Bailey.

Tonight I had to say goodbye to the best dog I've ever had.

The story:

We found Bailey at the pound in April of 2006. We loved her the second we saw her. She was a beautiful dog, and she seemed to know that we were going to take her out of that cage and give her a good home. I don't think she ever forgot that. I've always said that pound puppies are the best kind because they KNOW that you saved them, and they love you all the more. Bailey knew that we loved her and she loved us back. The second we got her home, we knew we had found a gem. She was so calm in the house and was content to lay by your side all day, and yet she could wrestle with Clayton for hours at a time. She was fully housebroken and never had one accident inside. She was just an all around wonderful dog....with one flaw. Bailey never liked other dogs (aside from our first dog, Levi, and my parent's dog, Sam. My dad said it's because she knew they were part of her "pack".) I don't know why, but she was never "dog friendly". Over the past couple of weeks, I kept having this sinking feeling that something bad was going to happen, and sure enough...it did. Yesterday we were out running errands and I got a call from my neighbor that Bailey and Sam had gotten out through the backyard gate and that they had put them back in the yard and closed the gate. I thanked them and told them we would be home soon. About 15 minutes later, we got another call. Our neighbor said that Bailey got out again and got in a fight with one of our neighbors dogs, and they were on their way to have their dog checked out at The Animal Hospital. I got home as soon as I could. Long story (somewhat) short, their dog had gotten life threatening injuries and they ended up having to put it to sleep. Obviously we felt absolutely terrible. The people were very nice and understanding and realized that it was just a terrible accident. They knew that their dog should not have been out in the front yard without a leash just as much as Bailey should not have been out roaming the streets. We paid their vet bill of $609 and apologized more times than I can count. We made the heartbreaking decision that we couldn't keep her. Even though I know that she would never bite a person, she did kill some one's pet, and I can't live with that. I have a baby to think about. So, at about 6:30 tonight Animal Control showed up on our doorstep. They were very nice and very kind to Bailey. But they said that when something like this happens, they can't send the dog to another home, and she would have to be put to sleep. It makes me sick to my stomach to think about. I am heartbroken. When they were taking her away, I asked them if I could keep her collar. I needed something of hers to hold on to. I kissed her and hugged her tight and I told her I loved her before I let them take her. I told her I was sorry this happened. I told her that she was a good girl and thanked her for always being the best dog.

Even though this happened, and even though it was awful, she is and always will be the best dog I've ever had. I loved her and I already miss her.

We love you Bays.