It’s Saturday afternoon and we’ve only two days remaining of 2023. 2024 will usher in my 60^th birthday. It will also be a year without Bailey.

I have a pot of cabbage and vegetable soup on the stove. It will be gone by tomorrow evening as it is one of my favorites.

The weather for the past several days has been dreary with grey clouds, some occasional winds, and moisture – a little rain and a little snow. Thursday, our morning was greeted by a very thick fog.

The Haasienda is beginning to see through the interior gloom and grief of Bailey’s passing at 2:52 PM, Wednesday afternoon. I had just returned home at 2:35 PM, fearing she had already passed; however, she stood at the gate with the others. While the pooches were eating their lunch, which Bailey ignored, I carried her outside to potty. She looked around the yard for a minute and then collapsed. I carried her inside to the bedroom believing she had passed. Bailey rallied in my arms for a few more minutes and then slipped away with the other sitting close by.

Chief sniffed Bailey’s body and retreated to the hall where he paced in circles, a strange cry coming from his throat. Harrigan, who was Bailey’s biological sister and littermate, sat next to me groaning and growling. Erma went to the far end of the bedroom and lay down. After a few more minutes of holding my Miss Wigglesbottom, it was time to wrap her up in her blanket. My friend, Kim Lade, and her daughter, Kaylee, drove me to The Pines for Bailey’s cremation.

The past several days, Harrigan, who has always slept at the foot of the bed, has been burrowing her head into my chest. She has been extra clingy. After all, she knew Bailey the longest by two months.

Naturally, all the photos of The Sisters’ arrival on Christmas night 2013, are resurfacing in Facebook memories. My favorite photos are the ones that show her “black heart” that appeared when she curled up.

Despite the presence of dogs, Bailey’s departure has left a huge sense of emptiness. It’s to be expected. She is missed and will continue to be missed for a long time to come.

On Tuesday, I resume house managing at Dayton Live and look forward to that diversion. In the meantime, it is spending time with the pooches and preparing to welcome the new year.

Make it a great day!