My first post and the first thing you’ll note is that my writing can’t compare to the beauty of my better human half, Lauren. Bailey, my better canine half, is our best friend and almost always at our side. Without exception, the first question that comes up when we are considering any activity or event is whether it’s Bailey friendly. We can tell you the policy (official or otherwise) at most all establishments, trails and parks in our area.
Much of our travel is around the Northern California region in our camper. I race road bikes competitively, which means a lot of time in small out of the way towns in the Central Valley and Sierra Foothills. Bailey is much more well-known at races than me or Lauren, her cheerful puppy face regularly distracts athletes from their strict prerace routine, they cannot help but come over to say hi and give her a quick pet. Motivation in races often comes from knowing that the sooner I cross the finish line the sooner I’ll get to see my adventure buddies. No matter how I finish, Lauren will run to hug me while Bailey vigorously wags her tail licking the salty sweat from my legs jumping excitedly wanting to make it a group hug. I instantly know I am the luckiest person at that finish line, no matter who is on the podium that day. Long after the race has finished and everyone has gone home, the three of us will often sit at the back of the camper quietly watching the sun slip below the western horizon. It is simple serene moments like this, with my two girls by my side that make me the happiest.
Yesterday Bailey started her first round of chemotherapy. It is our greatest hope that she will beat the odds and have many more happy years with us, and that when I come across the line in future races she’ll run to me, three legs strong, wag her tail just as vigorously and lick all that salty sweat right of my leg!
