Baily in 2003

This was probably taken when my dad was still alive. She was probably looking up at him while I took this picture. He adored Baily and she adored him. So she could sense when he was getting sick, and as his prognosis worsened, she would stay close, but not too close, in order to give him space and love at the same time.

Then she filled the space he left and became my mom's best friend and companion. My mom constantly said, "Baily's not a dog, she's just like a person." I think most people would say this about their dog. Dogs are not just a pet -they understand us; they become a huge part of our life. I was deeply saddened by the loss of Baily and will hold her in my heart the rest of my life. I'm sure she's now reunited with my dad - calling her from the other side as she went running to another green pasture. Meanwhile, my mom holds her ashes and keeps dog biscuits by her urn, in case she wants a worldly snack. You never know.

I am thankful that Riley is healthy and strong at 9 years old (this month). He too loves to roll in the grass, chase balls, run through the snow, and wade in shallow water. But he probably is twice the size of Baily. I hope he stays with us many more years.