Our Sweet Bailey

[Jim Lauridsen]

On Dec. 24, 2015 our beloved Bailey was put to rest as we held him in our arms and felt his last breath slip away.  It was much too soon to lose him, he was only 12 yrs. & 4 mos. old.  He was a victim of Intervertebral Disc Disease, which left him nearly able to walk.  Looking back, this condition had probably been growing worse for quite some time. He had been moving slower, laying around most of the time, and unable to jump up on the sofa for quite awhile, but we (and the vet) thought that this was just symptomatic of arthritis and him getting up in age, so we accepted it and gave him Dasuquin & Salmon Oil.  In early Dec., his mobility was so much worse that I took him to the vet, and she said that it was a spinal problem.  He wouldn't come out of his crate in the morning, he was eating very little, and when he tried to have a bowel movement the pain was making it hard for him to squat and position himself.  Over the next of week he was on pain pills & muscle relaxants, but his condition seemed to worsen.  When we went back to the vet, she told us her diagnosis was I.D.D., and that we could try steroids or take him to a neurological specialist. The steroids might help, but would not be a long term solution due to the side-effects that can occur.  A neurologist would want to do an MRI and then probably surgery, which would not guarantee a successful recovery and could cost around $8000.00.  We had to try the steroid treatment, which was not successful.  After another week, with no improvement and much tearful discussion, we chose to set Bailey free from his pain & suffering.  It was one of the most difficult decisions of our life, but anything else would have been selfish and unfair.  Our vet was wonderful through this ordeal, and her tears flowed just like ours as Bailey crossed over the Bridge.

Edited February 2, 2016 by Jim Lauridsen

[hheldorfer]

Wiping tears from my eyes after reading your memorial to Bailey.  My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family.  Bailey was a beautiful boy and I can tell he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.  God bless you for having the courage to let him go.  It is one of the hardest things any of us will ever do.    

Cherish the happy memories and know that everyone here shares your grief.     

[Autumn & Lola]

What a lovely tribute to your Bailey. No matter how difficult it is for us at the time, I think perhaps the best gift we can give our animals is to ease them over the bridge, to end their suffering.   I am so sorry for the loss of your lovely boy.

[Hillscreek]

Dear Bailey. How hard it is to lose our buddies. How brave and strong of you to end his pain. How lucky you were to have him with you all these years.

[sanford]

I am deeply saddened to read of the loss of your beautiful Bailey. He was a true blessing and you honored him in return, with such compassion by not letting him suffer any longer.

[shergry]

It is always hard and wonderful to read about our furkids. The hard part is that they are gone. The wonderful part is the stories shared, lifetime full of such GREAT memories. May you be so comforted to know Bailey is frolicking with the rest of our furkids. From just the pic....what a HAPPY Bailey!!

[Dogband1]

Hi Jim, so sorry to hear of your loss of Bailey.  He was a magnificently beautiful and loved cairn.  Indeed it is an incredibly hard decision, but one that is made for the pup, not for us.  Rest peacefully in knowing that you love him deeply and did your best.  RIP beautiful Bailey.

[tlwtheq]

I feel very close to you, Jim.  We had to make the same choice for our beloved Olie on New Year's eve.  When you see them that
sick...and with no hope of recovery, that's all you can do.  Olie was the only baby out of three that wailed his head off when anyone
 he loved and recognized came through the door.  I miss the squealing every time I return home from an errand.

Take care of yourself and your family, Jim.

B'Shalom.

Tara

[bradl]

So sorry to read, but oh is that a perfect picture to remember Bailey by.

Early on it seems we naturally dwell a bit on their leaving so I bid you strength as you wait until the tide of more joyous, calm, and sweet memories push the pain to the dusty distant corners of your heart.  

We love them so. They cannot leave us once they've captured a piece of our hearts.

[Sam I Am]

So sorry and yes it is one of the hardest decision to make but the right one and the most peaceful one. For most of us, in the end, have to send our beloved animals to a place where pain doesn't exist. Bless you for being the loving and caring person that you obviously are. 

[pkcrossley]

i'm so sorry both  for your loss and for the agonizing position you were put in by the diagnosis. we understand what it is like to be caught in that vice. you did everything for bailey that was possible. he was a lucky boy. i lost my cairn at the age of twelve and so did terrier lover. it is too young, but then any age would be. he clearly had a great life, and you should be proud of that. 

[Islander]

Very sad for you. Bailey was a beautiful boy.

[Dempsy's Mom]

Always dread reading these post.  So sorry for all the worry and heartbreak.  It is a perfect picture of little Bailey with his butt up in the air and the ball ready to be pounced on.  RIP Bailey.

[Pepper Bug's Mom]

It is so hard to read this....you loved your little boy so much.  These Cairns just work their way into your heart and soul don't they?  I love my Pepper so much - her spirit, her courage, her love of life....  My heart goes out to you.

[beccadiane374]

So very sorry for the loss of your sweet boy...may time & memories bring you peace.

[_whits_]

What a difficult, courageous, and selfless decision you made. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your Bailey with us. 

[Idaho Cairns]

Sorry!  Wish there were words but we both know there aren't.  Thinking of you.

[Flatpick]

I'm sad and I've only had a Cairn for a month!  sorry for your loss!

 

steve

 

[Pepper Bug's Mom]

Looking back is always so easy to see how sick our puppies were....it is hard to give up on someone we love so much.  Hugs to your family on the loss of your furbaby.

[LindaMC]

So very sorry to read of your loss of Bailey, he was such a beautiful boy and that photo is perfect, showing Bailey playing with his ball, happy and surrounded by a world of love.  I hope that your memories of happy times with your boy comfort you in the days ahead.

Run free and rest in peace Bailey.

[Kathryn]

Just saw your posting about Bailey.  Clearlg much grieved but also much loved....