My Bailey & I at the beach
Alex and I recently adopted a dog. It was something we had always wanted but we never felt like the timing was right. I think we both realized there will never be enough time, space or money to truly feel comfortable with adding onto the family. So to the shelter we went. We went to one shelter, didn’t feel any connection to the place or the pups. We went to the East Valley Shelter in Van Nuys and there she was. Hiding in the back of the cage. We knew instantly we needed a meet and greet with her. We took her into the small play area with the volunteer. The volunteer, Steve, told us the best way for the dog to get comfortable was to put her on my lap and plunge in. So there Bailey sat, shaking and scared. We tried coaxing her into playing fetch, but after about 25 minutes this scared pup got into Alex’s lap and stole his heart. From that moment and that face I knew she was ours. A few days later, she came home and has forever changed our lives. My days revolve around a little 16 pound mini human in a furry suit. The days start at 6am, we go for a walk or to the dog park for at least an hour. My legs have never been so strong, even after training for multiple half marathons. Between chasing after her, running away from coyotes and our tug of war moments…I have never been so active! She has brought so much happiness and purpose to my days. I can’t imagine what being a real mom feels like, because having Bailey in my life is pure bliss.
A quick list of what I LOVE the most about my Bailey bear:
- When I know she is doing something super cute and having a blast, but the minute I turn around and watch her she will stop. So I just sit and enjoy her little whimpers and jumps.
- When she goes into the bedroom and I know that she just wants to go look at herself in the full length mirror, she’ll sit there and just check herself out.
- Her happy whimper. It’s the cutest high pitch short almost-whine, she’s so busy kissing you and trying to hug you she can’t get a bark out.
- Her calm nature. When she is at the dog park and she sees a scared puppy, she’ll gravitate to them and help them get out of their shell. Seriously, melts my heart. So sweet.
- How smart she is. We start training classes tonight, but she already knows sit, lay down and ‘high 10’.
- How she has gotten me to be healthier. I am horrible at drinking enough water for this dry climate, seriously it’s bad, like gone to the ER had IV’s put in to hydrate me kind of serious. But now I am so concerned with her drinking enough that I fill up my cup and she follows suit and takes a giant sip from her bowl.
- How happy she makes Alex. Honestly, he’s my life and to see him light up with joy and laugher….omg, here come the tears. Just love it.
Alex & Bailey, having fun like always.
Do you really have to go edit photos?!
The first photo of us with our baby. The moment those smiles stole my heart.
For more information on adopting an animal and adding some love to your life check out this amazing shelter in the Los Angeles area. http://www.laanimalservices.com/shelters/
kristen photo 