Bailey the Miracle Dog
I want to share the story of Bailey's charmed but short life. I got Bailey when she was 8 weeks old. I was looking into the face of this small pup with one blue eye and one brown eye and she got the hiccups. That was it. She was meant to be mine. When she was 2 yrs old she becam a therapy dog. The kids in the hospital loved her. And she loved to visit. When I would pull in to the parking lot she would start talking in the back seat because she was so excited. When she was 4yr old she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. When she went in for hip replacement surgery, it was discovered that she had a condition called Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia. Her immune system was attacking her blood platelets. She did not have surgery, her blood would not clot and she could bleed to death. We started on a regime of different drug cocktails to get her platelets backinto the normal zone. In the mean time she started chiropractic and accupuncture therapy for her hips. It helped alot and gave her much needed relief. 6 months later Bailey became very ill. She went to the ER and was diagnosed with pancreatitis(from all the drugs that she had been on). After a 9 day battle in ICU, she came home. My little miracle dog! We made the decison to taper off all of her drugs becasue the just seem to hurt not help. The folks at the University of Minnesota were stumped. Bailey had severly low platelets, but seemed to do just fine. For two years Bailey was drug free and happy. In October I found a lump on her furry little butt. We did antibiotics, biopsies and once again my dog is not normal, and they can't figure her out. Towards the end of Nov. She developed a fever and wasn't eating very well. We made another appointment at the U of M. However the Sat am before, she was unable to walk and started to vomit. Into the ER we went. She had emergency surgery. She had a gastric ulcer. When the biopsy of the ucler came back, it was stage V gastric lymphoma. Bailey didn't have much time. We dicussed treatment options. I didn't know what to do. Could I put her thru that? Then Bailey started to go downhill very quickly(2days). I was faced with the most agonizing decision. Everyone says you will know. They will let you know. It's true. My baby girl let me know it was time. My vet said it is the most generous thing that you can do for your furry friend. She's right, but it doesn't make it any easier. So on December 11th, 2004 I helped my sweet girl over the bridge. It has only been 2 days. The pain I feel is unbearable. The quiet is unbearable. I have lots of friends and family supporting me, but i have never felt so alone. I want another puppy. Someone to give all my love to. But is that fair? Should I wait and mourn? My thoughts and o are constantly changing. One minute I want pup now and the next minute I think I should take some time. One thing is certain as painful as this is I would not trade one second of Bailey's 7 short years for anything. We were meant to be together. She was a pup with problems, and God gave her to me, because he knew i needed her and I would do whatever it would takes. She loved to steal other dogs frisbee at the dog park. Stand(not sit) in her kiddie pool, sing when I played the piano and eat peanut butter toast with me in the morning. Thank you for taking the time to read her story. any guidance in coping with this would be greatly apprecited. Heidi P.S. as soon as I figure out how to post a picture of her, I will |
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| Heidi,
I'm so sorry! Please know that you did what was best for Bailey and she is at the Bridge with many friends! Although her time on earth was short, she will be with you forever! I helped my 12 year OES, Brittney, to the Bridge last month and I know the pain you are going through. It is unbearable! Give yourself time to grieve and when you are ready - open your heart and your home to another dog! Take your time to decide and make sure that you get a puppy that has all the chances of living a long, healthy life. Bailey will find a way to bring the right puppy to you - and when you're ready! Noone will ever replace Bailey - but she wouldn't want you to be alone either! Share your love again! Just like you knew when it was time to let Bailey go - you will know when it's time to bring a new pup into your life! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! God Speed Bailey! Kristen |
| Heidi, I am so sorry for your loss.... just as you knew when the time was right to help Bailey through those final moments, you will know when the time is right to add another furbaby to your heart and home.
*hugs* |
| What a neat buddy you had in her.Seems you both have been blessed in finding each other. When your ready to let another puppy into your life you will know...Best wished to you.  |
| Hi Heidi,
I just can't tell you how many emotions I went through reading your post. I could have been reading about my dear Shaggy whom passed away in March of this year. Like your beloved Bailey, she too was a therapy dog, and so ironic that she also had immune defiency throbocytopenia and lumps all over her body. Shaggy, like Bailey fought a hard fight but finally in the end allowed me to let her go. I wonder sometimes if these brave souls hang in longer not so much for themselves but for us. I've often said on these post that no matter what age they are when they pass...we always want more time. Sadly, it's never enough time with our wonderful furry friends. I understand the pain and the grieving you are going through and hopefully letting us know Bailey through your eyes has eased your pain somewhat. You'll never forget her there's no doubt about that, but eventually the pain does subside and instead is replaced by laughter of her memories. All those special goofy moments of Bailey's. I know there's nothing at the moment that can be said but all of us are hear to listen and can offer support. Hugs to you and I'm so very sorry about your loss Marianne and the boys |
| Thanks everyone for your kind words. This is a wonderful place. It is comforting to be in contact with like minded caring souls, like yourselves.
Something i know that has helped me, might be able to help others is videos of Bailey. I am very lucky I work in televison and have a cameraman as a business partner. he came over a couple of times to shoot a day in the life of Bailey. I have two vidoes, one from when she was a puppy and one from when she was 4yr old. I take such comfort in watching Bailey do her everyday Bailey stuff. This is how I want to think of her, happy, healthy and goofy. I would encourage everybody to do some "home movies"of your pals. It doesn't have to be professional, you can do it on your own. It is a wonderful keepsake that i will always treasure! Thanks again Heidi |
| Hi Heidi
I too just lost my 'baby girl' on Oct. 28 and I know how you are feeling, I can tell by your story that you loved Bailey Girl and how much you must miss her. When to get another pup is a very personal thing. Raggs was my second OES and I brought her home about 8 months after 'Amiss' had crossed over. I find the house so quiet without a boisterous OES but as of yet have not been able to think about getting another, although I have been browsing a lot of OES sites lately. My thoughts are with you as I know you will be missing your girl thru the holiday season as I will also be missing mine, but try to remember all the times she made you smile and laugh and it will warm your heart. Take care - Dianne |
| I wanted to thank all the folks who read Bailey's story. The holidays were pretty rough, and I am sooo glad they are over! What I have discovered is I cannot be without an OES for long. I am getting a puppy at the end of Jan.!! I started researching and I thought January was a little too soon, but now I feel like it couldn't be soon enough. I think Bailey would undsterstand and want me to have another little pup to love and take care of!
Thanks again for all of the support! Heidi |
I think you're right, Bailey wouldn't want you to be without a furry friend and protector  Let us know all the details please! |
| Heidi,
You know all those silly platitudes about love being unlimited, and the more love you give, the more you have to give? Well, the silliest part of all is that they are true. Loving Bailey with all your heart won't prevent you from loving your new puppy, it makes you even more able to love the new one with all your heart. Congratulations on your decision. Please let us know when the new baby arrives -- and some pictures please! |
| Sorry to jump into this so late. Anyhow these guys are correct. I jumped right back in and got Riley to replace CeCe. Our hearts were broken about CeCe and she's still missed awfully, but gosh its been so great to have a puppy again. Now he's 5 months old and is full of love.
Good luck. |
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