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Mediocre white men think RFK Jr’s pathetic midlife crisis is inspirational. The bar is set so low for them, it’s subterranean.

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The low info voters probably won’t even notice or remember by their next lap around the goldfish bowl.

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Democracy cannot function without a free press.

You are here: Home / Absent Friends / RIP Bailey, a Good Dog

RIP Bailey, a Good Dog

by | 166 Comments

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Horrible news from Tamara this morning, as her beloved Bailey has died in her sleep. I will let Tamara fill you all in when she has more information, but we believe it was due to a ruptured diaphragm that was punctured and repaired during surgery when she was a puppy.

I spoke with Tamara this morning and she is devastated, so please send some good vibes in her direction and keep her in your thoughts.

Reader Interactions

166Comments

  1. 1.

    zhena gogolia

    Oh, how terrible! I can’t believe it. Crying for you, Tamara. What a beautiful dog she was.

  5. 5.

    Sis

    So sorry about beautiful Bailey. Everyone who has lost a fur baby this way knows how she feels. And it’s awful when it’s out of the blue and awful when you know it’s coming. The only downside of having pets is that they don’t live nearly long enough.

  6. 6.

    skyweaver

    Oh, no, I’m so sorry. Best thoughts and wishes to TaMara. How very sad. She looks like a beautiful girl!

  16. 16.

    TKinNC

    NOT FAIR! Bailey just got good and settled in. T: Thanks for giving her a good home. Hug Bixby & his ducks.

  17. 17.

    Butch

    Somehow it’s much worse when it’s unexpected like this; that’s how we lost our Bucky dog last spring. I’m so sorry.

  18. 18.

    The Moar You Know

    I can hear of the worst human tragedy without flinching, but animals…hits me where I live, I guess. I have no words, Tamara. So sorry.

  20. 20.

    Elizabelle

    What a shock. I am so sorry. Bailey was a wonderful dog, and had a wonderful life, with you, Bixby, the cats, the ducks.

    You’re in my thoughts, Tamara.

  22. 22.

    Betty Cracker

    Shocking and devastating news. I am so sorry, TaMara. Bailey was a beautiful girl, and you gave her so much love. If you can, hold on to that to get through the days to come.

  24. 24.

    NotoriousJRT

    TaMara, I am so sorry! I know how much you loved and cherished Bailey. She knew, too, and that is what every dog needs. I wish you comfort as you grieve.

  25. 25.

    Amir Khalid

    Damn. That’s terrible news. My heart, and not mine alone, goes out to Tamara and Bixby and the rest of the animal family.

  29. 29.

    SWMBO

    Deepest condolences. It hurts the heart so much to have a pet cross over the bridge but so suddenly and unexpectedly makes it hurt just a bit more. Love and hugs to you and the rest. The Beast must be devastated to lose his bff.

  31. 31.

    mai naem mobile

    Oh, god Tamara. I’m sorry. Bailey’s got to be very young. Poor Bixby. RIP..Bailey..a sweet pup.

  36. 36.

    Emma

    Oh no. So, so sorry for you. She sounded like such a lovely girl. I always looked forward to the tales of Bailey and Bixby.

  41. 41.

    Miss Bianca

    Oh no, that is horrible! She looked like such a sweetie – I was hoping to meet Bixby and Bailey sometime. RIP Bailey. Hugs and condolences to TaMara.

  42. 42.

    WaterGirl

    TaMara, that’s devastating news. Bailey was such a beautiful soul, it seems impossible that she can be gone. I just keep repeating oh my god over and over because it’s such a shock. It breaks my heart to think of you finding her like that this morning. She was such a big part of your pack, and Bixby is surely devastated, as well. love and hugs

  43. 43.

    Elmo

    So, so horrible. The giants don’t look fragile, but damn if they aren’t absolutely the most delicate dogs health-wise we’ve ever had. It’s so hard to give your heart to a giant, knowing that at best they will give you a decade. At best. And then to lose one young is — it’s just — there are no words. It’s literally unspeakable.

    Our Great Dane we knew had health issues: we had spent a couple grand on entropion surgery, and abdominal surgery, and while they were in his abdomen anyway we had his stomach tacked, to prevent torsion. He came to us 30 pounds underweight, and when he blossomed and filled out after the surgery, and began to mature into a beautiful young guy, we thought we were safe. Then one day he spent a few hours joyfully zooming around in an early snowfall, zoomed into the house still laughing, zoomed down into the basement and flopped on his bed. Then he looked up, howled once, and died.

    TaMara, know that your pain is shared, and we are grieving with you the loss of this beautiful, beautiful dog.

  45. 45.

    RoonieRoo

    Tamara I am so very sorry. Thank you so much for sharing Bailey with us. Bixby and Bailey posts always, always brightened my day. I wish I could hug you in person.

  46. 46.

    feebog

    TaMara, so sorry to hear this. Bailey held a special place in the BJ community and your pictures of him will be missed.

  47. 47.

    O. Felix Culpa

    So very sad for you and all of us. Bailey was a beautiful dog and I loved her pictures and TaMara’s stories about her and Bixby (and the ducks). Sending virtual hugs of shared sorrow.

  51. 51.

    Tenar Arha

    Tamara so sorry to hear about Bailey. I so enjoyed your stories of her (and Bixby and the ducks). Thank you for sharing her with us. My condolences.

  53. 53.

    Chat Noir

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Tamara. I have been there and I know how hard it is to lose a beloved fur baby.

  54. 54.

    Marcopolo

    It sucks to lose a good friend. I’ve shared my life with & loved three pups (Abe, Jake, and Isaac) who are no longer here. My heart & thoughts go out to Tamara. From what I’ve read & the photos it’s obvious Bailey was a gorgeous dog and wonderful companion.

  57. 57.

    Elizabelle

    I think Bailey was the prettiest Great Dane I ever saw.

    I thought TaMara should have named her “Bacall.” She has that movie star quality.

  58. 58.

    Davey C

    I’m very sorry for your loss, Tamara.
    My dog, Heidi, also passed away this week. It’s been very, very rough.

  63. 63.

    Elizabelle

    @Elmo: Did not realize the health issues with Danes. I know wolfhounds have fairly short lives.

    Sorry about the loss of your Great Dane. It’s comforting he had such a good last day. I always remember your losing your German Shepherd to the paw pad injury.

    They break our hearts when they leave us, but dogs are worth all of it.

  67. 67.

    eric

    i have no words. our loved animals radiate joy and love. the world is a darker place this morning. My heart breaks for you.

  69. 69.

    baquist

    Tamara, so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing her with us; she was obviously a well loved dog who had a good life with you.

  70. 70.

    La Caterina (Mrs. Johannes)

    What terrible, heartbreaking news. So sorry for Tamara, Bixby and all the other critters. May you comfort one another in your shared loss. We’re all sending warm thoughts your way.

  72. 72.

    Ivan Ivanovich Renko

    So very sorry for your loss, Tamara; it sucks and it sucks and it just never stops sucking.

    But as much as losing them sucks, thanks be to all the powers in the universe that we have their love in our lives– even if never for long enough.

  74. 74.

    cmorenc

    The hardest thing about taking a new dog (or especially puppy) into your family is that the “rainbow bridge” day is an inevitable part of the bargain. But all the wonderfulness they give you over the meantime makes it all worthwhile, tough as today is to swallow.

    -My Italian Greyhound “Florence” is a 15 year old lady whose time is not yet here, but will sneak up on me sooner than I wish.

  75. 75.

    thalarctosMaritimus

    Dear Tamara,

    I am so sorry to hear the awful news about Bailey’s death. I know she knows she was loved very much.

    I’m holding you and Bixby in my thoughts, and hoping that your memories of Bailey are of solace to you.

  76. 76.

    Barbara

    So sad. I am so sorry. It’s so hard because you love them so much, and yet, you know the day is inevitable. Sending you many comforting thoughts.

  78. 78.

    Raven

    We who choose to surround ourselves
    with lives even more temporary than our
    own, live within a fragile circle;
    easily and often breached.
    Unable to accept its awful gaps,
    we would still live no other way.
    We cherish memory as the only
    certain immortality, never fully
    understanding the necessary plan.
    — Irving Townsend

  82. 82.

    CaseyL

    Heartbreaking news. TaMara has lost her baby, and Bixby his beloved playmate. My heart goes out to them both.

  84. 84.

    Gelfling 545

    So very sorry. It’s always hard to deal with a dear companion’s passing but when it’s sudden and unexpected it is so mush harder. Sometime ago a friend of my bil who claims to be a medium – the friend, not my bil- and practices at Lilydale here in NY came up to me and told me I was being followed by the spirit of a really large gray cat who had been more dog like than cat-ish in life. No, I don’t believe in spiritualism but I chose to believe it was my late Gandalf, my first and best cat who had been many years gone at that point. Comfort can come from odd places.

  87. 87.

    cain

    My deepest condolences, Tamara. I know how hard it is to lose a pet and several here do as well. Worse, it was so sudden. But I think we can at least take comfort that she died peacefully in her sleep. Take care, Tamara, we’re all here for you..

  92. 92.

    orchid moon

    So sorry to here this. My thoughts go out to you and all your other fur babies at this terrible sad time. She was such a wonderful part of your family.

  94. 94.

    Ann Marie

    What awful news. Tamara, my condolences to you and all your family. I’m so sorry for the loss of your big, beautiful boy.

  95. 95.

    MjOregon

    So very, very sorry to hear this. TaMara, you are one of the reasons I keep coming back to this blog and my heart goes out to you as you deal with this terrible tragedy.

  96. 96.

    Riley's Enabler

    I’m so sorry, Tamara. Love to you and family in this time of awful sorrow. She was such a beautiful dogger.

  97. 97.

    Manyakitty

    What sad news. I’m so sorry about beautiful Bailey. She knew how much she was loved, and clearly loved you all back. ??

  99. 99.

    Travels with charley

    I’m so sorry! I’ve followed the Bixby, Bailey& ducks from the very beginning and feel I know them. Deepest condolences

  100. 100.

    ThresherK

    We never know, but we imagine that that a pet dying in sleep suffers less. Condolences from our home.

  103. 103.

    pat

    Reading the responses with tears in my eyes, sending condolences to you and Bixby in your time of sorrow.

  105. 105.

    The Moar You Know

    They break our hearts when they leave us, but dogs are worth all of it.

    @Elizabelle: Yes they do, and yes they are.

    I have a very young Golden. Not yet two years. But his health…it just hasn’t been good. Nothing major, but just little stuff that should not be an issue at his age. And he’s tiny. And the breed itself has major, major issues. Not much I can do about most of this save for just make sure every day he has is as good as I can make it.

  108. 108.

    MomSense

    OH NO! I’m so very sorry. Bailey was such a beauty and I’m sure was grateful for such a vibrant and loving home.

    Sending big hugs, Tamara.

  109. 109.

    TEL

    I’m so so sorry to hear about this. I love your posts about your fur and feather babies, and how Bailey had blossomed over the past few months. Such a joyful, lovely girl!

  110. 110.

    middlelee

    I’m so sorry Tamara. I’ve loved your stories of Bailey’s life and my heart hurts for you.

  111. 111.

    spudgun

    Oh, Tamara!! I am heartbroken for you, oh my gosh…so, so very sorry. From all your pictures and stories, it was very clear to me that Bailey was so special. Sending comforting thoughts your way…

    So sorry for your loss!

  112. 112.

    Scamp Dog

    Oh, that dear, sweet girl! I always loved seeing her pictures, she was such a gorgeous dog, and still having that rangy, adolescent look, I thought she had years to go. My condolences to you, TaMara, and Bixby and the ducks and everyone else who will miss her.

  114. 114.

    gvg

    i am so sorry Tamara. Your love for both dogs shone out it all your posts about them. Some of the videos you have posted where your voice is on them, the tone towards those dogs is so loving. I remember one where Bixby didn’t want to get in the car and you said something like Bixby, I love you so much, as he lay stubbornly on the ground. It was not just loving but humorous about him. this is such shocking news.

  116. 116.

    MoxieM

    Oh! This is so, so very sad. TaMara, my heart goes out to you and all of yours. And to Bixby, who must also be confused. Sending love.

    And, Byron’s epitaph to his giant dog. I hope it gives comfort.

    Near this Spot
    are deposited the Remains of one
    who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
    Strength without Insolence,
    Courage without Ferosity,
    and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.
    This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
    if inscribed over human Ashes,
    is but a just tribute to the Memory of
    BOATSWAIN, a DOG

  117. 117.

    Mnemosyne

    Oh, no! I’m so sorry. Somehow it’s harder to lose them young. At least it sounds like she went quickly and didn’t suffer, but that won’t be much consolation, I know. ?

  119. 119.

    Ruckus

    Bailey,RIP, a good dog, a good friend, gone too soon.
    Going to the funeral of my coworker in about an hour. Jason 27, RIP, a good guy, a good friend, gone too soon.

  121. 121.

    Jane2

    @Davey C: Condolences to you…it’s always terrible to lose a family member. Send Anne Laurie a pic and a bit about if you can – I’d love to know more about Heidi.

  123. 123.

    LaNonna

    So sorry for your Bailey loss, we are big dog rescuers here in rural Italy, it’s heartbreaking to lose one.

  124. 124.

    MazeDancer

    Oh, no, how heart-breaking, how horrible. Sending much light to you, TaMara, and Bixby, and all your sweet family and flock.

  130. 130.

    Aleta

    My heart’s going out to you and your family. Thank you for letting me get to know her. Amazing soul of a dog.

  131. 131.

    Joy in FL

    Tamara, I’m so sorry about Bailey. She is so dear and beautiful— she always will be no matter where she is or isn’t.
    My heart is with you.

  134. 134.

    Eljai

    Tamara, Bailey was such a beautiful animal. So very sorry — sending you thoughts of love and peace during this sad time.

  135. 135.

    Alternative Fax, a hip hop artist from Idaho

    I’m so very sorry to read this. TaMara, my heart goes out to you and Bixby.

    Thank you for letting us get to know her. They leave such big paw prints on our hearts.

  136. 136.

    beth

    oh, tamara, such terrible news. i am so so sorry that you had to lose bailey so young just as she was coming into her own. my deepest, most heartfelt condolences.

  137. 137.

    stinger

    Tamara, I grieve to hear about Bailey. It was lovely to read about her and see photos of her, Bixby, and the ducks. It is hard when they go so young. So very, very sorry for your loss.

  138. 138.

    Bruuuuce

    I’m so sorry to hear about this. Losing family members is always hard. May those who knew and loved him keep his memory forever.

  140. 140.

    The Fat Kate Middleton

    This is heartbreaking news. I, too, loved reading about the beautiful Bailey and her friends. My deepest condolences, Tamara.

  143. 143.

    sphex

    This is devastating news. I’m so sorry, Tamara. Bailey was a good girl, and you gave her a good life. Thank you for sharing so many beautiful pictures of her with us here. I hope those, and your happy memories, help you get through what must be a very difficult time for you and your pack.

  144. 144.

    laura

    Dear TaMara, this is terribly sad news. A good girl gone way too soon. Sending you, Bixby, the duckies much love and compassion.
    That big dog shaped hole in your heart is going to take some time to heal.

  147. 147.

    MoxieM

    @Aleta: Love comes in all sizes, as we here at Balloon Juice know so well. Virtual cuddles, skritches and snacks to everyone’s everybody tonight.

  149. 149.

    a thousand flouncing lurkers (was fidelio)

    I’m so sorry. She was so plainly a sweetheart through and through–and poor Bixby, losing a couch and romping buddy!

  150. 150.

    Ken

    Sending my best thoughts at this difficult time. It will be hard, and you will find yourself in a funk, just suddenly. It does get easier. Cry, weep, gnash your teeth. Mourn that precious soul.

  151. 151.

    Anne Laurie

    I’m so sorry, TaMara — Bixby was such a beauty, and you wrote about her so fondly.

    As Joe Biden would say, May the day soon come when the thought of her brings a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eyes…

  154. 154.

    maya

    Sitting here on the couch with my boy Buddy, 9, both of us getting gray around the muzzle, but still have some good years left, I hope. Just an occasional participant here at BJ but have always enjoyed your photos of Bixby and Bailey, your new addition ducks and other critters. What a great time you’ve all had together. Bailey will always be a part of you. Your big lanky couch hog-dog. Very sorry for your loss.

  156. 156.

    Damned at Random

    Tamara – SO sorry to hear about Bailey. It’s always hard to lose a pet – you care for them and they repay you with love and joyful memories. Always remember they were the lucky ones – so many animals never get the attention and affection they crave. You and Bailey had something special.

  157. 157.

    sacrablue

    On no, dear TaMara. So sad. So sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Bailey was a precious young lady. Snuggle with Bixby and be good to yourself.

  160. 160.

    Wolvesvalley

    I was so shocked and sorry to read this. Bailey was beautiful and beloved. She will always have a place in your heart (and in ours, too ).

  161. 161.

    CTVoter

    I was just lost and cried reading this. Bailey was so sweet.

    I am so sorry for this, TaMara. I rarely comment, always read, but had to comment for Bailey.

  162. 162.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    What a hit out of nowhere… I am so sorry to hear this, Tamara. I have always enjoyed your posts about your pups antics and know how much you love your furry family members.

    My deepest condolences to you and yours. RIP Bailey.

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