"Our heritage and ideals, our code and standards - the things we live by and teach our children - are preserved or diminished by how freely we exchange ideas and feelings." Walt Disney

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Saying Goodbye to a Special Family Member


Yesterday was one of the hardest days that we have had in a while. We had to put our dog Bailey to sleep. Damon and Madison cannot remember a time without her. She was 12 years old (which is very old for a large dog) and finally developed arthritis so badly that she could hardly walk, and it was causing some other issues with the nerves that run along her spine. Unfortunately, all of these things don't make it easier to let go. So, as my way to deal with it and to help Damon and Madison cope, I have decided to post a few pics and some goofy things that she would do.

Bailey was like having a bear skin rug on the floor. You could almost step on her and she would just lie there.
She was so mellow, the kids could do just about anything with her and she would just smile and wag her tail. This included dressing her up, using her as a pillow, having her pull them in the wagon, and trying to get her to play house with them.
She loved to go out and play in the snow.
She sat near (took care of) Great Grandpa Larson when he lived with us and let him pet her and talk to her. I think it was good for both of them.
One year she downed two Easter baskets worth of candy that the kids left sitting on the floor when we went to church. (including the chocolate rabbits and the bubble gum)
She would wrestle with our other dog and then take off running out the door so that he had to chase her down or she would wait until the other dog set the dog toy down (because he was waiting for her to play) and she would grab it and take off.
She liked to swim in everything from the lake to the kids wading pool.
Last, but not least, she loved to be around the kids, including all of the neighbor kids. She was content to just be around them and watch them play and laugh.

Not that I think that dogs can use the internet in heaven, but just wanted to say:
We love and miss you Bailey

1 comment:

Brenda Fisher said...

That's too bad! Hope you guys are doing good, we had a great time last week seeing you!