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.
zhena gogolia
Oh, how terrible! I can’t believe it. Crying for you, Tamara. What a beautiful dog she was.
satby
How awful. I’m so sorry Tamara! What a shock for you. Deepest condolences.
rikyrah
Oh no. Bailey was such a beautiful dog .???
Oh Tamara, so sorry for your loss.
geg6
OMG, this is horrible news! Oh, my heart is breaking for TaMara. Such sadness. ?
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.
skyweaver
Oh, no, I’m so sorry. Best thoughts and wishes to TaMara. How very sad. She looks like a beautiful girl!
Major Major Major Major
Oh no! How terrible! Deepest condolences! Ugh!
Tom Levenson
So sorry to hear this. All good wishes your way.
Nicole
I’m so sorry. What a lovely dog she was, and how lucky to have Tamara as her person.
Heidi Mom
So sorry for your loss, Tamara. He was such a beautiful dog, body and spirit.
schrodingers_cat
That’s so sad. {{{Tamara}}}.
LAO
Terrible. Tamara, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Just heartbreaking.
Czanne
Oh, Tamara, I’m so sorry. Holding all of you – including Bixby, the ducks, and the cats – in the light.
TomatoQueen
So sorry, such shocking news and a hard hard thing for TaMara. RIP beautiful Bailey.
Spanky
Oh no! Beautiful little girl, no!
Tamara, I am so sorry. Take care of yourself.
TKinNC
NOT FAIR! Bailey just got good and settled in. T: Thanks for giving her a good home. Hug Bixby & his ducks.
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.
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.
Yarrow
Oh, no! Deepest condolences, TaMara.
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.
Genine
I’m so sorry for your loss, TaMara!
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.
JMG
I am so sorry. Deepest condolences.
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.
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.
jeffreyw
Oh shit. This is Tunch level bad news. Out of the blue. So sorry TaMara, you are in our thoughts.
Hug your pups, peeps!
PST
Sincere condolences, TaMara. They ask so little and they give so much.
Mathguy
This just continues to be a crappy year. Condolences on Tamara’s loss.
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.
Dorothy A. Winsor (formerly Iowa Old Lady)
I’m so sorry.
mai naem mobile
Oh, god Tamara. I’m sorry. Bailey’s got to be very young. Poor Bixby. RIP..Bailey..a sweet pup.
trollhattan
Oh no, I’m so sorry! What a gorgeous gal she was. :-(
Beeb
Horrible news indeed. I am so very sorry.
DCrefugee
So sorry, TaMara. May the memories of Bailey sustain you in this time…
gbbalto
Very sorry to hear this, TaMara.
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.
Kristine
So, so sorry, TaMara. Such a lovely dog.
dexwood
Sincere condolences, Tamara. Bailey was so beautiful. Peace and strength.
khead
Yeah, that sucks. Very sorry for your loss Tamara.
cbear
So very sorry for your loss, Tamara.
Peace.
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.
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
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.
eclare
OMG, I’m so sorry.
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.
feebog
TaMara, so sorry to hear this. Bailey held a special place in the BJ community and your pictures of him will be missed.
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.
narya
Loved the pictures of Bailey–so sorry for your loss.
AliceBlue
TaMara, I share your heartbreak. Take care of yourself.
ET
Oh no. I am so sorry.
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.
Tilda Swintons Bald Cap
Sorry to hear this.
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.
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.
A Ghost To Most
So sorry for your loss, Tamara.
Tazj
I’m so sorry TaMara, how hard this must be for you. Thank for sharing her with us.
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.
Davey C
I’m very sorry for your loss, Tamara.
My dog, Heidi, also passed away this week. It’s been very, very rough.
chopper
Oh no! man, I am so sorry, Tamara.
PaulWartenberg
This is horrible news. :( That poor puppy. Tamara has got to be torn up about this. :( :( :(
Doug!
So sorry to hear this!
JPL
@Davey C: I’m so sorry for both of you.
Tamara, Please accept my condolences, and I can’t imagine the pain you feel.
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.
TheronWare
So very sorry for your loss Tamara.
Rob Lll
So sorry to hear this, Tamara. Sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful Bailey.
Just One More Canuck
What awful news. My deepest condolences
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.
Davey C
@JPL:
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
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.
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.
Beautifulplummage
Holding you in my thoughts today Tamara. Sending hugs.
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.
Bookeater (formerly JosieJ)
How terrible! I’m so sorry for your loss.
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.
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.
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.
Gravenstone
Horrible news. So terribly sorry for your loss, Tamara.
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
dexwood
@Davey C:
Wag on, Heidi, wag on.
delk
My heart goes out to you.
hedgehog the occasional commenter
Crying with you. Huge hugs. So, so sorry.
CaseyL
Heartbreaking news. TaMara has lost her baby, and Bixby his beloved playmate. My heart goes out to them both.
jacy
I’m so, so sorry. Will be thinking good thoughts for you and the critters.
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.
Jane2
Condolences re Bailey’s passing. She was such a lovely dog and I enjoyed her exploits immensely.
mattH
I am so sorry, she seemed to be such a good friend.
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..
BubbaDave
So, so sorry, Tamara. May her memory be a blessing.
Lurker Zoey
Terrible news about Bailey. Tunch and Walter and now Bailey are forever in our hearts.
Ruviana
So sorry to read this. May Tamara know peace.
Mr. Prosser
This is heartbreaking. Deepest condolences.
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.
newdealfarmgrrrlll
Oh no! My heart aches for you, Tamara.
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.
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.
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.
Manyakitty
What sad news. I’m so sorry about beautiful Bailey. She knew how much she was loved, and clearly loved you all back. ??
Juju
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear about Bailey. She was a beautiful girl. A hug to you and Bixby from me.
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
ThresherK
We never know, but we imagine that that a pet dying in sleep suffers less. Condolences from our home.
FlipYrWhig
Ah, hell. Peace and strength to all who loved Bailey.
some guy
Having just lost Katie, I feel your pain, Tamara. Our deepest condolences.
pat
Reading the responses with tears in my eyes, sending condolences to you and Bixby in your time of sorrow.
HeleninEire
Oh God, I’m crying. So, so sorry.
The Moar You Know
@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.
(((CassandraLeo)))
My condolences. Losing a pet is the worst.
IdahoFlaneuse
Tamar I am so sorry about Bailey. I hope that you and Bixby can comfort each other.
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.
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!
middlelee
I’m so sorry Tamara. I’ve loved your stories of Bailey’s life and my heart hurts for you.
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!
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.
Cheryl Rofer
Hugs to TaMara and her family.
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.
p.a.
So sorry for your loss. Hope the happy memories overcome the pain as fast as possible.
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
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. ?
Drunkenhausfrau
I am so very sorry.
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.
Mary G
Terrible news, TaMara. Sending you, Bixby, and the rest of your family virtual {{{hugs}}}.
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.
Seanly
My condolences on the loss of Bailey. Lossing a pet is always horrible.
LaNonna
So sorry for your Bailey loss, we are big dog rescuers here in rural Italy, it’s heartbreaking to lose one.
MazeDancer
Oh, no, how heart-breaking, how horrible. Sending much light to you, TaMara, and Bixby, and all your sweet family and flock.
J R in WV
We are so sorry for your Loss!
Most sincere condolences from all of us here in WV!
KS in MA
Oh, no, I’m so sorry. Sending big hugs to TaMara.
Josie
So sorry, Tamara, for such a terrible loss. I’m sure Bixby is feeling it, too.
danielx
Sorry for your loss always seems so inadequate, but imperfect words are all we have.
zhena gogolia
@MoxieM:
That is exquisite.
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.
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.
Aleta
@MoxieM: @zhena gogolia: Yes, from our household of an aging large dog, thank you so much for this.
Ghost of Joe Lieblings Dog
so very, very sorry. no words.
Eljai
Tamara, Bailey was such a beautiful animal. So very sorry — sending you thoughts of love and peace during this sad time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
woodrowfan
Ohh, I am so sorry!! What a beautiful dog……..
The Fat Kate Middleton
This is heartbreaking news. I, too, loved reading about the beautiful Bailey and her friends. My deepest condolences, Tamara.
TriassicSands
What terrible news. TaMara, I’m so sorry for this painful loss.
?BillinGlendaleCA
Awful news, I’m sorry.
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.
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.
The Lodger
I’m terribly sorry. Thanks for giving Bailey a good life and telling us about her.
debit
Tamara, I am so sorry. She was such a beautiful, sweet dog. Hugs to you and Bixby.
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.
Kathleen
Deepest condolences, {{{{{Tamara}}}}
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!
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.
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…
Bumper
What shocking and terrible news. I’m so sorry for your loss. Bailey was a beautiful girl.
Baud
Such tragic news. I’m sorry.
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.
debbie
I am so, so sorry to see this. She was such a cutie.
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.
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.
waysel
My deepest condolences, TaMara.
jnfr
I am so sorry.
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 ).
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.
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.
Laura B
Rest in Peace Bailey.
glaukopis
I’m so sorry, Tamara. Such a lovely dog.
columbusqueen
Hags, TaMara. She was a beautiful, loving & lovable girl.
Mary in Ohio
I’m so very sorry. She seemed like the best dog.