Our sweet and delightful little Bailey died yesterday morning. His heart finally gave out. Even when we knew the end was coming -- he was very old and had really deteriorated in the past couple of months -- it was still one of the most painful losses we've ever had. Bailey had an outsized personality, and he had been one of the touchstones of our life since he first arrived from an animal hoarder court case back in 2006.
He had been through a lot before coming to us, and you can read about the conditions he was living in here. It was only because a determined group of neighbors kept pressing local law enforcement to do something about this awful place that Bailey and many other animals were eventually rescued.
Through it all, he had survived -- and we were blessed to have him spend his final years with us.
He had always been one of the most physically compromised animals we've ever had the privilege of caring for -- his lower back was bent, his rear legs skewed sideways, and yet while it looked like it was difficult for him to walk, he loved to go roaming around the yard. He had a get-up-and-go drive that absolutely defied how his tiny body looked.
And despite the appearance of his back and legs, he wasn't in any pain. We learned after we first got him that there was nothing our veterinary surgeons in Spokane could do for him, but it was clear from watching him that he was very mobile and enjoyed going everywhere and anywhere. Indeed, on the day he came to us in, the first thing he did was take off down the drive, and we had to go running after him to scoop him up.
Because of his spinal problem, he had no control over his bladder or bowels, and yet nothing bothered him more than not being able to go outside to do his business. Bailey never wanted to go inside the house, but he wouldn't know he needed to poop until it started coming out ... and then he would make a mad dash to the front door. The effort to get outside always made a bigger mess across the floor for us to clean up, of course, but we admired how he tried so hard to to avoid going inside. Let's just say it was an example we hoped some other dogs could learn from!
Bailey had an irrepressible spirit and energy -- bossy, playful, loving, and full of antics. Over the years he accounted for more blog posts than any other animal, including even Widget. He relished being outside when it was hot, sleeping under one of his favorite shade trees. When he was inside, he was forever playing with toys, like Mr. Caterpillar ... when he wasn't using a toy as a head rest while he slept ... or using a friend for the same purpose. Every dog was a friend to Bailey, as well as a potential head rest.
He loved exploring, even when the snow was deep. One of our favorite Bailey blog posts was his wind meter one. Since this is such a sad post, you may really want to see this video clip of him playing with toys called "45 Seconds of Pure Joy."
But you get the idea: this tiny dog with a giant personality gave us lots of unforgettable memories over the years. Just type "Bailey" in the search box on this blog (on the left) and you'll see what I mean.
In recent months as his body began wearing out, Alayne would baby him even more. She carried him around the house with her on "road trips" so he could see what was going on, and would sit at her computer holding him. In the past few weeks she set up a special bed in a laundry basket so he could be with us wherever we were. His incontinence became worse, and she was bathing him three or four times a day now. We always knew when his bedding needed to be changed, because he'd start barking insistently. We joked that this was Bailey's way of saying, "Housekeeping! Housekeeping! Bedding change needed in Basket 1!" In his last few days his voice became noticeably weaker, but he was just as bossy as ever.
He was in his basket-bed in my office yesterday morning, sleeping just a few feet behind me while I responded to emails. At some point I realized I didn't hear any sound coming from the basket and I turned around to look. I pulled his blanket back. He was no longer breathing and was absolutely still. I knew he had just slipped away. I called down to Alayne who was in the kitchen, and she came running up the stairs.
I picked up his little body, wrapped it in his fleece, and handed him to her. She cradled him and cried. Sitting on the floor, she rocked back and forth, tears streaming down her face, hugging him tightly. She said, "I loved caring for him. He was just so special. He was my little boy." Alayne handed him to me and I sat on the floor, cradling him and crying, too. Dang, and now I'm crying again writing this and reliving it.
[Following a brief pause for tissue...]
After we grieved and cried for quite a while together, Alayne went to get his last bedding change -- what we would wrap him in for burial. It was a Winnie the Pooh sheet that Alayne always reserved for Bailey's bed. She had already decided where we were going to bury him. Since he loved being under trees so much, his final resting place will be under a beautiful birch tree just below the house.
Goodbye, sweetheart. We miss you so much.
In my State of Ohio we recently had a 500 dog hoarding case with removals; I was privileged for 6 weeks to care for many of the dogs & ended up adopting a little ole girl. For 8 yrs her life was beyond words & now she & I are blesed so I know 100% Bailey you gave Bailey, and many others, well eserved blessed lives. Thank You
Posted by: Dottie McClelland | August 11, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Sorry for your loss, he was so cute!
Posted by: Office Fitouts | August 03, 2011 at 01:34 AM
I am so horribly sorry for your devastating loss. Because of you, this dog knew more of love than he ever would have without you. As measly a comfort as that must be, he would probably not regret a single moment; after all, it brought him to you, and very few places can offer what you can.
Posted by: Alex | July 27, 2011 at 03:52 AM
you can be pals until he sees me at the rainbow bridge. you can boss him around, he wont mind.
Posted by: herve leger | July 13, 2011 at 09:50 PM
Rest in Peace Dear Bailey. We lost our 16 year old shelter dog this spring and it still hurts to miss him. ThankYou for all the precious souls you take care of at Rolling Dog Farm.Jim and Nancy Manweiler
Posted by: Jim Manweiler | July 05, 2011 at 03:55 PM
im so so sorry to learn of baileys passing. what a reunion you will have with him atthe rainbow bridge.he taught us all so much, and those of us with disabilites he showed us to keep our voice and our attitude and our mobility as best we can.god bless you for giving him love. he will always be with you in your heart and soul. he will be your angel i know it. i just love you guys so much. its so inspiring to read the adventures and the sad passings and the whole attitude of love you have made. thank you so much. god rest good bailey. we will miss you. say woof to my disabled dog champ who passed ten years ago, and whom i cry for often......... you can be pals until he sees me at the rainbow bridge. you can boss him around, he wont mind.
Posted by: barb mathewws | July 04, 2011 at 05:58 AM
I'm crying too. Just remember, he is now either a happy little angel at "Doggy Heaven", or he is now on his way to be a person. A person with a huge grateful heart coming to earth to bring happiness to the ones in need ( as you guys do ) bless your hearts.
Posted by: Angela Milla-Lauridsen | July 04, 2011 at 01:11 AM
I am beyond heartbroken as I read this. I am beyond privileged to have known Bailey and to have been the one to deliver him to you here in Montana. The day he came to you his life (the life he always deserved) really began. The day I took him from the hoarders house I knew where he needed to go and am forever grateful that you took him. He was a special, special dog. Thank you so much for giving him all the love he missed out on in the beginning-no one could have loved him more.
Posted by: Christian Cornelius | July 03, 2011 at 08:19 PM
I just got through reading about your loss of Bailey....I am so sorry. I know he had a wonderful life with you all and Thank you all for doing what you do. I know that Bailey is at the Rainbow Bridge playing his little heart out.
Posted by: Lisa | July 02, 2011 at 11:13 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. Bailey was blessed to be with you as you were were blessed with him!
Bailey will be waiting with all of your four legged babies at the rainbow bridge!
Posted by: Chris | July 02, 2011 at 12:06 PM
I sit here reading your post and crying I had a rescued abused (collar grown into his neck with tracheal damage) weiner dog named Hot Dog. They are such little lovers and kindred souls. Thru good care he lived to be 14. Cherish the memories and know that many of us are thinking about you and Bailey is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge!!!!
Posted by: Carla | June 30, 2011 at 12:42 PM
OMG!!! Poor Bailey!!! My dachshund, Chesney, comes from a shelter in Henderson, Nevada. He has the crooked hind legs, too, but runs like a champ!!! He loves to bark and chase at the birds and wind. GOD will keep watch over Bailey and he will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge...
Posted by: La Donna Horejsi | June 30, 2011 at 01:41 AM
This starts the tears for me, we lost Shiloh to cancer in March. And his death did not go well, the vet did a horrible job. So my heart breaks for you for your loss of Bailey. I still miss my boy so much, he didn't live to see us move from Wisconsin to Texas. We do have his ashes though.
Posted by: Sharon LaPlant | June 29, 2011 at 11:42 PM
WOW that was rough reading as I sit here crying. You gave Bailey such a great life as you know, you each are in my thoughts. I loved reading about what Bailey was doing when I'd go get updates. Take care
Posted by: Scarlett | June 29, 2011 at 08:22 PM
What is an animal hoarder and why would anyone send their pet to one?
I am in tears and angry because these people who have too many animals to a point where real physical and psychological irreversible damaged is done are not being prosecuted and given real prison time.
Here in CO there are many Horse cases as well as dog and cat cases. The courts have not levied heavy punishment.
We have laws in place, but the courts have not enforced them.
Bailey had a good life at the ranch and is now in heaven having a wonderful time.
Posted by: RMZ | June 29, 2011 at 07:53 PM
What a wonderful pup to bring out so much love and happiness in so many people (and dogs). Here's to you, Bailey!
Posted by: BradyCarlson | June 29, 2011 at 07:21 PM
I am so, so sorry for your loss of Bailey. I am crying uncontrollably while reading your message. I thank you, Alayne and God for people like you who love animals and have such a big and loving heart and offer so much for these sweet, sweet animals. Bless you and I am so sorry for your loss and sadness.
-pam
Posted by: Pam | June 29, 2011 at 06:46 PM
God bless this wonderful little dog. He was so lucky to have found a loving home with all of you. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Posted by: Rise' | June 29, 2011 at 06:33 PM
Now I am crying....i am sure he is running wild with the other animals at the rainbow bridge. xoxo much much love jeannie and my dog lucy
Posted by: Jeannie Crane | June 29, 2011 at 06:33 PM
So sorry for your loss. It's never easy to see a pet age, but he seems to have lived life to its fullest, once he found your special love. You are wonderful people, so God gave you a wonderful puppy to care for.
Posted by: Hope Clark | June 29, 2011 at 05:43 PM
As someone else said earlier... Bailey went in his basket while surrounded by love.... there is no better way to go....Bless you both for all that you do for these animals...they are so worth it and the rewards are tenfold! Im sorry for your loss...I cryed too reading the newsletter... Bth Gilmore
Posted by: Beth Gilmore | June 29, 2011 at 03:58 PM
Thank you so much for the Bailey story, now I need tissues too. Dogs like Bailey and others that are placed in our care are gifts from the Angels. thank you for all you do...May God bless you always..and your creatures too.
Posted by: June Votava | June 29, 2011 at 03:00 PM
I am so very saddened to hear about Bailey. God will take good care of Bailey till you see him again. My prayers and sympathy to you both.
Posted by: Denise Triest | June 29, 2011 at 01:52 PM
Thank you Alayne and Steve for giving Bailey the respect, love and care that should be shown on sentient beings we share our world with. And thank you for sharing his story with all of us. The gifts you give are priceless to the animal in your care and your fans.
Posted by: Beth Brannock | June 29, 2011 at 01:11 PM
I'm crying now....thank God for these special, wonderful creatures. Take Care!
Posted by: Gary Huguenard | June 29, 2011 at 12:41 PM
OMG, I am crying my eyes out. I'm so glad he was loved so much. May he be in peace and be happy. You know he loved you. He was a special boy. (Tears running down my face).
Posted by: Kim Roberts | June 29, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Thank you for doing what you do. What a wonderful life you provide for the animals.
Posted by: Andrea Hunter | June 29, 2011 at 11:33 AM
I volunteered at the animal rescue when the dogs were first confiscated from the animal hoarder. Although saddened by his death, I was touched to learn of his many fine years with you - a thing of wonder after the place he came from. I adopted one of the elderly dogs from this case and she's still will me. Undoubtedly she, too, will be leaving soon, but each day-no matter how much work is involved in caring for her-is a gift. Thank you for loving Bailey.
Posted by: Melanie Lattin | June 16, 2011 at 09:15 PM
Obvious statement: I'm more than a little behind in reading your blog. I've just caught up far enough back to read about Bailey's passing, and I'm so sorry!
I haven't lost interest in you guys and your precious wards. My back problems grew worse and worse, after the first of the year, and sitting has become increasingly uncomfortable. I think I've turned the corner on that, since major back surgery one month ago. But I had to come back and catch up. My husband will be sad to hear and read about your Bailey, too.
Posted by: Vicki Small | June 15, 2011 at 11:24 PM
So Sorry for your loss, it is never easy, one day you will meet again, I am a firm believer in meeting them them in Heaven. Then there will be all smiles and no tears, just runnin and playin. Love to you all.
Posted by: Kathy and Harley | June 10, 2011 at 09:26 PM
Bless little Bailey. I am just catching up on your blog posts, and writing this through lots of tears. He was love on 4 legs. You did make me laugh with "housekeeping!! Basket One!!" He was blessed to have you. You will see him again one day for sure.
Shirley Parr/Four Winds Farm Sanctuary
Posted by: Shirley Parr | June 10, 2011 at 04:55 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a special little guy.
Posted by: megan | June 10, 2011 at 09:50 AM
I have been out of state and haven't been on a computer for over a week...what sad news to come home to :(
Bailey was a truly special boy who will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him. Thank you, Steve and Alayne, for giving him such a wonderful life and all of your love. Bailey, you will be missed!
Posted by: Ann | June 10, 2011 at 01:22 AM
May we all be so lucky to pass away at home, in our sleep and surrounded by love. God Bless you all. And Bailey, say Hi to my Chloe up in heaven!
Posted by: Phyllis and Sammi | June 09, 2011 at 03:13 PM
Bailey was a great little guy who enjoyed every minute at RDF. We'll miss updates on his adventures but know he had a great time at the Farm and forgot about all that had gone before. I remember the Mr. Caterpillar pictures without even hitting the link. He was another great RDF success story.
Posted by: Bob | June 08, 2011 at 10:31 PM
I wrote yesterday to share my condolences, and am still thinking about you all.
Was Bailey the one that watches you with big bug eyes when you eat dinner? Till he wears you down and you give him something? I think that was one of the dachshunds.
I have a dachshund mix and he's the apple of my eye (don't tell his mini pin brother). They are soulful little dogs.
Posted by: adele | June 07, 2011 at 07:08 AM
It's been awhile since I've visited your site. I see you're quite acclimated here in NH now. And yes, granite boulders are EVERYWHERE. I'm so very, very sorry for the loss of your beautiful, sweet Bailey. Believe me I know how that feels. My Alex was the sweetest girl that ever lived and now she is the poster child for feline inflammatory bowel disease. Sometimes I still can't believe she had to suffer like that and didn't make it. She fought a tough fight.
You do such amazing work there, words just can't say how wonderful and what a blessing you both are. Animals deserve so much better than a lot of humans give them. Thank you for being such angels to these babies. I'd like to take a trip over there this summer to see your ranch. I'm in south central NH, a little ways away.
I'm going to put a link in my newsletter for my website to your contest. Hopefully it will raise more money to help you keep doing what you do best.
Many hugs
Lisa
www.ibdkitties.net
Posted by: Lisa | June 06, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Tears are streaming. I am so sorry for the loss of Baily. I loved him so much! I can't imagine how sad it was for you & Alayne. We all have the beautiful memories of Bailey & those are something I will treasure forever. I am so grateful to you both for giving him a home & that he lived out his last years in such a loving environment. God Bless!
Posted by: MsFitzTX | June 06, 2011 at 03:31 PM
I picture Bailey running through endless fields of summertime with plenty of shady trees to nap under. When you see him again he will tell you all about his adventures and want to show you his favorite places.
These amazing beings teach us so much about resilience. I can't imagine not doing what we do and losing that daily lesson. Someone posted this great quote on our Facebook page I think is very apt at this moment:
"Each dog who passes from my life takes a piece of my heart, and each dog who enters gives me a piece of theirs. If I live long enough my whole heart will be made of dog, and a better human I'll be."
Posted by: Morgan | June 06, 2011 at 01:17 PM
I could always tell from the way you wrote about him just how special he was to you both...and I share your pain at his passing. How blessed you were to have him and how blessed he was to have had you during his final years. Godspeed little boy!
Posted by: Debbie | June 06, 2011 at 08:08 AM
It's nothing big, but I wanted to acknowledge you both and to make tribute to Mr. Bailey. Check out the link for my blog.
Thank you again for all that you do for sweeties like Bailey.
Posted by: adele | June 05, 2011 at 07:14 PM
I'm so very sorry about Bailey. Of course I'm crying, too, like most of your readers have done. I loved that little guy. Thank you for giving him the wonderful final years that you did.
You guys are wonderful.
Posted by: adele | June 05, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Our thoughts are with you, Bailey was lucky to have you. And you were lucky to have Bailey. I know you will miss him and your love for him will continue.
Posted by: Sandra Beardsley | June 05, 2011 at 12:33 PM
So sorry to hear about Bailey (my wife just wanted to know why I was sitting at the computer crying). But so so amazed once again to read of the love you two shower upon the special animals that come into your lives at the ranch (sorry, it'll always be "the ranch" to me). Thank you.
Posted by: Rich Y | June 04, 2011 at 10:58 PM
sweet, sweet Bailey...please accept my condolences on his passing. I can't even begin to tell you how much joy I got out of hearing his stories and watching that PURE JOY video...he's up in heaven with all our wonderful past/passed pets...waiting to greet us when we finally join him...thanks!!!
Posted by: kss584 | June 04, 2011 at 09:41 PM
This is a tough one. Seems like he packed a lot of happiness in his last few years with you guys. I just rewatched/read all the blog posts-what a character. We will all miss him dearly, but not as much as you and Alayne will. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Kelly | June 04, 2011 at 05:10 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this. It was clear from all your posts about him that he was a big personality and will leave a big hole behind. You truly gave him a new lease on life when he was rescued from that terrible situation, and his last years were the happiest any dog could have, including his last months when you took him on daily tours so he could keep up with what was going on around the house, and his last day when he quietly slipped away. Thank you for sharing so much of him over the years in your posts, and your moving last tribute to him. He is one I'll always remember.
Posted by: Tonya Allen | June 04, 2011 at 10:25 AM
There are always certain dogs that hold a special key to our hearts and it sounds like Bailey was one of those for you.
Posted by: wholesale nfl jerseys | June 04, 2011 at 02:13 AM
"God's finger touched him, and he slept."
(Alfred, Lord Tennyson)
Steve & Alayne,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bailey knew love and contentment in your care. He made my heart smile with so many posts of his escapades! Godspeed little Bailey.
Posted by: Doe George | June 04, 2011 at 12:05 AM
Awwwwww.....I'm so sorry for your loss....Bailey was one of my favorites in your blog...always up to something, full of piss and vinegar as my grandma used to say...what a great life Bailey had with you all...so glad you took him from such a bad place to such a great place...lots of friends and lovin, that's what he's taken him with him...and you guys are to thank. Wherever he is now...he's so much better off for being with you.
Lots of folks are mourning with you.
XXOO Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | June 03, 2011 at 11:23 PM