Beloved Bailey Marie

by Brenda Peirce
(Maine)

The story of our beloved Jack, Bailey started 14 years ago. Her older "brother" Tucker needed a playmate and this adorable black and white female was the perfect companion.

Bred and reared at a kennel specializing in police dogs, Bailey was not only the runt of the litter, but also surrounded by German Shepherd. This little dog quickly became territorial and somewhat difficult with other dogs.With her owners, though, Bailey was extremely bonded.

Our little Bailey Marie was always a bit small, even for a Jack. Her imperfect ears meant that she would never show and that was fine with us. She was just perfect in our eyes.

Bailey was adorned with a soft but somewhat rough coat of white with black patches and a nearly full black mask. Her little heart was kind and she was always loving to any person she met.

She was bright and funny, but, unlike some Jacks, she was quite obedient. Well able to run, Bailey always stayed close to home--even when Tucker bolted.

She loved my daughter Cameron the most and always thought of her as her baby. Cameron, too, loved Bailey more than words could say.Bailey grew, mastered tricks, chased endless tennis balls and gave her family much love. She was a fine companion, though sometimes police dog, to our boy Tucker. She was a gem.

A few months ago she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had several violent seizures. She had less than a month with her medication. Two nights ago, our girl could not rest. She paced constantly in circles and was unable to sleep. The next day, her pacing and agitation became worse and was followed by a few small seizures. Within a few hours, she lost her ability to walk, move her head or shut her eyes.

I moved Bailey to the ottoman next to the couch and I stayed with my hand on her all night. By morning, our poor girl still hadn't shut her eyes and began a labored breathing. We knew it was time.

My husband, daughter and I loaded Bail and her bed into the car and headed towards the vet. As Bailey sat on my lap, she must have known what was coming. She was finally able to shut her eyes and relax.

We all held Bailey as they administered the fatal dose and watched as the vet signaled her departure. It seemed to us, all of us, as though she was sleeping. Our little black and white wonder was gone. We will never replace this member of our family and don't even intend to. We told Bailey that we would never forget her and we would take good care of Tuck. We told her that Cam would grow up happy and always remember how she loved her. We thanked that little girl for brightening our lives.

It only happened this morning and I know we are all tired and sad. But honestly, this loss, for such a little dog, is immense. Please take a moment and hug your dog, tell them you love them, and try and understand when they do all of the frustrating things that Jacks do. We loved our girl and she lived a long time. For us, though, not long enough.