Mr. Bailey

Mr. Bailey - 3/27/99 - 11/03/06

Bailey, we are still shocked that you're gone, and gradually reality is sinking in. We had never heard of a disease called immune mediated hemolytic anemia before last Wednesday or how destructive, quick, and fatal it is. Within 2 days it took you and has left us heartbroken.

During the last few days we've reflected on the impact you've made in our home, and what a loss we've suffered. After losing Kirby we knew it was time to fill our hearts with life again and had heard of a litter of pups. You guys were born on the same day we lost Kirby.

We had decided on a salt/pepper puppy, but after Susanne sent me a picture you caught my attention right away. All the other puppies stood nicely in a row except for one; there you were laying down chewing the corner of the rug while looking directly at the camera. I remember writing Susanne and mentioning how you looked like a little imp. But honestly, when I looked at that picture I saw into your soul thru the glint in those eyes. When we came to pick up Teddy we met you too. We watched as you both played together, and you were the ying to his yang.

Over those few weeks I'd write Susanne to let her know how Ted was doing but never failed to ask how you were too and if you had found a home yet. A few weeks later Susanne wrote to ask if we wanted to adopt you. We drove the happiest 300 miles to bring you home. You were in the back seat laying on Jackie's lap, while she petted your head and said you were her little man. Our family was complete.

You turned out to be everything we imagined; wonderful, quirky and smart. You had such a big personality in that small body. We share so many memories in those short 7 years; when you played with your squeakies, hitting us with your paw for attention, sleeping on the pillow next to our heads at night, sitting on the back of the loveseat as if it were your perch, letting me dress you up in silly outfits for pictures, your concentration while staring at the treat jar after potty breaks to remind us you deserved a treat, taking you on vacations to the beach, hitting the bell on the backdoor when you were bored to get our attention, and the funny barking sounds you made which sounded like you were trying to talk. That horrible illness might have been able to take you from this Earth, but it can't take you from our hearts.

You were such a perfect little guy, never did anything bad or wrong. You brightened our days and gave more than you ever rec'd in return. It still doesn't feel real to us that you're gone, and more like a bad dream that we can't wake up from. All we keep saying is how unfair and asking why with no answers?

You left us the same way you came; driving the same 300 miles, back to the town you were born, to get to the clinic in time to save you. We were less than 15 minutes away from the clinic when you used the last of your strength to take two steps over to Jackie and lay next to her as you put your head on her lap. She stroked your head while she spoke softly to you. Than you turned your head to look into her face and a few seconds later you took your last breath shortly before we reached the clinic.

We hurt to our core from losing you but know the pain will fade somewhat over time although never completely go away. Yet we wouldn't trade this pain if it meant not having you in our lives for those 7 wonderful years. We were blessed to have you in our lives little Bailey man.

I'm sure you are playing with Kirby and Rocky now, no longer in pain and found peace. Spanky is working hard to keep Teddy busy so he doesn't feel so sad you aren't here. Our little schnauzer choir has lost their alto. Until we meet again my little man, and I can sing the "Mr. Bailey" song to you once more.....

love, hugs and kisses,

mom, dad & Jackie