Bailey - Keeping Tribute Alive

It has been 8 months today since our beloved Bailey passed away on August 23, 2005.

He had just turned 5 years old on July 25th, but had suc%%bed to a cancer called hemangiosarcoma.

This is virtually unheard of in basset hounds but for some reason our Bailey was struck down with it.

We loved him from the first moment we saw him and cannot put into words how much we miss him.

We only noticed in July that there could be something wrong with him – never in a hundred years thinking it would be something that would take him from us at such an early age and at such a rapid pace.

He had so many endearing qualities and he always knew when it was time to eat or his snack time and if we were busy he would surely remind us!

I miss the times when we walked together in the morning. I would meet my husband half way and hand him off and we would meet again on the way home. My husband would let Bailey off of his leash and he would run to me, tail wagging and roll over and give me sloppy kisses when we met.

I miss the times when we had family gatherings and if I was paying too much attention to my grandchildren Bailey would always come over and nudge me to let me know he was there too. I would always pet him and tell him he was still the best boy and my baby.

I miss the times when we would be watching television and Bailey would go back and forth between my husband and myself to have his back massaged, scratched and rubbed.

I miss the times when I would get out of the shower in the morning and he would be there waiting for me and when I went to bed at night he was on the bed before I could lie down.

I miss the times when I drove into the driveway and Bailey was sitting in the window waiting for me.

I miss everything about him.

His love was unconditional.

He went everywhere with us – church, work, weddings, Wendy’s and even funerals.

We hope he is at Rainbow Ridge with Corey, Clancy and C.J. and that he is running and barking and not suffering any more and that some day we will meet again.

We miss you Bailey and hope that you know that we tried everything to make you well again but God had other plans for you.

Love, Mom and Dad

8 Months Today

It has been 8 months today since we lost our 5 year old basset hound, Bailey, to splenic cancer and I still hurt as much today as I did then. We only noticed something was wrong in July and by the time he was diagnosed it was too late to do anything for him. As a final hope he was operated on to confirm the diagnosis but our vet said he would only have 3 to 5 days to live so we let him go on the operating table. It had to be the hardest decision we have ever made in our lives. We have had and lost 3 dogs before him but this loss has been the most devastating. It was so unexpected and such a shock. We didn't want to lose him but didn't want him to suffer any more and I still cannot believe he is gone. He went everywhere with us - funerals, weddings, church on Sunday etc. He was always at my feet whether I was getting a meal ready or just relaxing on the sofa where he would lay with me. I read other posts of people who dream about their lost pets and even get signs from them. Although I think of Bailey every day and how much I miss him, I have never had a dream about him or had any sign from him. I just hope he knows that we would have done anything to make him better and that we felt that we were doing the best thing for him by putting him to sleep. I miss him so much!