Last night we told the kids that Bailey is not going to live with us any more as they finished eating their ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. 
First we talked about how much we loved Bailey, how long he had lived with us already, and that his body was not working anymore. We shared funny stories about when Bailey was a puppy and the silly things he did to make us smile.
Immediately Wesley solved the problem by suggesting that we get a new puppy. Clare interjected something about a cat but we redirected the conversation to explain that we would never have another Bailey. Clare understood and burst into tears because she didn't want Bailey to leave. Mario held her outside the ice cream store while he tried not to burst into tears too.
Mario took Bailey (age 11) to see his favorite veterinarian yesterday after lunch. After discussion and examination, Dr. Blaes agreed that it is time. Amazingly Bailey has outlived his diagnosis by a year and a half. We are grateful for the extra time, the extra walks, the extra trips to the ocean, and the extra snuggles. 
First we talked about how much we loved Bailey, how long he had lived with us already, and that his body was not working anymore. We shared funny stories about when Bailey was a puppy and the silly things he did to make us smile.Immediately Wesley solved the problem by suggesting that we get a new puppy. Clare interjected something about a cat but we redirected the conversation to explain that we would never have another Bailey. Clare understood and burst into tears because she didn't want Bailey to leave. Mario held her outside the ice cream store while he tried not to burst into tears too.
Mario took Bailey (age 11) to see his favorite veterinarian yesterday after lunch. After discussion and examination, Dr. Blaes agreed that it is time. Amazingly Bailey has outlived his diagnosis by a year and a half. We are grateful for the extra time, the extra walks, the extra trips to the ocean, and the extra snuggles. The kids picked out squeaky toys for Bailey last night, today Mario took him for a drive with the windows open so he could put his nose out in the air, and I've spent a few hours snuggled with him on the couch. We are spending today letting ourselves enjoy Bailey and giving our hearts a chance to burst open with tears and pain.
We adore this puppy and today is very sad and very difficult. 
8 comments:
We love you Bailey! PopPop and GiGi
I am so, so sorry! Bailey is precious and you can tell he is so loved:) (((HUGS)))
love,
alliemac
my heart breaks. Abigail will miss him and I know even Kathryn Anne will too. Give him a warm hug from the Wessingers. :(
I am so sorry, Gwen. I truly feel for you all. It was so hard for me to let Simon go last year after his heart began to fail. I invested a lot of time giving 5 years of insulin shots to my special cat. Remember the memories and don't feel like you need to rush into a new puppy or kitten.
Gwen,
You do not know me, but I have enjoyed keeping up with your blog since before your last child was born. I stumbled upon it from a friend of a friend etc. I have never posted but felt I needed to share. We had to say goodbye to our beloved Springer last September. The picture of Bailey has an uncanny similarity to our precious Campbell. It has been 10 months and I still shed many tears for our sweet puppy; however, like you we have so many precious memories. I am thinking of you today and will hold you and your family in my hearts.
Ann
Gwen,
You don't know me, but I am a blogger ( www.sunnydaysonthebluff.blogspot.com). I frequently blog about my cats as well as life here in the Low Country. I'm sorry about Bailey. Pets are SUCH a joy. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you have lost a special family member (Bailey, your gorgeous English Springer Spaniel).
Love,
Sunny
PS- Feel free to stop by my blog whenever you feel like it.
Oh Gwen - I am so sorry!
Ohhhhh, I can't even imagine how emotional this process has been for you all, you are so brave! I am so sorry too, I know how much love you felt for him, and what an incredible part of your lives he was, for so long too! I LOVE the wonderful photos you posted here- as I never got meet Bailey in his prime! I know the wonderful memories you have will always be in your heart, and maybe one day you'll all be ready to share your lives with another dog.
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