Bailey Studdert-Kennedy

OUR LOVELY BAILEY HAS, SADLY, CROSSED OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE (16/04/99 – 05/04/10)

Bailey passed peacefully away on Monday, 5th April.  He had just returned from a short walk in the field next to us just before lunch and was lying on the patio, as he often did after a walk, watching me check things in the garden.  A little while later I went over to speak to him and realised that he wasn’t breathing and there was fluid trickling out of his mouth and his eyes were fixed. 

I called my husband and we rubbed his chest but got no response. He had been treated during the previous 10 days for suspected Kennel Cough and was making good progress.  He had been vaccinated last July and had not been in kennels since early September and didn’t have much contact with other dogs because he preferred to meet people so I don’t know how he managed to catch it. 

I have spoken to Bailey’s late owner’s sister today and she said that she had to take him to the vets this time last year because he had breathing difficulties but not a cough.  I do wonder if his bronchial tubes were blocked, a problem I had with an old Labrador but he gave no signs of gasping for breath like she used to when walking.

Bailey was a much loved addition to our family and gave us a great deal of pleasure during the 9 months that we had him.  He was popular with our local community and greeted everyone that he met both in the fields and down in our village and always looked  towards coat pockets to see if a titbit was forthcoming!

He was a good companion for Lotty, our Springer Cross and we miss him very much.  We are really glad that we were able to make the last months of his life happy after the trauma of losing both of his owners to cancer last year.

OLD DOGS DO NOT DIE

We have a secret, you and I,
That no one else shall know,
For who, but I can see you lie,
Each night, in fireglow?
And who but I can reach my hand
Before we go to bed,
And feel the living warmth of you
And touch your silken head?
And only I walk woodland paths,
And see, ahead of me,
Your small form racing with the wind,
So young again, and free.
And only I can see you swim
In every brook I pass.
And, when I call, no one but I
Can see the bending grass.

HISTORY

Bailey was 10 years old and in good health apart from his epilepsy, which is controlled by tablets. He hasn’t had a fit for quite some time, apparently. He also takes non prescription supplements to avoid the aches and pains that accompany a dog in their Autumn years. He was in foster with Andy and Val in the Midlands, enjoying their particular brand of love and devotion.

FIRST REPORT FROM ANDY 15.5.2009

Andy said “We’ve had Bailey a week now, so time for an update:-

I collected Bailey last Saturday under very sad circumstances, as his Mom and Dad had passed away within 4 days of one another. As you can imagine he was one very sad and bewildered old boy.

He was obviously very much loved and well cared for and other members of the family who are, sadly, unable to take care of him themselves, are at pains to do their best for him, and have kept in contact to make sure that he is doing ok.

As you’ll see from his pictures, he is one very big and cuddly Goldie. As the week has gone on he’s become noticeably happier and more relaxed. He’s a very easy boy to look after, very good on the lead, great in the car, and as you’d expect perfectly house trained. He’s fine to be left and sleeps happily in the kitchen at night.

Bailey’s a big cuddle monster and, although advancing in years, still has the infamous Goldie mischievous streak and is quick to pinch anything he thinks might be food, including tea towels and slippers but he is not destructive. He seems to pretty much ignore others dogs but loves meeting people and is great with children. I can’t vouch for how he is with cats but find it hard to believe this big laid back old boy would be too bothered.”

SECOND REPORT 13.6.09

Andy said “We’ve had Bailey now for nearly a month and, as you’ll see from the pictures, it’s fair to say he’s pretty much relaxed now and we’ve become very fond of him.

He’s a lovely old boy, very well behaved, a pleasure to have around, and like a lot of old Goldies a great character. He loves meeting people, especially children, and makes friends wherever he goes.

He especially likes going to the pub, where he’s fussed by everyone, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get him to come home. When his auntie phoned this week to see how he was, she explained that his dad used to take him to the pub too.

He hasn’t had a fit while he’s been with us, and I think I’m right in saying he hasn’t had one this year, so his medication is obviously working well.

Bailey will make someone a wonderful companion, he just needs some love, attention, and couple of short walks, especially if one of them is in the general direction of the local hostelry!”

UPDATE JULY 2009

Bailey has now gone to his forever home in Gloucestershire.

REPORT FROM HIS FOREVER HOME

Lynda says “Bailey is still doing well and his ear problem is now OK. I am hoping he will lose some weight. the vet reckons 10kg would be good!! Unfortunately, he does love devouring “food” on his walks……………….rabbit pellets and cow pats mainly!

He is loving his walks and, despite his size, now runs in the fields. We walk down to the village twice a week so Julie still sees him and she very kindly looked after him for a couple of days whilst we were away. Julie said Ricky was very pleased to see his old friend again and welcomed him back like he had never been away.”

LIFE CAN BE SO CRUEL

Bailey found great happiness and we all thought that he would have at least a couple of years of blissful retirement in Gloucestershire but, sadly, it wasn’t meant to be.

Bailey had enjoyed one of his wonderful country walks and, as usual, settled down in the garden for a snooze. Lynda found him, in his favourite position, with his chin resting on his paws. It was a wonderful peaceful way for him to go but absolutely devastating for his family who adored him.

A massive thankyou to Lynda and Nigel for looking after and loving Bailey to bits for us. You mended his broken heart and made life fun again for him. Rainbow Bridge will be all the richer following the arrival of this big, cuddly fellow with his equally huge personality.