Hello,

I thought everyone should know that Bailey, the famous canoe dog from all my books, passed away today. I posted the details, kind words and pics on my Explore magazine blog.

http://explore.outdoorsica.com/blogs/paddlers_guide_to_happy_camping/2009/jan/06/bailey_has_passed_away/

Kevin Callan

Hi Kevin,

My condolences for you and yours on losing such a cherished friend and family member.
Take Care



Mark Rubino
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler - Blog
Mark's Algonquin Park Sampler

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Kevin,

Sorry to hear about Bailey. We lost our canoe dog a few years ago to cancer as well, and there always seems to be an empty spot in the canoe without her, however, we remember how much she enjoyed camping and canoeing and trying to haul things into the canoe and it always puts a smile on our faces.

Sean (of Ajax)

Lost a family dog of my own, though that was a long time ago. I think it would hurt more to lose an adventure buddy at the same time. My condolences.

Kevin:So sorry to hear about Bailey.We had to put our German Sheppard Kahlua down 7 days before christmas.She was 14 years old and was like one of my kids to me.Again so sorry to hear Kevin.

Dave

Its sad when one loses such a animal friend/buddy.

I hope the following is true and I look forward to the day of recogning

Credit to: http://www.rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htmWWW

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.


All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...




Rac

Thanks for the kind words. Love the bridge poem. I was actually going to include that on my blog.

Kevin

Hey Kevin. Sorry for Bailey's passing. I can tell she was a real family member.

My old foxhound Roxy is laying behind my chair here .. looking up at me. She never got out on a real canoe camping trip, cause she has the darned habit of thinking she can walk on the water. Too heavy to try and get back in the canoe.

It sure is something, the way a dog can have such a hold on one's heart. But that's their way. Gotta love 'em!

I bet by summer you'll be looking at puppies. Long live Bailey in your heart!

Barry Bridgeford
http://www.AlgonquinAdventures.com
http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Sorry about your loss, Kevin. Bailey was a family member in every sense of the word.
We lost our adventure dog almost six years ago. The only way we could get over our grief was to get on the 'net a day later and scour the province for a good breeder. Luckily, we had a puppy within six weeks, who is in the process of writing her own (lengthy) adventure novel.
My wife and I have resolved to never be without a dog.

Hey Kevin,

I am so sorry to hear about Bailey. I grew up with cats and dogs myself, and relate to the attachment they have on us and us on them. While my kids are growing up with only cats, when we lost our oldest last winter, the kids cryed for days, and still remember her. Her ashes are in our living room, in her favorite sunning spot, and I still think of her when I sit there.

On Christmas eve, as part of a "healing prayer" people were invited to say out loud the name of someone special that had been lost that year, and I cryed when my youngest son wispered "Pherra," our beloved kitty.

Racoon, thanks for the poem .... perhaps I'm in a sentamental mood now, but it too brought me a tear.

All the best Kevin.



Jeff P
http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much for the kind notes. I was overwhelmed when I saw how many notes I received today in my email from paddlers who knew Bailey.

Kevin

Sorry about your loss. You might find this site comforting as much as I did. Our dog Candy was 15 yrs. old.If you check out site look at triputes and poems.Candy Paw Print ID. is tr-22248.
http://www.in-memory-of-pets.com/

My sympathies for your loss. That bond a person shares with a dog is so unique. We all feel and suffer that same sense of loss and longing when he/she passes away. Their total trust and devotion in the family (pack) is ever apparent, having shared so many of life's adventures together makes it that much more harder when these times come. But she had a great life and was loved, little more you can ask for.

As others have posted I find picking up another dog soon after or during the grieving period very helpful and therapeutic, so when the time comes enjoy selecting your new companion(s?) and continuing your adventures with him/her.

Oh Kevin, I'm so sorry.

I am sorry to hear about your loss,I have a dog myself and can't even imagine the day,when he dies.I probably will be a nerve wreck,since he is such a good hiking buddy.My condolences.hk

sincere condolences kevin to you and your family. thanks for sharing bailey with us via your books and blogs. good on bailey and your family to have had great memories with one another.

I have several of your books and I think each includes at least one picture of Bailey. Sorry to hear that your dog has crossed the portage to the sky. My sympathy.

Really sorry to hear about your loss Kevin.