In Loving Memory of Bailey

“The first dog who was truly mine.”

Bailey came into the world a little timid, a little unsure—and yet, from her earliest days, she found her place as a source of quiet courage and steady love for those who were lucky enough to know her. Adopted as a puppy from the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, she became more than a pet; she became a true companion, a confidant, and a fixture in her family’s most important chapters.

Playful, cuddly, and tender in spirit, Bailey wasn’t one for wild games or roughhousing. She had a gentle soul, and her favorite pastime was sharing space—curling up beside her family, especially the children she helped raise from infancy. Whether napping with Bennett as a baby or keeping a calm, watchful presence as Hal grew, Bailey quietly wrapped herself around her people’s lives like a soft blanket.

Though she wasn’t a big toy lover, there was one exception: a blue rubber dog bone that she cherished. That simple object held her interest in a way nothing else did—perhaps because, like Bailey herself, it was understated and enduring.

Bailey had a look that could stop you in your tracks. With her enormous, soulful eyes, she seemed to see straight to your heart. Those who met her often remarked on it—it was as though she was always listening, always understanding in the quiet way dogs sometimes do. She was quick to offer a soft belly for a rub, knowing full well the healing power of such simple, loving connection.

One memory stands out as a testament to her quiet bravery. At a dog park with a small pond, Bailey—nervous by nature—tentatively waded in. Little by little, she ventured farther than anyone expected, finding her footing and her courage in that still water. For a dog who often looked to others for reassurance, it was a powerful moment of independence and confidence.

Bailey shared her life with Reko, her canine companion, and with her human family as they moved from Missouri to North Dakota and eventually to Kansas. Through every life change, she remained a steadfast presence: calm, loving, and endlessly patient.

For Malcolm, Bailey was the first dog who was truly “his.” She taught him what it meant to share your life with an animal, to bond fully and trust completely. She was there for milestones and everyday moments alike—a soft comfort in a busy world.

Bailey leaves behind a family who will forever remember her quiet bravery, her gentle companionship, and those eyes that spoke volumes. She wasn’t just a pet—she was family.

She will always be missed. She will always be loved.