Tuesday - A Hard Day

Tuesday was a hard day. It was the day we took our 14-year-old beagle, Bailey, to the vet and had her put to sleep.

Once I knew for sure we were moving, I thought long and hard about what would be best for Bailey. She was getting old. She was getting arthritis and and wasn't moving around as well. If we weren't moving, she would have been fine for a while longer. But, plain and simply, Bailey was my dog. She was attached to me. She would follow me from room to room. I was afraid it would be too hard on her if I were suddenly gone for a long period of time. Also, she would be left alone for long periods of time, and that would have made her miserable. I talked it over with my vet a couple of weeks ago, and we both agreed her happiness was what was important.

But knowing it was the best thing to do didn't make it any easier.

I took a last picture of her on Tuesday. She loved to lay on the back of the couch, and could still get up there, even though it took her a few tries! The one ear back is classic Bailey!

The time at the vet's office was hard, but I'm glad we stayed with her. The vet explained what would happen. It was all very quick and peaceful, and Bailey was gone in less than 10 seconds.

They sent us home with this clay paw print so we could always remember Bailey. Not that we could ever forget her.
Bailey was a great dog. I will miss her very much.

Now That's Service!

This morning I had to go through the Chase drive-thru to make a deposit for Jeffrey.  I had our dog, Bailey, with me because I had just driven a carload of kids from Seminary to school, and Bailey LOVES to ride in the car.  When the nice lady at the drive-thru sent my canister back to me, here's what I discovered in it: my deposit slip and a dog biscuit for Bailey!  How's that for customer service?

The only problem?  Bailey is not a big fan of hard dog biscuits - she's old and her teeth aren't the greatest anymore, so she took the dog biscuit to the rear seat of the van, and buried it there!  I will have to make Scott go find it this afternoon, or someone is in for a surprise tomorrow morning on the ride to school!

To the Mailbox!

Today I walked down to my mailbox at the end of my street. I had my dog, Bailey, on the leash - which she loved!  I should probably do that more often - it would be good for both of us.  What was funny, though, was the third member of our walking trio - our Siamese cat, Brynner!  Yes, that's right - he bounded (yes, bounded) down the sidewalk alongside of us.  It always amuses me when my cat walks with me to the mailbox!

Bailey

All of the blogs I read have been quiet - including mine.  I feel the need to post. Robert has forbidden me from posting about him, so you get the dog!  

This is Bailey.  She is a purebred beagle. Yes, we are well aware of the fact that she does not look like your typical beagle.  As we like to say, "she's a poor representation of her breed."  Funny story - the dog that won the Westminster Dog Show this year was a beagle named Uno.  Woo hoo for Uno! He is a beautiful beagle.  I recently found out that one of his trainers lives in the area, so Uno has been to our vet. I told Kimberly I would have to make sure to never bring Bailey in at the same time as him - lest they confuse the two!  Ha Ha Ha!! Too truly understand how funny that is, google Uno the beagle, and compare his picture to Bailey's. You will laugh, too!

Bailey is 12-1/2 years old.  As much as we love her, we will be the first to admit that she is neurotic. She has extreme separation anxiety. Seriously, I can leave the house for two minutes, and when I come back she is so excited to see me that you would think I had been gone for a month. I'm pretty sure she could benefit from some doggie Prozac!  

We also have 2 Siamese cats (I will post about them later). While Bailey has lived with us for 8 years longer than the cats, she is definitely not the Alpha in our home!  She is terrified of both of them.  If one of the cats walks up to her, she will avert her eyes, believing that if she can't see them, they can't see her!  Too bad it doesn't work!

Neuroses and all - we do love our Bailey!