Sometimes in Sanctuary, you just can’t stop the tears from falling…
As much as we hate sharing heartbreaking news, we want to inform with the deepest sadness that our beautiful Bailey has gained her Angel wings. Bailey left us back in December, and while sponsors are immediately informed about a dog’s passing, we have not been able to find the strength or the right words.
Our memorial tributes are in a way, the closure of a chapter, and we can honestly only write them when we feel ready. Even if anything we put in words could ever really do Bailey justice or even express everything we want to say, today of all days just seemed fitting – today would have been our precious Bailey’s 12th Birthday.
Our beloved Bailey left this earth on her own terms, laying next to Sanctuary mom peacefully, knowing kindness, compassion, love and dignity.
There is a belief that animals plan their passing in advance – they put events in motion to make sure who will be there, or not, where, and when it will take place, and how it happens.
For Bailey, she wanted to lay in the human bed with Sanctuary mom. She jumped up onto the human bed, something she hadn’t done in a very long time, due to her arthritis. She snuggled Sanctuary mom and took her last breath. We are completely shattered, and know you all share this devastating loss with us.
Bailey was one of our long-timers here at the Sanctuary. She had been surrendered to a New Jersey shelter at a very young age; and whether it was because she was very sick at the time, or because of her breed, she was slated for euthanasia.
She was a very special soul and a big part of our Sanctuary family. She came into our lives during our own difficult times and rescued us right back. She was loved beyond measure, and cared for deeply by staff and volunteers. She had a mass on her heart that over time caused major medical issues; nonetheless, she lived very happily and comfortably until it was time.
She was our everything here at the Sanctuary; jokingly known as one of our staff members, she was a food/treat taster, dog welcomer, dog tester, and at a whopping 77 pounds, the best lap dog in the world. She did everything slowly, from eating her meals to walks, earning her the nickname Snail.
Our Snaily truly had an amazing spirit, was always happy, her tail never stopped slapping. She had zero concept of personal space – which made us laugh even in the toughest moments. We had a running joke here at the Sanctuary, that if anyone ever tried to break in here, she’d just roll over for a belly rub – that’s how happy and sweet this “vicious” Pittie was.
Bailey even rescued a dog herself, Blossom. Much like Bailey, Blossom was a difficult dog. She took her under her wing and taught her to love and trust humans who were the enemy. Blossom was not dog friendly either, but something about Bailey changed all that for her. She took all her cues from Bailey and learned to trust those of us who care for her. As for meeting new people/strangers, if Bailey showed her they were safe, then, and only then, would Blossom interact with them. Bailey became Blossom’s bestie, bonded friends, they were inseparable.
Since Bailey’s passing, Blossom is having a difficult time. While we always dreaded this day, we can only hope Blossom can move forward and continue to enjoy life for both herself and Bailey.
There are just so many memories of Bailey that we could literally fill books with her stories, but no written words would ever really do her justice. You really had to meet her in order to see how truly special she was.
Bailey’s passing has left a huge hole here in everyone’s hearts and a huge void here at the Sanctuary.
We would like to acknowledge Bailey’s generous sponsor, Windy, for assisting us with her care and for helping give us the ability to provide her with everything she needed and more. On behalf of Bailey, we thank you from the bottom of her heart and ours.
Today, we celebrate Bailey’s life! Snaily, you will forever be loved, never forgotten. Your unconditional and deep love was truly the greatest gift of all, thank you for being such an incredible part of our lives!
We miss you more than words can express, but are grateful for all the love and joy you brought into our lives. You will always live on in our hearts and at Paws Give Me Purpose Sanctuary forever.
Thank you to each and everyone of you for caring and for being a support to us during this time. We hope you see the legacy Bailey has left behind and understand why the work we do here is so rewarding and so important.
Happy Birthday in Heaven dear Snail. While your absence is felt, your love remains ever present.