My Guardian, My Heart, Bailey; The Dog Who Raised Me
On February 10, 2011, I said good-bye to Bailey. I had enjoyed 13 years and 4 months with the most amazing being I could ever imagine. The loss of his physical presence is so hugely traumatic and unbearably painful. I know I will never get over not hearing the beating of his wagging tail, his eager greeting when I arrived home, or the way he so often looked as if he was smiling. The way he would so purposefully lay his paw upon my arm while staring into my eyes, the way he'd nudge under my elbow demanding more scratches, and of course, his unmatchable ability to carry numerous stuffed animals and tennis balls in his mouth at the same time, and how proudly he'd show off this skill. And if you knew Bailey, you knew his great fondness of tug of war with a toy, and of course, chicken.