Monday, March 17, 2014

Good Dog

January 9, 2003 - March 14, 2014

Eleven years just doesn't seem like long enough to share life with such a good dog.
We first brought him home when we were still two young lovebirds with time and energy to give.
He patiently took a step to the side when kiddos entered the family
and never once batted his eyes at needing to welcome their little selves into his pack.
I could ascribe all the usual terms given to our canine family members... loyal, faithful, devoted. 
But he was also mellow, kind, brave, and just a little bit rebellious.
Bailey lived a double life, heading over to the neighbor's house each morning after we left for work.
We tried everything we possibly could to train him to stay home, afraid he was annoying them.
But then in an over the fence conversation, the neighbor told us that he always looked forward to Bailey coming over for "his morning biscuit".
We were telling him to stay home, but he was being rewarded for leaving. 
What's a dog to do?
As a result, he lived a twice-loved life,
and is survived not only by the four of us and his two BFFs Freaky and Strange (our black cats),
but also by our truck-driving neighbor and his Harley-riding son,
along with their elderly black lab Lincoln, and newly-rescued pit bull Pinky.
We will miss you, you old wiggle-butt dog.

34 comments:

Vickie said...

Aww, I am so sorry Beth. Our pets are such a gift from God. Hugs to you all.

Kris said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lisa said...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of a dear family member. Pets are such a gift, they are there for us 24/7 without any complaints, criticism...only love.
Take care!

Kris said...

I'm so sorry for your loss of Bailey. It's always so tough to lose one of our furry family members. What a wonderful life you gave to him and it sounds like he gave back ten-fold. Hugs to you and your family

Penny said...

So sorry. Bailey seemed like such a wonderful pet, friend, rebel ;) .... we have a rebel, too, but sometimes that part of their personality only makes them more endearing! It's so hard to lose our furry friends. My sympathy to you and your family.

P.J. said...

Their love and devotion runs deep into our hearts. So sorry to hear that his earthly journey has ended. Nothing like a GOOD DOG. Hugs.

Natasha said...

I am sorry for your familys loss of a trusted a devoted friend. I hope he is romping around in doggie heaven having at the biscuts his tummy can hold.
((HUGS))

Jinger said...

So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved pup. :'-(

gracie said...

There are never words to say at this time, but I know that our pooches, Sherlock and Zoe will greet Bailey at Rainbow Bridge....hugs to you and the family

Michele said...

I am so sorry for your lose. It's never easy to lose a furbaby. Hugs

Robin in Virginia said...

Sorry to hear of Bailey's passing! I really loved the photo memories you share with us.

Sending hugs to you and yours!

Robin in Virginia

Gregg said...

Bummer! Bailey was a great dog. I'm sorry for your loss, and will be remembering you all in my prayers.

SewAmy said...

Oh dear, I am so sorry! Dogs are the best and are truly family members. Bailey was a beautiful dog.

Anonymous said...

Lovely tribute to your friend. Made me wish I could have known him. cherished memories for you family

Mouse said...

Awww bless his cotton paws ... he was adorable and brought joy to many ... ((hugs))) love mouse xxxx

Anonymous said...

oh Beth and family
sorry for your loss.
Thanks for sharing a little
of his life with us. He was
a very handsome fellow.
Have a good one.
Darlene N

Lauralee @ The Eclectic Stitcher said...

My heart aches for your loss! These crazy goofy labs who shed 24/7/365 keep us young at heart! We have two labs ourselves and cannot begin to fathom either of them not being here in our hearts and lives. Our chocolate is in his twilight years (12 years old) and so we know we will soon be saying Auf Wiedersehen (until we meet again). Our yellow (8 years) has cancer and so we are bracing ourselves for her loss as well.

Thank you for the lovely eulogy...

edie said...

So, so sorry, Beth. Labs just have a special kind of love for their people and other fur friends and family. We have a black lab and a lab/beagle mix now, and have had two other black labs in the past. We know the pain. Cyber hugs to you.

MoonBeam said...

I'm almost in tears...such a softie about animals. He sounds like a real sweetheart. I luv that you discovered his neighborhood friends that looked forward to some daily special time with him too. You can't have too many friends.

RIP Bailey...

The Attic said...

So sorry about Bailey. My sister had a chocolate lab named Bailey that she lost about 2 years ago. I wish we lived in a place where our yellow lab could roam freely, just not possible in our neighborhood. I had to smile at your wiggle-butt comment. All labs have that wiggle-butt, don't they? So cute.

RIP in doggie heaven, Bailey.

Catherine said...

So sorry for your loss...such a sweet tribute to your boy...

HomeSpunPrims said...

What a handsome boy Bailey was. I'm so sorry his journey here has ended. The time with our fur friends goes by all too quickly. May you cherish all of your fond memories of your faithful companion. Keeping your family in my prayers. Healing Hugs, Lori

Barb said...

I'm so sorry for your family. Pets are just so special! The pictures of him with the children are priceless.

Pam in IL said...

Aww, I'm so sorry to hear about Bailey. He was a great family member that will surely be missed. Hugs.

Deb said...

Oh Beth, my heart is breaking for you and your family on the loss of your dear Bailey. Our beloved pets are gone much too soon from our lives and always leave their paw prints on our hearts. Big {{hugs}} to you all and rest in peace sweet Bailey.

Heather said...

I am so sorry for your loss. They are never with us long enough.

Thoeria said...

I am sorry to hear of your loss....he looks like he definitely had lots of chatacter and love to give.

Chris said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

Jennifer M said...

Sure sorry, feel your loss. We lost a great dog a couple years ago that we had for 11 years also. Amazing how much a part of our lives they are and all the joy they bring. Love is amazing:)

cucki said...

Oh dear so sorry to hear about this..he is so sweet.
Kisses xx

Terri said...

So sorry for your loss! Hugs and prayers!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

That made me cry...my deepest sympathies to you and your family and extended family across the fence. He will surely be missed and will await you at the rainbow bridge.

Jessica said...

Beth,

Words can't even describe how sorry I am that he's gone.
Such a good boy he was! I remember joking to Matt that I'd just take him home instead of a puppy.

This made me cry. Then instantly Rusko came up and sat on my lap. You give them a good life and its a tragedy when they leave us. But at least you gave him all the love you could!

Love the one of your boy sitting on him :)

May tomorrow be easier for you to smile

Charlene ♥ NC said...

The winter of March 2014 has been a tough one for your family. So sorry for the loss of your sweet companion and neighborly friend. May the spring bring a new pal for your young children to love. **Hugs**