For Bailey

I remember the day you came to be with us

We went to the shelter to go and pick you up
Your brothers and sisters were sitting there, too
But out of all six, we knew it had to be you.


In your first car ride, we sat together in the back seat
With your paws on my lap, big eyes looking up at me
I told you I loved you and how your name would be Bailey
And how you would love your brand new family


You had stinky breath as a little girl
And your fur was like steel wool in tight little curls
Your teeth were razor sharp and hurt to the touch
But we always forgave you because we loved you so much


When you got a bit older, we took you to puppy school
We wanted you to be smart, and to follow our rules
But at play time with all the other dogs
You hid under a chair acting shy like you didn’t belong


Your best feature was your sweet face
The top of your head was a perfect kissing place
At the sound of name, your head would tilt to the side
You looked so adorable, like you were posing just right

As you grew up, you were always with Jenna and me

You protected your “girls” so very faithfully
Sleeping on my bedroom floor each night
You were often nearby and you kept us in sight

Remember the time when I was home all alone?
It was dark and I was so scared being on my own
So, I locked us up together in the bathroom to be safe
You never minded or wondered how long we would have to wait



And what about seventh grade when I was a complete wreck?
You sat by side and I hugged you and cried into your neck
You made me feel better because you just let me cry
I didn’t have to pretend and you never asked why


Years passed and I grew up and went out on my path
Still you always looked forward to when I would come back
Waiting for me at the door when I came in
For a pat on the head and a, “How have you been?”

When I went and adopted my two dogs of my own

To have that same love that you’d always shown

You knew that you had never been replaced

For in my heart you still have that special place

At the end of your life you kept fighting on

I knew you were hurting, but you always stayed strong

You still wagged your tail whenever Jenna or I came through the door

Even though sometimes it was hard for you to get up off the floor

Then was your final day and I got to kiss you goodbye

I told you I loved you and you told me it was time

I would miss you for always, love you forever

Forget about you, I could never

I know somewhere out there you’re waiting for us

To see your “girls” that you loved so very much

It will be the best reunion that there could ever be

Because you’ll be beautiful and once again healthy

We called you “Best Dog” because that’s what you were

There will be nobody like our favorite big girl

Thank you for giving us so many good memories

I’ll see you someday, so be looking for me.