Baylee
To Our Sweet Miss Baylee:
For over 15 years you blessed and brightened our lives with your pure and constant love.
Every single morning, you greeted Dad with a wagging tail and big smile as you waited for your breakfast and morning walk. At night you were so happy to jump up on the bed, turn down the covers in Dad's spot, then settle into the "nest" you'd made until you were inevitably asked to go sleep in your own bed.
You did countless things to crack us up:
When you were especially delighted to see someone at the door, you'd break out your special-occasion, high-pitched squeak-bark to express your joy.
Then there was the canned whipped cream...your "catnip." A little shot of the stuff sent you into that frenzy of nose "chunneling" along the couch, upending every cushion.
You got completely squirrely (every time) when you "found" someone in a game of hide-n-seek.
And while we never understood your love for paper products, we were always amused by your willingness to sample a wide variety. Tissues stolen from coat pockets, hardcover book sleeves, napkins off the kitchen table, cardboard of any texture, cash, wrapping paper tubes, magazines, checks, and, one time, even a proof-of-insurance form. (Yes, we need a duplicate because our dog ate the original.)
At the smell of popcorn or the sight of a peanut, you were instantly on the spot — sitting sweetly and working those big, brown puppy eyes in hopes of a sample. Never failed.
We may have been slow to learn, but you eventually taught us how to interpret your frequent nose bumps and paw slaps. Their meaning may have varied, but they always communicated, "I need you."
As you aged and could no longer navigate our stairs, you would lie patiently at the safety gate waiting for us to return. Your wagging tail and adoring eyes greeted us even after the shortest trip down the stairs. And to your last day, your weary body's wagging tail continued to communicate love to us. We are so grateful.
While we are heartbroken by your absence, we will remember with joy the thousands of precious moments with you, our beautiful Baylee girl.
