Still Searching...
Monday morning I received a call from a nice gentleman who is a mechanic at a local auto dealership. He had seen my little dog walking by his shop about 25 minutes previously. Quickly I grabbed Skylar, for it was my day to watch her, and drove to the location. We called and called his name, and looked thoroughly, but to no avail. The man, a hispanic gentleman who struggled with my language, was sympathetic. He said the dog looked scared and lost, and would not let him get too near, and was head North. I went to every business and home in the vacinity. One man, a repairman at an auto body shop, told me he saw Bailey on Saturday afternoon, and even fed him a hotdog. So I looked all around his business. I told my story to dozens of business owners and residents, and called the name of my little friend a thousand times. No Bailey.
Monday night and Tuesday was spent at a conference about two hours away. Late Tuesday afternoon my wife called, crying on the phone. She had looked everywhere, repeating where I had been, and even some places rather far away. She had been to the Animal Shelter to see many cute dogs, but not our baby. She repeatedly checked CraigsList and other lost-and-found sites. She drove and drove, passed out all of her flyers, and called his name into every dark corner of the neighborhood. Now she was losing hope and was so very sad. I left early, getting home at dusk. Again I canvassed the area, methodically checking every possible area. I came across about a dozen hispanic men, standing in a backyard conversing after a long day. One was able to speak English and I told him my story, promising a reward to anyone who could find my dog. They conversed a bit in their language, and he replied with solemnity that all would keep a lookout for my pet.
I arrived home cold and muddy. I sat down upon my recliner, and usually Bailey would squeeze between me and the left arm, just sitting quietly and radiating warmth. And I heard the whistling wind outside. There was not much conversation. Obviously hope was fading. Little Skylar did not understand; she just wanted PaPa to hold her. And I did, without worrying about any competition for my attention. After a while I went out for one last slow drive around the area.
I'm trying to continue my morning walks. They are just not the same without my buddy. It was spitting snow this morning with the wind cutting right through my jacket. I walked around the periphery of the adjacent bus yard. And, yes, I called his name a few times. I know dogs can be resourceful. And I know that many people would be glad to have a pet like Bailey. He is beautiful and very gentle. Probably somebody found him lost and lonely, snuggled him up to a warm coat, and took him to a home filled with comfort and love. And kids- Bailey likes kids. Yeah. That sounds nice.
And I'll make my rounds again, later today.
02.27.08 (10:15 am) [
edit]
posted by:
OldSchool (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (7:23 am)
I have been wondering about your dog and have seriously kept him in my prayers. Do not give up hope that he will return. I have had friends who have found their pets weeks (and one even more than a month) after they went missing. I just hope that he is safe and healthy until he can find his way back to his family. Thanks for the update.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (7:34 am)
Reply to: OldSchool
Thanks for your kindness. You are right, there is still a good chance he is alright and will come back. We'll keep looking and keep the signs in the yard. Interestingly, a little lady drove by and noticed the signs, and soon spread the rumor that the pastor is having a moving sale! Nope, just looking for my dog.
I do intend to get back to vist the blogs of my many friends around here. I enjoy reading all of them, and like to offer comments. Please just give me a day or two to get back into the mood.
Thanks again for your encouragement.
posted by:
squirrelzone (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (7:41 am)
It's so incredible how much joy an animal brings to us. Try going to the area were he was last seen and sit and wait. You'll have better odds at spotting him then you would driving around. Praying for a haapy ending..........
posted by:
intricategirl (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (9:23 am)
Hang in there. I wish you and your family the best of luck in finding him.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (9:32 am)
I continue thinking of you, the family, and Bailey and praying for a happy ending.
((hug))
posted by:
FinalyFree (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (9:55 am)
I haven't been back Pastor because honestly it's way too hard to read, first because I've had pets to disappear, in fact every one we ever had as a child either disappeared or was hit by a car and killed. My Dad refused to let us get anymore because he said it was just too painful when something happened. And secondly my grandson is named Bailey and it just breaks my heart to even associate him with the pain you and your family are feeling. I'm not normally this 'sappy' but this just kind of hits close to home.
Still praying for his safe return :)
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (10:05 am)
Reply to: FinalyFree
Hey, I'm not normally this sappy, either. This is pretty tough. It means a whole lot that people care, and do not think it silly to love and grieve over a dog who is actually a family member. We're still praying, looking, hoping. Thanks.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (10:05 am)
Reply to: auntconi
Thanks, AC. I consider you to be a friend.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (10:07 am)
Reply to: intricategirl
We will make it. Always have navigated through the tough times. We keep the back gate open, just in case he wanders through. I still have his dishes of food and water waiting, also. That's a sign of hope, isn't it?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (10:08 am)
Reply to: squirrelzone
They are an amazing source of companionship and happiness. I think it has so much to do with unconditional love and acceptance. No wonder I miss him so much- he is much more than just a dog.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (10:46 am)
still praying for ya pd.
posted by:
PirateGirl (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (1:42 pm)
PD - maybe get one of the biggest markers you can find, ( or use some acylic piant and a large brush) and re-do the signs along that highway - people are going fast, so they can be hard to read - and write the word "Reward" in the color red. ( maybe write the word in red on the sign in your yard too)
- I don't know if this will help, but I think it might be easier to read the signs, and get more attention, and most importantly, get you some more calls!
Still praying!
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (2:38 pm)
At least he's been spotted, so there is hope yet.
posted by:
mimi (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (6:35 pm)
my buster the wonderdog was missing for 8 months!!! he was found after almost being killed on the highway...the other dog with him was killed! i have sent my angels to watch over y'all and help bailey find his way home! xoxoxoxoxo
posted by:
spook102956 (
reply)
post date:
02.27.08 (8:37 pm)
I hope you find him. Pets are important. Every time our cat gets out he winds up under our storage shed and I am left with the job of coaxing him out. I do this out of love for my daughter (she loves that cat) and love for the cat. Every time I'm grateful that he has returned one more time. I dread the day when something happens to him permanently--my dau will be crushed. Good luck in finding your dog
posted by:
lorischuster (
reply)
post date:
02.28.08 (7:38 am)
I'm with finallyfree...it makes me really sad to read this. I thought about Bailey this morning and said a little prayer. It's good he's been spotted...hope you are all reunited very soon.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
02.28.08 (4:54 pm)
If you can, and haven't done it yet, consider adding some pics of him to the posters. Sure hope you find him.
posted by:
PirateGirl (
reply)
post date:
02.29.08 (1:10 pm)
Any new news on Bailey PD??
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.29.08 (2:12 pm)
Reply to: fractalmom
Thanks. Keep it up, please.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.29.08 (2:14 pm)
Reply to: PirateGirl
Per your suggestion, we did make the lettering more visible. Today I found an ad, on CraigsList, of a dog found about ten miles from here. I met the lady, and it was a beautiful little dog all shaking and pitiful, but sadly it was not my Bailey. The finder has already lined up a new owner, if the master cannot be found. So, I'm still searching and believing. Thanks for caring.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.29.08 (2:15 pm)
Reply to: mimi
8 months! Now, I've reason to hope, although it has been almost a week. Angels? I'll accept their help.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.29.08 (2:18 pm)
Reply to: spook102956
I'm not real crazy about cats, although we have a big fat cat by the name of Scooter, 15 years old. He would never get lost, since he never ventures off the back porch. I am glad your cat has the habit of going to the same place, so he can be easily rescued. And, indeed, pets are worth all the trouble simply for the opportunities to love they supply for the children. And adults.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
02.29.08 (2:20 pm)
Reply to: lorischuster
Thank you. Truly, honestly, your prayers are coveted. We passed out about 150 flyers all through the community today. The challenge is that there are probably 10,000 homes in the area. We are doing our best, and surely sometime soon we will find our little dog.
posted by:
PirateGirl (
reply)
post date:
02.29.08 (6:38 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
Hi PD - You are most welcome - hope it helps!
*sigh* - so sorry to hear about that other poor pup too.
Still praying that you'll find Bailey very soon!
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
02.29.08 (7:07 pm)
I'm soooo sorry to hear this PD :(
Be sure to check with all the local vets, groomers, go to stores, restaurants, etc.. to hang posters.
Maybe you could even call the newspaper in your area and see if they do an article on Baily. I've seen it done before and it can't hurt to try. You can also usually run a free ad in the lost and found.
Here's a sight with lots of wonderful resources and since your fur baby is part Yorkie, I know these folks will help.
yorkie talk dot com.
Sign up and post in the general yorkie talk section.
You will get lots of responses, suggestions and folks who are in your area will be happy to help all they can.
I will pray for Baily that he is safe and warm.
Blessings,
Tammy
PS I lost my little Yorkie on Jan. 2. :(
A new little one is joining our family on March 25. Her name is Abby Cadabby :)
Please keep us posted.
posted by:
69whisper (
reply)
post date:
03.01.08 (1:24 pm)
hello dear! hope all is well with u
