About A Boy
Once upon a time, when I was checking my e-mail, I noticed a bulletin from Aberdeen Scottish Terrier Rescue. The notice was not unusual - I'm on the mailing list, and I always glance at their goings on. From time to time they throw fundraisers, recruit volunteers, and generally share information about my favorite kind of dog. Becoming useful to this group has long been a goal of mine; one that I had hoped to achieve once I fled the cube farm and reclaimed my time schedule. Haven't got there yet, you understand, but hope springs eternal.
And that's when I read about Bailey.
Bailey is a four-year-old puppy mill refugee. He lived for his entire life in one room, a poorly-insulated, converted side porch in a neighborhood widely known as one of Portland's armpits. Bailey shared his one-room world with 7 other dogs of various ages and stages of health. Nobody in the room was house-trained. Gobs of newspaper everywhere were allegedly there for that need. There was one big bowl with kibbles in it for everybody to share. There was a bowl of water, too, but it was much too dirty for anybody but the most desperate to drink. None of the dogs got to go outside, because 8 barking dogs might alert the neighbors, and thereby, the authorities. All 8 stayed in. All day. Every day.
Bailey was taken from this dark place to a foster home, where three happy and well-loved Scotties already live. For a week, Bailey was in shock. He would not play with the other dogs. Didn't know what toys were. Would not drink water, which his foster family had never seen, in their many years of Scottie rescue. Jeannie and John, Bailey's rescuing Angels, gave him sips of water with a teaspoon every hour for several days. They taught him about potty training. And they took him, for the first time ever, for walks.
For the first time in his life, Bailey went out into the crisp cold air and walked on a leash. He waked happily, enthusiastically, and always politely. The singular joy of being outdoors was the first and only happiness Bailey had ever known. He responded to the air and the light and the love by relaxing a little, inch by inch.
On the sixth day after Bailey's rescue, someone threw a switch. Bailey began to eat and drink on his own. He made friends with the other Scotties. He discovered toys. But he still loved his walks the best of all.
Bailey stayed with Jeannie and John for over a month, gradually becoming familiar with what it means to be loved by humans. And then Jeannie and John realized that Bailey was ready for a Forever Home, and out went the e-mail.
What happened next, you can probably guess. The Huff Family, led by our boss, Paisley, elected to recruit Bailey for membership.
He fits right in with us. He's really helpful when it comes to writing knitting books. Not easy for someone who can't see in color, if you think about it...
Paisley can do it, though, so she's a great help to us both:
And so Bailey is here with us now, and we are doing everything we know to help him forget the dark times.
Our house is small. But our hearts are not, and neither is Bailey's. He is opening up like a flower. Still flinches if we move too quickly toward him. Still waits to be told when it's time to eat and drink. But he wants so much to please us. And if ever we are in doubt about what he might need, we only have to take him for a walk. Funny the way things are: How little it takes to give love. How easy it is to offer the smallest kindness, which I now understand, can save a life.
God, please let me endeavor to be the person Bailey thinks I am.
Bailey looks so loved, and seems to be capable of loving as well. He is so lucky to have a whole family, and another scotty to play with as well.
It was was a pleasure to meet you at Madrona, however briefly. I have been catching up on your blog...what a pleasure.
Sarah
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You are an amazing doggy momma. Thank you for taking Bailey in.
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So beautiful I cried. They give us so much.
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Oh my - you made me cry! What a lucky dog to have found you and your family. Hopefully all the love you shower on him will make him forget his horrible beginnings.
BTW - I just resurrected my TFR and am so thrilled to be knitting it again. I'm just about done with the sleeves and will be starting the hood soon. Thanks for such a fun pattern.
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Mary, You made me cry today. I have a dog, Sammy, who looks just like Baily, and is also a rescue. I have pictures of him helping me knit as well at this site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cindyspace/sets/72157626146270368/
or at my ravelry site here
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/CindyAnn/essential-cardigan
Thanks!
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And they all lived happily ever after...
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He's so so sweet. I love him on your lap. Give him a kiss from me.
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Oh! Look at him, he looks just like Paisley. He is sooo cute.
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Beautiful. I've worked with Collie Rescue of the Carolinas for 11 years and had many of them in my home and heart. You have given yourself the most wonderful gift.
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Beautiful!
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You are a kind and wonderful soul. You have done such an unselfish thing and I cannot praise you enough. He will be there for you as you are for him.
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As the establishing president of my local Humane Society, this brings tears to my eyes. The world needs more people like your family. I firmly believe in Ghandi's quote, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Thank you for doing your part to swing the balance.
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Bailey's story brought a tear to my eye. I have always had rescue dogs. There is such joy in bringing love to a rescued animal. Give him a big kiss for me.
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Oh, that last photo is priceless! May you enjoy much knitting and many walks with your dear friends.
Hugs
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I love it.....as my dog lies here snoring away while I knit.
My Violets Scarf is all done and I love it too. Pics are on my Ravelry page (http://www.ravelry.com/projects/steveknits/eek-steeks-violet-scarf).
Thanks so much for a great class. Keep me in the loop when you are up to the Seattle area for any more classes.
Steve
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I teared up after reading this. Thank God Bailey now has such a loving home. I can't understand how people can be so cruel. He is beautiful. Bless you for giving him the love and care he so deserves.
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Hi Mary -
You write so beautifully! And what a beautiful subject Bailey (and Paisley) is.
thank you for sharing this story and all the wonderful stories about your family with us your extended family!
I've started my Viking Dragonboat sweater, two weeks ago with sleeve #1! and am now frogging 1/2 of it back! Thinking of you and having fun anyway.
Missed Madrona last weekend, was so said that you were in MY town and I couldn't come. Maybe next year - but hoping we are on for October at Whidby?
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All hail Mary, queen of the scots!
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Awwww...you made my day. The photo of you with 2 dogs, comfy chair, the remote and knitting...that right there is heaven! Bailey is beautiful and you are special.
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You did the right thing, and Bailey will be a great addition to your household. We adopted a pound refugee 7 years ago and she has blossomed into a friendly outgoing dog, who knows more people in our neighborhood than we do.
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Bless you.
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Thanks for the sweetest post ever. What a lucky pup to be rescued by a wonderful family. And how lovely of Paisley to be such a gracious and kind hearted host.
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We're so thrilled and grateful that you've taken Bailey into your home and hearts. When he was surrendered to ASTR he was accompanied by two of his pack mates. They were went north to STRNW and a wonderful couple decided that they couldn't take one without the other. They're now called Matty and Rowdy and like Bailey they are enjoying, comfort, safety and most of all love for maybe the first time in their lives. We do meet the kindest people in rescue and caring folks like you make it so rewarding.
Jon Beteag
Placement Coordinator
Scottish Terrier Rescue Northwest
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Mary,
My wife sent me the link to your blog the same day we adopted our cockerpoo from resuce from a puppy mill. Ivy is 3 years old and when we got her home she was much like your dog. Scared, confused and shaking. Well its been a week now and I cant belive how much she has improved. She is snuggled up to me as I type this. You did a great thing and as crazy as it sounds I know that Bailey knows what you are doing for him and will pay back with affection. You did a great thing by helping one who had no hope. Ivy has brought me so much joy and comfort in the past week and I know that Bailey will do the same for you. I think it is great you adopted bailey!
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