Dear Bailey:
I write this with tears in my eyes as I know your time with us has been cut short. Putting you to sleep was one of the most heart wrenching and agonizing decisions we have ever made. I remember driving you home from the breeder 8 years ago. You were small enough to fit in a recycling bin and you wimpered most of the way home during that 2 hour drive. Now it's my turn to cry as I try to determine if I have tears of sorrow or tears of joy, or maybe both. Our hearts are broken knowing that we will never again hear your familiar bark or your amusing snores. But we have been honored to have had you as a friend and loyal family companion. You are and always will be a member of the family. The kids will miss you dearly, although Benjamin and Matthew sadly will forget you. Samantha on the other hand won't forget you and I thank you for touching her heart so. She asked me today why the vet, Santa, and even God couldn't "fix" you. I'm sorry but I didn't have an answer for her.........ju st that you were very sick. I'll miss rubbing your ears and getting pushed by that big nose of yours when I would stop. I'll also miss giving you your favorite snacks, apples and carrots, out of the fridge. But what I'll miss most is your companionship and friendship we had forged through the years. You were a true friend and one who I will miss for many years to come. I thank you for being our friend and for allowing us to be part of your life. We were blessed to have you in our home. The life in your big brown eyes may have ended but you will live on in our hearts and minds. You were our big girl and the emptiness left behind will be difficult to fill. You can rest now, my "Burley", for your physical time here is over but your devotion and our love for you will go on forever. Thank you again for sharing your life with us. There will be an extra candle burning this Christmas.
Love always,
Paul, Gale, Jill, Samantha, Benjamin, and Matthew
