Today we celebrate our four legged family member's birthday. Bailey, our most precious yellow lab is 7 years old today. I can still remember the day we went to see Bailey for the 1st time. The person we were buying her from, who is from NC, didn't let you request the dog of your choice. Instead, he observed the dogs and then paired up each dog with their perfect family. After meeting the puppies for the first time...their were 8...I said to Chad, "as long as we don't end up with the one with the dark stripe on its nose."
A few weeks later, on Easter Sunday, in fact, we went back to pick up our precious dog. It was raining and muddy. I waited in the car while Chad went to retrieve our pup. You can't see it that well in this picture, but as Chad turned around to walk from the barn back to our car, the only thing I saw was the dark stripe on the nose! Our sweet dog was one of the wild ones!
She wasn't actually wild, she was perfect. Our first few weeks were similar to those with a newborn baby. When Bailey was a young puppy, I remember telling people that a baby would actually be easier because you could put a diaper them and take them places when needed. After having two rather wild children, I may still agree that Bailey was more difficult for the first 6 months.
Owen is beating her at potty training...he is more difficult. Payton was easier!
I know that all families don't have dogs...or any pets. In fact, I was raised with cats. I was never a "dog person." Now, I am a dog person. My love for Bailey is different that my love for a human...obviously...but I do love this dog! I love hearing her walk through the house and snore like a man. I love seeing her in my spot on the couch. I love vacuuming up her hair (kidding!). I love watching her let the kids climb all over. Most of all, I think I love seeing her waiting at the door to greet us and hearing her tail beat against the wall as she shows her excitement!
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| Sweet Bailey at 7 weeks |
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| Bailey this past Christmas....you can still see that dark stripe on her nose! |
She has been wild and she has been sweet. She has been hurt and that has been pitiful. Who knew a dog could tear a ligament? She has food allergies and that has been gross! She gets special food and that is expensive. She loves marsh mellows, vanilla wafers and peanut butter. Really, she will eat anything other than lettuce, broccoli or tomatoes. She sheds. She comforts. She watches out for us and barks when the door bell rings. She loves our boys...I guess....maybe she just tolerates them...but recently, we found her sleeping in their room while they were at school. She used to sneak onto the couch, but now she just jumps right up. She loves us. She might love Chad more but I think it is only because he feeds her. Most of all, we love her! Life is better because she is here with us every day! She shows her love one long white hair and one heavy swat of the paw at a time!
Happy Birthday Bailey!
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