Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Bailey Has Crossed the Rainbow Bridge


Yesterday morning our Vet very compassionately and caringly helped Bailey to cross the bridge.

It became clear over the weekend that the baby food strategy wasn't working. When we tried to add solid food back in, his stomach rejected it and he soon no longer could eat the baby food, either. He fought hard, but his Vet believes the Lymphoma diagnosis may in fact have been the correct one. Bailey just managed to hold off the symptoms longer than expected. Perhaps an early start on steroids may have regressed it's growth for a bit. What ever the delay we can only be grateful that instead of losing him before Halloween, we had him until yesterday. We were grateful for every extra moment.

Our Vet isn't open on Mondays and I must say selfishly it was a relief. Katy, Bailey and I spent the day together. As you can see in the picture we brought his bed downstairs and he spent much of the day resting in it. This in itself was a sign things were not right. Bailey hated changes in the environment. I once tried moving his bed downstairs when he was sick and he got all agitated and upset. Monday I knew it was the right move. The bed provided maximum head, back, and behind support and he was comfortable lounging in it.

We also spent some time in the back yard. Bailey had a short burst of energy scrambling along the fence to say goodbye to an old friend.

Katy was until the end an amazing companion. She stayed close to him comforting him and encouraging him. The vet said she understood more than we did what was happening and I must say I agree. When Bailey had to stay overnight for testing, Katy was inconsolable until Bailey arrived safely home the next day, at which point she sniffed him from head to tail. I dreaded her reaction to us coming home without Bailey this time. However, she seems to know he's gone. She didn't look for him at the door when we came in. When she counted Bill and I, she turned back from the door and settled down. She didn't look for Bailey, which she's always done when we've had to take him without her. The Vet was right again.

I have to thank our incredible Vet for her assistance during this journey. Since we started seeing her when we brought Bailey home as a puppy from rescue there have never been any stupid or silly questions, she has addressed each one with practical honest answers. As we approached this difficult time she encouraged, supported, and cheered each victory with us. She offered so much help and guidance in finding ways to keep Bailey eating. When it came time to say goodbye, nobody could have handled it with more compassion and made us feel like family.

It is amazing how many lives Bailey touched in his 13 years. People keep reminding us of their favorite Bailey story. He had a unique ability to reach out to humans and dogs alike finding ways to comfort and entertain. Run free over the bridge my brave one. You have more than done your duty here on earth. You will always be our baby boy.

41 comments:

  1. I am so deeply sorry to hear this. You showed Bailey so much love through his whole life - and this one last act was also filled with love. We know too well how hard it is. He will never leave your heart.
    KZK, with Cam and Mags

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  2. Safe travels Bailey, and enjoy your new adventures, will we meet someday,

    Nuk

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  3. I am vry sorry for for your loss. We lost Norbert and Tubby last year and I know how hard it is even when a dog is older. I also felt so supported by our vet throughout the process and Im glad you did too. Wishing you peace in this tough time

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  4. I'm so sorry for your tremendous loss, but I'm happy you had "extra" days to spend together. Special times.

    Hugs to you and your family.

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  5. You were in our thoughts these past days and we hold you close in our hearts today. Bailey will always be with you in the memories you hold dear.
    love
    Mr Bailey, Hazel, Mabel & Mom

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  6. YOU KNOW how VERY SORRY we are that our beloved Bailey has made this journey. But we want to say that we are PROUD of you for making his last times here... full of LOVE and CARING. To have helped him is the greatest sign of your love for the beautiful soul he was. Blessings on those who will let the end come GENTLY. YOU are wonderful pet parents.
    We are sure that KATY was a great comfort to Bailey. It is obvious that she UNDERSTOOD and Accepted what was coming.
    Run Free and Fast Bailey... THANK YOU for the beautiful MEMORIES... We will cherish them.

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  7. Bailey fought so hard to stay with you, but he knew in his heart that enough was enough. Saying goodbye is never easy so think of it as "until we meet again". My deepest sympathy to your family. Keep all the wonderful memories you have tucked safely away in your heart.

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  8. Mom Kim here - I just read this news over at the POTP blog. I don't get around Blogville as much as I did and had not met you or Bailey until a few days ago. I was so sorry to read this now - sounds like Bailey put up a good fight - as well as you. He's earned his rest.
    You can rest easy now dear Bailey - run free and enjoy the peace. Say hi to Angel Shiloh for me.

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  9. This breaks my heart, but as Bailey's amazing parents you guys did what was best for your beloved dog and he's at peace and he's happy now.

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  10. So very sorry to hear your sad news
    Sending you lots of luffs and hugs
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  11. We are so very sorry for your loss, Bailey was a strong and brave soul.
    Hugs!
    Mama Beth, Dory, Bilbo, Jakey & Arty

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  12. So sorry for your loss of Bailey,our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time,xx Speedy and Rachel

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  13. We are so very sorry to read about Bailey. What a handsome pup son, beautiful soul and loving brother to Katy.
    Sending hugs and kitty kisses
    Madi and mom

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  14. Prayers for you as we share your sadness. Bailey, may you forever be at peace.

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  15. Feel for you...we lost our Sheltie last fall. They are such wonderful companions.

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  16. Oh I am so sorry. It's a tough decision to let them go, but it is the best decision. Our other dogs do seem to know what is happening. When I lost my Ceilidh, the night before I let her go, my other dog Tucker laid right up beside her. He had never done that before.

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  17. Oh man. I'm so sorry to hear this. Bailey had a most FABulous family and wonderful life. Our furiends just never stay with us long enough. Just think, he decided to stay with you for more than 7 months longer than was expected...that is just a testament to how much he truly loved his family and his life. We all share in your grief, and send you lots of loves, {{{hugs}}} and tons of AireZens.
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  18. Sending all our love and hugs to you at this very sad time..it is awful to feel this loss and 13 years leaves a big hole in the heart..we understand the pain as we too have said goodbye in the past few months..so as much as we do not know you or your precious Bailey ..we do know the hurt..all our love Fozzimeum and family xxx

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  19. Oh, I'm so sorry to read this. Our pain begins when theirs ends. I hope you'll be remembering him with more smiles than tears sooner than you'd have thought. Sending hugs your way!

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  20. We are so very sorry. Losing your precious furkid is so heartbreaking.

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  21. We're so sorry to hear of Bailey's passing. You did all that you could for him and gave him some bonus time with you that the vet didn't expect you would have. We are sending hugs to all his family.

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  22. My heart aches for you. So sorry you had to let go of your purrecious Bailey. Soft Pawkisses to comfort you <3 <3 <3

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  23. I am heartbroken to read this news...just saw it on the POTP blog and hurried over. I am just devastated. Sending so much love and want you to know, that if you need to talk, yell, anything....I am here. ((((hugs))) and love.....I just loved Bailey so much.

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  24. We are sorry to hear Bailey crossed Rainbow Bridge. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mommy is tearing up writing this comment.

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  25. I am so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in the wonderful memories you had together. Bailey will live on forever in your hearts and he is going to have tons of fun with our Dino at the Rainbow Bridge. Sending you warm hugs from sunny Singapore. Lots of Love, Dino's family.

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  26. We are so sorry to hear that Bailey has crossed over. We know your grief, but know that Bailey is with all the angels keeping watch. Lady Caroline

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    1. I'm so very sorry about Bailey.

      My almost-15-year-old sheltie, Echo, who looked so much like him, crossed the bridge in February; so I know how much it hurts right now. I'm sure Bailey knew how much you loved him and what wonderful care you took of him.

      Lots of hugs,

      Barb

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  27. Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the infinite peace to you Bailey.
    Keeping you in our prayers at this sad time.
    Sweet William The Scot

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  28. I am so sorry to hear this. It's such a tender and sad time for everyone now. Here is hoping Baileys memories can bring you a smile in the coming days.

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  29. We are sorry to hear of this news from Lexi the Schnauzer. May tender thoughts and sweet memories of your loyal friend provide you with comfort. Sorry for your loss. ღ

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  30. We are so sorry to hear that Bailey has crossed over. Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy.

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  31. My heart hurts for you. You have my deepest sympathies.

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  32. This makes our heart feel so sad. We hope that Bailey will visit you in your dreams soon. *Ear licks* Noodle, Macy, and Molly

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  33. So sorry to read of Bailey's crossing.
    Fun Free sweet baby.
    Linda

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  34. We just found out about Bailey. I can't tell you how heartbroken we are for you. I know Bailey will be with you always. We're sending our prayers out to you and many loving thoughts up to Bailey. xoxo

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  35. I'm so sorry. I just came over from Dakota where I read the news. Baily sounds like a very cool, and very happy boy. He will be missed. Hugs to you all.

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  36. Bailey will be missed. It is hard have a pawsome pup like Bailey cross the bridge.

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  37. Just came over from Princess Leah's blog. So very sorry to hear about Bailey - deepest sympathy to you all.

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  38. I've been behind on things and just read about Bailey over on Dakota's blog. I am so very sorry for your loss. He had a good long life with you, but it is never enough time.
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  39. I'm so sorry that I missed this and I'm sorry for sending our condolences so late. Deepest sympathy to you and your family.

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