be blubbering right now. Beautifully written. So sorry you had to say goodbye to him. He sounded awesome.
July 20, 2014 at 5:37 am
Oh, my glasses have misted up. Dogs have a sneaky way of worming their way into our hearts and changing our lives forever. I love the way you have told this happy-sad story and truly feel for your loss.
July 20, 2014 at 6:37 am
This is beautiful. I’m so sorry for your loss. I have two dogs now, but still mourn my now passed on loves. It is the hardest thing in the world, but remember how wonderful and special you made his life. And how he did the same in return. I am also a firm believer that if there is a Heaven, all dogs go to Heaven. So you’ll see Bailey again.
Oh, and Rocky spins at least five times counterclockwise before pooping. And if he gets thrown off, the sniffing for the right spot starts all over again. So I think it is a ritual.
July 20, 2014 at 6:45 am
So sorry for your loss. I once heard dog trainer Cesar Milan say that dogs are not a part of the family. They are bundles of energy. But he was wrong. They are members of the family and are missed as much.
July 20, 2014 at 7:41 am
Our dogs are some of life’s richest blessings. So glad he enriched your years.
July 20, 2014 at 10:03 am
No, you didn’t lie. It will be alright. Because he is free to run and be now, again, as he once was.
It is the last true gift we give our animals. Knowing when it is time, and being strong enough to let go.
He waits for you. With his deep howl to greet you and a pile of splinters at his feet. He waits, ever patient.
July 20, 2014 at 10:23 am
I have always sheltered strays and now my home is theirs as my husband too adores them. They have enriched our lives thousand fold. We feel as blessed as you do in the company of your cherished friend and companion.n
July 20, 2014 at 11:25 am
That was a great tribute I also fear that my dog Ellie will leave me I hope that day isn’t soon.. Sorry for your great loss
July 20, 2014 at 11:32 am
Reblogged this on It's Mayur Remember? and commented:
For the dog I never met, yet I know him profoundly- Bailey
July 20, 2014 at 1:03 pm
Dogs are a reflection of their owners, they say, but sometimes I think I am reflecting my dog more than the other way around. Whenever we lose a friend, like Bailey, it is tough. The memories are great, though and if we are lucky we learn to be friends to our human friends like we were to our dog friends, minus the tail wags. : )
July 21, 2014 at 1:01 am
That’s sweet to read.
July 20, 2014 at 5:41 pm
Looks like heaven to me:)
July 20, 2014 at 8:26 pm
very emotional!
July 20, 2014 at 10:30 pm
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. This is an incredible story and thank you very much for sharing it with us. 🙂
July 21, 2014 at 1:00 am
Maybe things were meant to be that way? Maybe has taken him on purpose? You were like an angel to him. Angels don’t stay longer. I faced the similar fate with my parrot.
July 21, 2014 at 5:22 am
Tears are running down my face. I am so sorry for your loss. Bailey was obviously much more than “just” a dog. He was family. Family we tend to love with all their scars, habits and baggage they come with. We can’t help ourselves. You gave Bailey life, love and family. That’s all anyone needs.
July 21, 2014 at 6:46 am
Reblogged this on midnightkxsses and commented:
Dogs ❤
July 21, 2014 at 6:56 am
I am so sorry. It’s so incredibly hard to lose an unconditional friend. But you gave him a good life, a life he never would have had without you. You did good.
July 21, 2014 at 9:19 am
I know your feelings. Felt the same when my budgie died this year after living with us for 11 years 😦 your dog had a wonderful life with you and will always be in your heart
July 21, 2014 at 9:20 am
Reblogged this on booksandmore81 and commented:
For everyone who had a beloved companion and lost it…
July 21, 2014 at 10:32 am
I don’t have a dog, but I felt the love.
He looks like beautiful dog ;-;
the part about guilt – it’s like you realise that in a way, you loved helping and taking care of him like you would a kid. Of course life will be simpler, but not easier D’:
July 21, 2014 at 1:22 pm
I’m sorry for your loss. I remember dog-sitting Bailey many times. He was a great dog. I especially remember all of the long walks, visits to the park, and also pleading with him to do his business. I would sometimes reason with him, like he could reason, “Bailey, you go potty right now and we will walk not once around the block, but twice!”. This tactic rarely worked, but we would still walk twice around the block. I remember Mrs. Clements very specific instructions in this area, “feed him, wait precisely 15 minutes, throw the ball for him (it helps move things along faster) and wait for the desired result”… this too rarely worked.
But most of all, I remember simply being in the same room with him. I would be reading and he would be staring at me intently, as if to say ” Really? I’ve got this perfectly good toy here and you want to read?”. Most of the time I would read out loud to him, this seemed to calm him and still remind him that, “yes Bailey, you are still the most important thing in this room”.
Watching Bailey was the first time someone had trusted me, solely, to care for a living being. I’m sure that I got more out it than Bailey did, so thank you for that!
July 21, 2014 at 2:53 pm
Glad to see this one got Freshly Pressed. You and Bailey earned it.
July 21, 2014 at 10:07 pm
Awesome.. i adore your style of writing ..http://expertbloggertricks.blogspot.in
July 22, 2014 at 1:31 pm
So wonderful! Its just what I needed to read on a day when my own dog is frustrating the hell out of me
July 22, 2014 at 10:40 pm
Reblogged this on popartcarolinateresita and commented:
Thats so sad. And very beautifully written. I am sure bailey will be watching over you.
July 22, 2014 at 11:29 pm
my dream..
July 23, 2014 at 2:49 am
I too am suffering with the same situation, my Bella who left our lives forever one day after her eleventh birthday. Two months on I still struggle, her cupboard still has her food and the bits I hurriedly put in their to save me from breaking down every two minutes. That cupboard is still untouched. I miss her bark at the postman, I miss her rolling across the lawn in the sun, I miss her snuggles… A beautiful tribute to your Bailey
July 24, 2014 at 12:20 pm
Thanks, and sorry about your loss. Yeah, it’s really hard to get rid of their things, isn’t it? Feels somehow like a betrayal
July 24, 2014 at 3:57 am
Firstly, beautiful heartfelt blog. It really is a tragic moment when Our beloved pets leave us. In my case it’s torture for days because I get extremely attached…I am so sorry for your loss. At least Bailey was blessed with such a loving caring owner like you to live out the end of his days with.
July 25, 2014 at 3:38 am
This is very well written. I feel like I got to know Bailey through your writing. A fine tribute.
July 25, 2014 at 7:07 am
A beautiful tribute. I am reading your post while on the train (thankfully it’s quite empty) and the tears just came. It reminded me of some of the dogs I’ve had the privilege of growing up with. They drive you crazy and when their gone you miss everything about them (even the tumbleweed fur and barking at the neighbors). It sounds like Bailey had a good life though. Sorry for your loss.
July 26, 2014 at 8:47 am
Such a lovely post!
July 27, 2014 at 8:46 am
Reblogged this on ccmanny and commented:
Brings back memories of my first pet. A dog who followed me everywhere I went.
July 28, 2014 at 3:02 am
As I am wiping down the tears running down my cheeks… I am sorry for your loss. Thank you taking an animal that need help in and taking care of him.
July 30, 2014 at 9:54 am
Omg, I am sitting in my office crying. This is too beautiful.
July 30, 2014 at 10:00 pm
A good dog never lives long enough. You didn’t lie to him: It was and it is okay. The circle of life must close for each of us, but you gave him the best trip possible and no dog could ask for more.
July 31, 2014 at 2:46 am
I can’t imagine life not being a pack. I’ve outlived my fur family before, there is no consolation or words, I’m sorry for your loss. Bailey sounds like he had a wonderful life, that started less so. I’m looking down at my rascals as I type. Dog years is a mathematical cliche, nothing makes being genetically long lived easy. I like to think dogs care more for the pack than themselves, in which case I hope you find yours again.
July 31, 2014 at 8:56 pm
Sweet puppy. It’s so hard when the furry parts of the family pass on. Sorry for your loss.
August 1, 2014 at 2:06 pm
B-man, I just saw that you were FP’d for this warm tribute that I’d read previously. I think the WP gods love a good cry, as they did the same for my post when we lost Cooper last year.
I hope you and your wife are bearing up. I remember reading a NY Times article that said it is harder to lose a pet than a parent as we were awaiting the inevitable. They were right.
August 18, 2014 at 8:00 am
This hurts my heart. I wish I’d known that the last time I saw The Love of My Life would be the last time. Bailey was very special and I feel privileged to have known him and grateful that I got to be one of the ones who could lie next to him on his bed.
August 28, 2014 at 3:49 pm
Reblogged this on Walkfordays and commented:
Take a minute to read this
October 20, 2014 at 4:28 pm
I didn’t get to leave a comment last night. Baby was crying. Anyway, I’m sorry for your loss and I hope you and your family are doing well.
December 1, 2014 at 10:34 am
What a beautiful tribute, and what an honest and heartfelt description of life with an amazing but sometimes difficult dog. Thanks for sharing.
December 6, 2014 at 10:48 am
I know how you feel. Ten years later I still miss my best friend and long time companion and only want him to…well, you know don’t you.
March 13, 2015 at 4:44 pm
Please put a hanky rating at the top of future posts like this. (“Bailey” was at least a 3 hanky post.) My coworkers have gone past weird looks. Pretty sure they are messaging each other to see if I’m getting a pink slip.
Lovely post. Crap. Make it 4 hankies.
May 11, 2015 at 6:59 am
Reblogged this on Used Cars Trucks SUV's For Sale in Phoenix near Tempe Scottsdale AZ. and commented:
Now that’s a Great story and worthy of sharing Thanks