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!
Beautifully said, Stu. Keep that positive energy flowing her way!
Thanks Arlene! The picture & Frame is so great! Hope Tucker is doing well!
You bet she’s gonna cross the finish line with you! Chemo will be over in no time and you’ll be able to get back to loving life and enjoying quality time in the great outdoors. Your pawsitivity is going to take you very, very far.
Hey did you know we have a very active Tripawds contingency in NorCal? They meet up in Mill Valley about 2x a year, you should hop over to the Forums and introduce yourself if you haven’t already.
Keep us posted on how things are going.
Jerry, Thank you so much for you pawsitivity and kind words! This is such great community forum. We didn’t know about the Mill Valley meet up, but will absolutely look into it. When we were in the city we used to take Bailey to Marin a lot, she loves it up there!
I love that Bailey causes such a “distraction” pre-race with the other contenders! Good move Bailey!
You’ve written a lovely tribute to “your girls”..so heartfelt…just lovely!
Stay in the moment, enjoy the heck out of thenpresent and don’t worry about the tomorrows. Bailey isn’t worrying about a thing! She’s living in the present and thoroughly enjoying being with her family and surrounded by all that love and spoiling!!
The serenity in that picture takes my breath away. Beautiful.
Hugs to all!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Thank you so much for this message, we absolutely will stay in the moment and know that Bailey is happy, loved and not worrying!