Monday, December 14, 2009 was any typical day in my life. I went to the two classes I have on that day, went home ate lunch and did homework. I later went to the Coca Bean with some friends, trying to get in the last memories before graduating. In the early evening, taking a break from homework and going to facebook I found news I was not prepared for. Right before my eyes I saw pictures of my dog, Bailey Jo with a caption written by my brother Dustin "Today I lost my good friend and companion, Bailey Jo." I burst out in tears, as I couldn't believe it. I cried and I cried and I cried. The dog that I had for the last 10 years of my life had passed away. I knew she had been sick, but did not expect this. She became so sick, that they ended up having to put her to sleep.It being finals week and totally stressed, my family decided not to tell me. Leave it to good ol' facebook to break the news!
Bailey Jo was born April 21, 1999 and came to us that summer. Dustin had longed for a big dog that he could take hunting, fishing, running and be a good companion. After seeing that Australian Shepard black lab pups were being given away for free, Dustin and my dad went to go look at them. Luckily, they came home with one-Bailey Jo. She was the cutest little black pup that was more tame than most. I remember wearing Minnie Mouse slippers when I first met her and she following me around chewing on them. That is some of the most energy we ever saw in that dog. She ended up being a big dog, but one that hated guns (She was scared of bubble wrap) and was not a runner. She was one of the most lazy dogs you would ever meet, that always longed to be touched. She was so lazy that she would just let herself fall to the ground, when wanting to lay down. We thought that one day she would for sure break a bone...she never did though. She was the best cuddle buddy ever! Laying next to you, wanting her tummy rubbed and licking you. She also was infamous for going through your legs and wanting the spot right above her tail scratched. Over the years, Bailey was a big comfort to our family. She was always there when you needed a friend. When we moved to California, Bailey had to stay behind. We were moving to a place that we couldn't have dogs her size. I was devastated. I missed her so much and was ecstatic to have her back two years later. Over the years, I took great joy in having her around. Since I moved away, I would long to come home to see her and cuddle with her once more. This past Thanksgiving our whole family was able to be together. Not knowing that would be the last time I saw her, I wish the time would have stopped for a moment.
Being home this Christmas Season and not having her here has made me realize the blessing she was in our home. I never knew how much a dog could impact my life, but I have found myself longing for her. How I wish I could just cuddle with her one last time, pet her or just have her there to keep me entertained when bored. Although I miss Bailey Jo dearly, I'm trying to remember all the memories, happy times with her. She was a dog that became apart of our family and became our good friend and companion. There will always be a place in my heart for Bailey.
I'm thankful to my roommates who bought me Swedish fish, toothbrushes and dessert pizza from Craigos to try and make me happy after they heard my dog had passed away. One of my good friends also came by. It meant a lot to me that people cared, even if they didn't understand because they've never had a pet or couldn't relate. I have learned that the greatest friends in life will be there for you whenever-even if it is the simplest trial. I'm thankful to be blessed with many friends of this sort in my life.
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