Saying Goodbye
~Hi Friends~
This is such a hard post to write. I know many of you know what has been going on in our house and I want to thank you so much for the kind e-mails, notes and support, they really have warmed my heart, thank you!
Monday was a horrible day. We had the leak detection company come out and confirm most everything will have to come out of the kitchen due to a leak and mold. We can hopefully save the top cabinets and I still have hope we can save the bottom cabinets. The insurance company comes out tomorrow to look at the damage and give us a estimate, I am keeping my fingers crossed all will be covered.
Minutes after they left our beloved Bailey went into a full blown seizure, she is diabetic but has been doing very well on her insulin. Our wonderful friends rushed over to watch the boys even though they were sick with the flu. We rushed her to the vet and were given the devastating news that she had a large mass on her spleen and internal bleeding. She was touch and go at the vet but we made the decision to bring her home so the boys could say goodbye.
We really couldn’t have asked for a more peaceful ending to her life. The day was warm and she loved the sun. We sat outside while we each held her and loved on her. My girlfriend brought her a steak dinner, she started to get a little stronger and walked around on the grass. I gave her a handful of turkey and lots of treats, we received lots of kisses from her.
The next day I was looking through the camera and found pictures of Sophie our friend had taken while we were at the vet. She sat at the door waiting for Bailey to come home, she still sits and wait.
Bailey was a special dog, everyone had a bond so word spread quickly, the neighborhood kids came with notes and flowers, they cried and held her. We brought her back to the vet and she very peacefully went to sleep. Ray and our friend dug a hole so she would always be near. I held her in the garage while Sophie (our other dog) sat on my lap with Bailey in my arms, she wouldn’t leave her side. Once she was buried Sophie started to dig the dirt, she is so depressed. The boys have taken it so hard, she was our “first baby” so she has been here from the start.
We miss her so much, her love was unconditional but are at peace that she lived such a beautiful life.
I am so sorry for your loss…hugs, Penny
What amazing love that comes in the form of a sweet pup. She will live on in your hearts and someday the memories of her will make you smile instead of cry. Wishing your happy family peace. (And I’m so sorry about the house, but things like this do tend to put everything in extremely good perspective.) Hugs.
I’ll can’t even speak….((((to you and your family))))
Pamie G.
I am so sorry for your loss Kristin. I can’t imagine the devastation you must feel. What a wonderful blessing your friends have been to help you through this time. Sending you hugs and prayers of comfort and peace.
Just heartbreaking, pets are truly members of the family and it’s so sad when they go. Hugs
It’s like a piece of your heart is missing. I’m so sorry for your loss. ((hugs))
Such a sweet post! Tears are rolling!
This brought tears to my eyes. Sorry for your loss. I remember looking for a dog when we moved into our new house and Bailey was actually the name I picked out if we got a girl dog. We ended with a boy Cocker Spaniel and named him Samson.
*hugs*
So sorry for your loss. Our pets are such a huge part of our family – it’s heartbreaking. Praying for you and your family.
Reading this with my Vic clutched tight, tears streaming. I cannot imagine….
Vic is our first dog! We have had the joy of his luv for the last 2 years. Imagining the world without him is not even an option. He’s a big boy ( chocolate lab) with an even bigger heart.
Sending you and yours lots of luv and hugs.
((HUGS)) Gee
This just broke my heart! I am so sorry for your loss and all that you are going through right now. When it rains it pours Hang in there! Sending virtual hugs from No Ca
So so sorry, Kristin. I had read about it on facebook and my heart really hurts for y’all. Our pets are definitely family and it is never easy to say goodbye.
Kristin- I feel your heart and that of your family. Losing a family pet, especially the “baby” is so hard. We had a similar situation not too long ago. Rejoice in the wonderful memories that you had with Bailey and keep them in your hearts forever.
So very sorry to read this. I have always said that dogs are my favorite people. I will say a little prayer for you and your family.
melinda
So sorry for your family’s loss….such a sweet looking dog.
Best of luck that your repairs will be covered by your insurance…so difficult.
I am so sorry for your lost Kristin. Hugs.
I’m sitting here with tears running down my face. It’s so hard to lose our furry children. They are such an important part of our families. Sending hugs your way!
I’m so sorry for your loss! Praying for you guys. My heart goes out to all of you. {HUGS}
My deepest condolences to you and your family. We lost our sweet old girl back in April and I miss her every day still. Love and hugs to you during this difficult time.
Kristin, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I’m just glad you had a little time to say goodbye. My prayers and best wished go to all of you.
Oh Kristin! My heart hurts for you all. May God continue to bring comfort and peace to your family. What a wonderful thing that she was able to give you all so much joy and happiness for the time that you had her in your lives. Isn’t God so good to give us charge of his creation and the opportunity to love them! Sending you hugs my friend!
Heather
I had tears in my eyes as I read your post. Pets are such a special part of the family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Oh, I’m so sorry. We said goodbye to my first baby, my 16 year old dog that I’d had since college, just over a year ago, so I know how hard it is. I know Bailey knew how much she was loved.
Kristin, tears are streaming down my face as I type this. I am so sorry, my heart aches for you. I dread that day and I know it’s coming. You have the peace of knowing you did all you could and made Bailey comfortable and happy in her final moments, but I know that doesn’t mean anything when your furbaby isn’t by your side, I’m sure that’s all you can think about. I’m so sorry and pray that your family finds peace and comfort.
Audrey
I am so sorry for you loss.I know what you are going through.Eight years ago we lost our furry companion.We were all heart broken.She was with us for 16 years.They are a part of your family.I will keep you in my prayers <3
xx
Anne
I’m so sorry to hear this, Kristin! What a tough, tough week this has been for you. I’m so sorry you’ve lost your precious pup. I know that day will one day come for our dog, and it will be so heartbreaking when it does! I loved that you gave her a nice steak dinner and lots of treats and love on that very last day. What a beautiful way to bless your doggie and say goodbye. =(
Poor little dog! Sorry for your loss!
Oh Kristin, I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is such a hard thing, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As for your kitchen, I can only say that your beautiful kitchen has remained one of my faves since before I started blogging and that I know your new kitchen will be just as lovely. Praying that your insurance covers everything and more.
Oh Kristin, I’m so sorry. What a sweet post and pictures. We went through this last Christmas time. It’s so sad. What a wonderful group of friends and neighbors you all have. Hugs 😉
Lots of love to you all. Bailey was as lucky to you have as her family as you were to have her.
Tears in my eyes..oh my. I so don’t like reading posts like this. *sigh* I’m so, so sorry for your loss. It’s never, ever easy. And poor Sophie, waiting for her friend. I went through the same with one of my cats and Quincy, who was closest to Mocha, who I had to put down went into a depression after she passed away. Stuck to me like glue several weeks after…but as they say time heals the wounds..never completely but the understanding of life makes it easier. My prayers are with you and your family He had a wonderful life with you!! xo
Kristin I’m so sorry…that was a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing. XoT
Tear…such BEAUTIFUL PICTURES captured! Blessed to have shared so many wonderful memeories with your beloved Bailey that you will all treasure a lifetime. HUGS & KISSES to ALL…LOVE YOU!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family…I too have lost a dog…it is just so hard. I hope that you receive some long overdue good news from the insurance company. All the best…Nicole
So sorry! 🙁 Losing a pet is so hard and then when there are children to grieve with you it’s especially hard. Obviously she was very very loved and what a wonderful goodbye she had, being loved and cherished. Thanks for sharing with us. Hopefully the insurance company will have some good news for you.
What a beautiful post for all of us who have lost pets. Even though I am crying and I am glad all of you got to say special good-byes.
Oh Kristin, I’m so, so sorry. I’m in tears reading about the loss of your furry family member. It’s never easy, and is the most difficult part of being a pet parent. I suppose it’s the price we must pay for the years of unconditional love that they bestow upon us.
We lost our family dog after fourteen years in much the same way. Heart rending, but a special time for us. So much shared love. So sorry for your loss. . .
I am so very sorry. There’s just no pain like losing a fur baby. It doesn’t matter how long we have them, it’s never long enough. I’m sure you know this, but dogs grieve too. Keep an eye on Sophie…bless her little heart.
Sending positive, healing energy your way.
Pat
My heart aches for you…we’ll be in the same situation very soon and I just can’t stand it. You are so right to focus on the beautiful times you shared over many many years. Tight Hugs to you and your sweet boys. Thanks for sharing your heart with us Kristin.
XO, Aimee
Kristin, my heart aches for you. You all have been through so much already. We have a precious 12 and a half year old Golden Retriever (one of our 3 dogs) and we know the time is near. It is so very hard!! I know our Golden Mix (his buddy) will miss him dearly. Just glad he will have our little one around for comfort. Praying all works out with the insurance regarding the kitchen!!!
Oh Kristen, I have been reading some of your posts & thinking of you & your family, you have had such a rough week and to loose your Bailey. I have been through that loss and it is heartbreaking, they are a part of your family. I will continue to think of you guys, hopefully in time it will get easier. Jen
I am so sorry for your loss. Pets become such important parts of our families and losing them is so heartbreaking. How comforting it must be to know how much everyone loved her though.
Take care, Shelley
I’m sorry for the loss of your dog. Your story was very moving and brought me to tears. Keep talking with your family about all the wonderful memories you have remember all the funny things she did. And how she’s not in pain anymore. She knew how much she was loved by all of you and she’ll always be in your hearts and your memories.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know there’s nothing that I can say to help with your grief, but I did want to say that Bailey was obviously very well loved and loved you all very much. What else can we ask for in our short lives than that? I hope your good memories help get you all through your loss. Hugs!
I’m so sorry. I know how devasting it is to lose a pet. They’re little family members.
God bless you and your beautiful family. It is so obvious that you loved and cherished Bailey and it such an incredible act of love to hold her, love on her and make her last remaining day one of calm and beauty. Hugs to you all. ♥
🙁
Tears are streaming down my face, my heart just aches for you and your family, Kristin. How fortunate you all are to have had sweet Bailey, it’s obvious how much love you had for her, and how much joy she brought to your family. xoxo
oh kristin…. i am so sorry. my heart goes out to you and your family.
Oh, I’m so sorry! I have tears in my eyes reading this post. What a sucky season to go through between the kitchen and losing your beloved pet. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
KC
I can barely see the screen through my tears but I’m so, so sorry for your loss. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost my cat. I send you lots of hugs.
I’m so sorry about Bailey.
Oh Kristin dear I am so very sorry for your loss of Bailey. We love our pets so very much and it is like a piece of us missing..I don’t know that feeling, but I have a feeling. I hope everything works out too with the insurance company. If there is anything you need blog wise, a guest post or something let me know, I would be happy to help you. XO
I know how much our pups become a part of the family, so I know that today your family is mourning the loss of your loved one. Sending hugs to you and your family…..
My heart goes out to you and your family. It’s so hard to let them go. Big hugs to you all. Xoxo
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s amazing that such a small creature can make such a big mark on our hearts. May her tail wag in your hearts forever.
I’m so very sad for you and your family. My heart goes out to each of you. Thinking of you ~ Sarah
Sorry to read about Bailey. I would highly recommend the book “Dog Heaven” by Cynthia Rylant. It is a wonderful book and given to me by our vet when we had our baby girl sent to heaven to share with my boys. We all cried and smiled.
Thank you for sharing such a hard thing. I’m just dreading the day I have to say goodbye to my little buddy. Best wishes go out to you in this difficult time.
oh I am so sorry. this is so hard. I have an 11 year old golden and I can’t imagine how this must feel. I am so sorry for your other dog too.
So very sad. Fortunately you had some time with Bailey before she passed. Hugs from Aussie. Good luck for your kitchen/mould troubles too.
Oh my gosh, what a horribly sad post. I have a lump in my throat after reading it and my heart hurts for your family. I got our doggie when I was single and now a husband and three kids later, she’s gettin’ up there. I dread the day we have to go through this. And your other doggie. Oh my, how sad is that?! Crud. I’m so sorry. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
“Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul
remains un-awakened”.
My heart aches for you and your family; we have two dogs who we adore and dread the day that you have just faced.
I’m so sorry to read that you lost a furry friend (they are the best kind!). I’m sure, though, that he had the happiest life and will be remembered with tenderness.
Kristine, What a moving post, having lost two beloved dogs in the past two years I know what an ache you have in your heart. I still miss our dogs but I am so thankful for the wonderful memories and the love they brought into our lives.
Oh no. As I sit here listening to Macy, my furbaby, snore behind me I just tear up thinking of your loss. We had to lose one other furbaby years ago and I still miss her (and weirdly feel like I hear her collar jangling sometimes!) So sorry your sweet family had to face this. (((hugs)))
I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our pets are like our children. It is so hard to let them go. I dread the day when we have to put our baby to sleep. God Bless.
Kathy
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sitting here crying and remembering how we had to put our very own first “baby” down and how hard that decision was and what a devastating day that was for us. My heart is with you and your family.
Linda
So sorry to hear of your loss, but what wonderful memories you have. I hope all works out concerning your kitchen. Hugs
Was so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet doggie.
I know how you feel, as we lost ours some years back and it
gut wrenching, cause they are such a part of your life and family. Also know what it is like to have water damage in your home………as we had a flood from the commode breaking.
Anyway, your Ins. should cover everything if you have replace-
ment value, and you will probably be more than surprised at
what they replace, we certainly were……….
Your home is very lovely, and we too, have a great room
and have always loved it…………..will sure be praying for you and your family as you travel thru these events hon.
This is my first time to visit you, but think it was no mistake
it was today.
Blessings, Nellie
I am so very sorry for your loss! {{{hugs}}} to you and your family 🙂
Very touching post Kristin. If only little Bailey could talk. Bet she would tell you the same things your boys are feeling.
Bliss
Opps, meant little Sophie.
Bliss
I know all too well what you are going through. Sometimes I say to myself, “I will never have another dog”, but then I think – how lucky I have been to have had the ones we’ve had and all the unconditional love you get from them. Cherish those memories for they are precious. You now have an early deposit in doggie heaven.
I am so sorry for your loss and my heart and prayers go out to you. You will hear ‘It’s only a dog’ these people must never had had a pet because they are your family. Peace be with you.
Like I wrote on FB, I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. I think it was so wonderful of you to bring Bailey home first to let your loved ones say their goodbyes. We put our “first baby” to sleep on the 11th. We are still so devastated. I miss my Jerry so much. He was a 12 year old Labrador and was there when I bought my first home, got engaged to be married (he had my engagement ring on his collar), all the houses we bought and relocations, through my difficult time of infertility and finally he was there to greet his baby sister home (my now 2 year old toddler). I’m sure it is the same for you and my heart breaks for you and your family. Many hugs your way!
Oh Kristin! I am so sorry. Wish I could give you a big hug in person. What an awesome life Bailey had as part of your family!! Sending you lots of love across the miles.
OHMYGOODNESS! What a terrible, no good, VERY BAD WEEK! You have your cry. Your dear Bailey would want nothing less. These little creatures leave incredible paw prints on our hearts and Lord knows we’d want it NO OTHER WAY! Love to your and your family!
xoxo,
Lindsay
I’m so sorry for ur loss. I hope that u find some comfort in this saying:
Rainbow Bridge
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
My heart aches for you and your family. The house will be repaired even though the process going through it will be unsettling. I’m sure your insurance will cover everything and hopefully, you and your family will have a little fun deciding on new things.
As for the loss of Bailey … heartbreaking. I love my animals so much. Your sweet Bailey had a great life with your family and you have wonderful memories. Our furry family members bring so much love and joy into our lives and losing them is such sorrow. Like others here who have posted, I too lost both of my beloved Shelties not long ago. They were pups when my boys were little and we’ve had them their entire lives. My heart was broken and I could not stop crying. Recently I adopted two pups from a rescue and they have brought a tremendous amount of joy and love to me and my two boys.
I am so sorry you are going through so much and send you hugs and kisses and best wishes for you and your family.
Elizabeth XXOO
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my little cocker who is also named Bailey a couple of months ago. She was 15 and her heart was just giving out She was my first baby and I will always love her. Those little creatures make their way into our hearts and just stay there forever. May the rainbow bridge connect you and your Bailey forever:)
My prayers are with you,and yours in so heartbreaking a time.
Gods healing and blessings to you all.
elise
Each and every time it’s so difficult to give up our furry babies.
My heart literally aches for you & your sweet family. Find comfort in knowing she loved you all tremendously!
Dear Kristin, you have been through it lately. Bailey’s passing must have been so traumatic on top of all that nightmarish kitchen stuff. We had a leak in our line to our frig, and the flooring all had to come up, but the cabinets were saved. I wish you the best dealing with your insurance company. We have had good experiences with ours. I certainly hope things improve soon. Thinking of you my friend.
My heart breaks for you Kristin. A dog’s love is so special and irreplaceable and losing a beloved member of the family is so very hard. What a beautiful final day you gave her as I’m sure she gave you. Take care.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet dog. I wrote this exact post this past summer when we lost our “first baby”, too. Reading your post brings it all back and my heart hurts with yours.
Our pets are true blessings to our lives and I’m glad you were able to honor Bailey in such an eloquent way.
From this side, 6 months later, it does get easier with time, but they stay in our hearts forever.
My prayers are with you,
Jen @ Noting Grace
So so sorry. It’s a horrible feeling to have to say good-bye to a pet. Bless you all.
Your story brought tears to my eyes.
RIP Bailey…. it’s so hard to loose a long
time family pet and my Rikki is in her
17th year and has slowed down. Scares
me really!
Much love to your family.
Sandy
So very sorry about the loss of your sweet Bailey–I hope that you can hold onto to the thought of meeting once again at the Rainbow Bridge-if you are not familiar with it the poem-please google it-I hope it brings you all comfort-it has me in the loss of a dear pet..
So sorry to hear of your loss! I’m crying too.
My heart breaks for you all. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love so much. I send you my love and sympathy.
Oh I am so so sorry 🙁
Kristin, I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Bailey. There are no words. I hope your kitchen will be better than new! Prayers for all your going through.
I am crying reading this. We too have lost several very much loved members of our family over the years. Our beloved Lab, Augie has been gone several years and we still miss her but last summer we adopted a new baby. Some horrible dumped a little Miniature Pincher on our road in the middle of a drought when there wasn’t even a mud puddle to drink out of. She lives like a princess now. I am so sorry to hear of your loss but just know what a good life Bailey had. I’m sure she knew how much you loved her.
Oh, Kristin, I am so sorry! =(
Hi Kristen…
As I began to read this story, the tears began. I’m so sorry for you heart break. Losing a pet is very hard. Baily looked very loved by all in your photos. You and your family were lucky to have her and she was lucky to have the family.
Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam
Big hugs to you all!!
So sorry for your loss. I cried reading this post. It is so hard to lose a dear pet. We lost ours a little over a year ago. Time will ease the pain but the sweet memories seem to overpower the pain eventually. I still miss our beloved Colby every day. What a sweet life your pup had. She was lucky to have your family, and you were lucky to have her.
My first visit to your site and the 1st thing I read and I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face- so brave to share this with such tenderness for your beloved pet- and the photo of the little white puppy…….that was the heartbreaker………….I am so sorry for you and your family
Oh Kristin…..I am so very very sorry to hear about sweet Bailey. My heart was breaking for you as I read your words and looked tearfully at your photos. It never gets any easier…but the warm memories you will carry in your heart will be there forever and ever….and know that heaven has one more angel watching over you and your family. ♥
xoox laurie
Sorry, I’m late reading this post. I’m so sad for you. This was probably one of the hardest things you have had to do. My heart goes out to you and your family. Bailey looks like my dog. I hope she feels better with time. We love our furry babies, don’t we?
Hugs,
Nicole
(P.s. Sorry, I meant Sophie looks like my dog.)
I lost my beagle “Molly” at only 8 1/2 in May of 2012 and I still miss her!
Just know that Bailey had a wonderful life because she spent it with you!
Dogs are our angels on earth. I came to visit to hear about the kitchen update and I saw this post. The one day I have mascara on and it is streaming down my face. What a great life you gave Bailey (and she gave you and your family).
Paws and Kisses! laura
I am so soory to hear of your huge loss. Our thoughts and well wishes are with you due to the loss of this precious member of your family. (((hugs))))
Linda- Kelowna, BC.
Oh, Kristin, I am so, so sorry. I was out of town and am just now catching up on your blog, and I’m so sad to hear about your sweet dog and your kitchen. Big Hugs to your family, and you are in my prayers.