Matt and I lost our best friend last night. Our beautiful, energetic, vibrant, happy pup Bailey passed away very suddenly and we are heartbroken.
We first met Bailey when she was just a tiny 4 week old puppy. When we brought Bailey home at 7 weeks we quickly learned that in addition to being cute as a button she seemed possessed with never-ending energy. She kept us very busy that first year… I don’t think she ever let us sleep in past 8AM!
As Bailey matured we found ourselves adapting our lifestyle around her boundless energy and intelligence. We hiked with Bailey on a regular basis, did agility and nosework training with her, and bought a house with a big yard for her to enjoy.
In 2009 Bailey started competing in DockDogs. This opened up a whole new world for us – exciting new places, people, and experiences – and also gave us the chance to develop an even closer bond with our dog. We traveled thousands of miles and spent countless weekends with Bailey by our sides and I know that she loved every minute of it.
We told Bailey that we loved her every day and we meant it. The night before she died I remember going into the bedroom to get ready for bed and finding Matt kneeling down on the floor, snuggling Bailey’s soft ears with his face and whispering good night to her. We had no idea that that would be her last night with us but it comforts me to know that she clearly knew she was deeply loved by us.
We don’t know exactly what happened to Bailey last night. She was out in the yard before dinner as is her usual routine. She generally comes to the door when she is done hunting/playing/patrolling the yard but she hadn’t shown up yet so I started calling her. She didn’t come when called (which is also quite usual if she’s still absorbed in her squirrel-stalking!) but after calling for her a few times I got worried and turned on the back lights. Then I saw her, collapsed in the middle of the yard, a dark figure in the snow with the lights reflecting off of her jacket. I ran out in the yard and carried her limp form inside. We rushed her to the vet but she was gone.
Bailey lived an action-packed life and threw herself wholeheartedly in everything she did with 110% enthusiasm. She was only six years old and she brought joy to Matt and me for every single minute of her time with us. We loved her unconditionally and we miss her terribly.
In loving memory of Bailey
May 11, 2007 – January 30, 2014
The Little GSP 
I am so sorry for your loss! Pets are family for sure.
Annie:; I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your best friend and baby, Bailey. Sending a big hug to you and Matt.
So sorry for your loss! She was a great girl and will be missed by many. She was loved and she knew that. Know that she loved you just as much!
We are so sorry for your loss. She will always we with you.
Annie and Matt, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Bailey has always ( and will always) be one of my most favorite dogs I ever met. My heart is breaking for the both of you.
Annie & Matt-
I am heartbroken at your loss. Bailey was a wonderful, wonderful dog who was blessed to have had a family who created a life around her. She loved her life and you and Matt so much. My thoughts are with both of you-we had to put our 1st dog down in Octobet & I still miss her terribly.
Annie, we are SO deeply saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Bailey. Words cannot express how sorry we are. Bailey, you, and Matt will be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Beadlings
Jenny, Brian, and Cello
Annie, this is heartbreaking to hear. I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts, I have loved every moment of seeing Bailey’s adventures.
Sorry for your loss. I went through this twice and it hurts because they are our kids and family. I’m sure going to miss you guys at dockdog events. Take care and god bless….
Annie. So sorry to hear about Bailey. She was beautiful, well loved, and indulged (as all pets should be). And I can tell by the pictures she definitely found her people in both you and Matt. Thank you for sharing this untimely event with us. Your in our thoughts during this time.
So very very sorry. She was an amazing with even more amazing parents. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Growing up a dog person and with a German Shorthair, I know your loss truly hurts. Losing a friend and family member always does. My heart hurts for you and Matt.
Annie & Matt, I know words can not comfort you right now. My heart breaks for your loss. Be thankful for the 6 amazing years you had. My prayers are with you both.
So so sorry for your loss! Bailey was a wonder to watch diving! I know she truly felt your love.
Words can’t express how sorry we are for you. Sending lots of hugs your way…
So very sorry to hear this. Peace to you in this sad time.
What a beautiful tribute. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. She was beautiful to watch and I know how sad your hearts are…
So very sorry for the loss of this much loved family member. My heart breaks for you. I know this pain first hand and I hope you can find peace in happy memories. Sending prayers for your family.
Oh, I am so sorry, Annie! I can’t imagine what you guys are going through. I will be praying for you as you mourn the loss of your sweet friend!
Dear Annie and Matt,
We share your grief over the loss of Bailey. We loved all the pictures and are feeling like we lost a very special family member.
Much love,
Rob, Jean, and Hershey
Dear Annie and Matt,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Having met Bailey and having followed some of her great adventures with you and Matt; especially, DockDogs, I can only imagine the heartache you must be feeling. She was truly a blessing for you both as you were for her and she was one lucky little pup the day you decided to make her a part of your life. Our animals are part of our family, so the grief we feel when they pass is deep. Please know that you are in my thoughts.
Love,
Cynthia
Annie & Matt,
I want you to know that we absolutely enjoyed following your blog and Bailey’s adventures.
We’re so sorry for your loss.
We are of course a gsp family.
Thanks for sharing Bailey with us.
The Sullivan’s
Dear Annie and Matt,
Our hearts ache for you. We will miss Bailey so much!! We always loved to see the springs in Bailey as she would jump for joy. Bailey had the best life because she had you. Rest assured,she’ll be jumping in heaven and watching over you both as the next chapter begins..
Love,
Heather, Steve, James, AImee, Twister and Quake
Omg, I am so sory for your loss. By the way you write and the beautiful pictures you posted, it is very clear that she was truly loved.
Dear Annie and Matt,
We are so very sad to hear about Bailey. Heaven called a very special little girl last night. And while the loss may leave you feeling empty and not ready to say goodbye, know that it is only farewell for now… we all will meet again someday.
So for now, here’s to Bailey: may the days and waters be warm, bowl always full of a cold drink, bed soft and snuggley and fun things to chase. God bless.
Love,
Michelle, Anthony, Hailey and Guppy
Annie and Matt,
I am so very sorry for your loss! Words can’t take away your pain, but please know our hearts go out to you. We always enjoyed watching Bailey pop off the dock, and always enjoyed your friendly conversation at competitions. Sending peace and love.
Tara, Bill, Cocoa, and Cooper
Oh Annie and Matt! I am so, so, so sorry to hear of your furbaby’s passing. She was an amazing dog, and I loved hearing stories and seeing photos of her. I wish I had something to say to make this easier, but I don’t. Dogs really are part of the family! Just know that you’re in my thoughts, and I hope you find peace in this hard time <3333
Thank you everyone for your heartfelt condolences and for sharing your memories of our sweet little GSP. Bailey really was a very special girl and Matt and I are glad that she had the chance to meet so many people and pack so much fun and happiness into her six short years.
Dear Annie And Matt,
I am so very, very sad and sorry to hear of Bailey’s passing!! She was certainly blessed to spend her days with you—-she greeted life with incredible zest and such an appetite for adventure and fun and you provided her so many venues to experience—–from the first time I met Bailey to the last time I saw her–I every time thought :;What a lucky dog—-what a rich life her Mom and Dad give her!! I am so sorry her time was cut short and in such a shocking and devastating way—she was blessed to have you as her guardian angels for her time here.
We all will SO miss her @ WAGD!!
Mary Remer
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Annie,
My heart goes out to you. I know how hard it is to lose apart of your family, especially your favorite little shorthair. I don’t know if you ever heard of the rainbow bridge (google it if you haven’t). It was something our vet shared with us when we lost Maggie. It was very comforting just to think she was their waiting for us. I will be thinking of you and your family and if you need anything or just want to talk, I am here to listen.
Oh no! I’m so sorry for your loss, especially how unexpected it came. I’m just catching up with the blogs I follow (I check in 1x week) and just got to yours. Really, my eyes welled up with tears. My husband got me a puppy miniature schnauzer in our 1st year of marriage and she’s still with us at 9 years old – my first dog ever. It warms my heart to know there are dog owners who truly make it a goal to provide happy and active lives for their pets as you and Matt did for your Little GSP.
I just read about the untimely loss of your precious Bailey. I have followed her antics on your blog and loved every minute of seeing her. You were truly blessed with a wonderful GSP. My heart breaks for you both. Our two GSP boys are the light of our lives, and both just turned 6 years old, so finding out about Bailey gave me chills. I will pray that soon your wonderful memories of your time with Bailey will replace the pain of the loss. If you have not already done so, go to rainbowbridge.com. It’s very comforting. Our best. Patti, Tony and Asaad Rawda with Zarif and Leo the GSPs.
I’m so sorry to hear about your pup! We just got our first GSP and were so excited to watch him grow up and grow old with us. Unfortunately, after just a week of being with us, he suddenly started having a seizure, and the vet could not stop them not find out why this was happening to our precious baby. We ultimately had to put him down. I remember just a few hours before he passed, we were laying on the couch with him telling him how much we loved him, never imagining how much things could change in just a few hours. I am so sorry for your loss, I know how hard this is, I’m sure they’re both watching over us from above everyday! Rest in peace bailey and bocephus.
So sorry to hear about your GSP pup, Kate. It’s hard to lose our four-legged family members. 😦
I’m so sorry to learn of the Bailey’s passing. I know that she will be missed greatly.
I am so sorry to hear that your little girl passed.
Our GSP boy is turning one year old next month—he is crazy (So much energy) but we love him so much and I can’t imagine life without him. I could really relate to your post about not being able to sleep in and adapting your life around the GSP.
=( I am very sorry for your loss.
Thanks Mackenzie. It was quite a shock but it can hopefully remind all of us that we only have a short time with our pets (relative to our lifetimes, at least!) so we should love them to the fullest every single day. Give your pup an extra hug for me! 🙂
Oh my goodness, your Bailey was beyond adorable. She clearly was the apple of your eye and you were all definitely blessed to have each other. My heart goes out to you… We lost our Fletchie last year – he was an almost 9 yr old yellow lab who we loved dearly too. I hope your love and adoration of Bailey, and the beautiful photos you have of her, keep your spirits up and hearts filled ❤
Thank you for your kind words, Connie. It is difficult when we lose our beloved 4-legged companions but you’re right, we were blessed to have each other and even though Bailey is gone we can still cherish her memory and the fun times we shared with her.
I’m so sorry. I just found your blog and so enjoyed looking through your posts about Bailey. We just lost our six year old GSP rescue, Eastwood. We had a two day notice he was going to pass away, but hoped he’s outlive the odds. We were with him when he passed and miss him terribly. There will never be another dog like our Eastwood, and there will never be another dog like your Bailey. GSP’s are special dogs, our velcro dogs … thank you for sharing your beautiful dog with us.
So sorry for your loss of Eastwood. I take comfort in the fact that Matt and I got to share 6 1/2 wonderful years with Bailey. I still miss her terribly and she’ll always hold a special place in my heart, just as I’m sure Eastwood will in yours.