Ted Kennedy Watson

An Outpouring Of LOVE

November 25, 2022

The last few days has been a tremendous outpouring of love in remembrance of our sweet Bailey. Being a shop dog meant she had amassed quite a following over the years. Often folks would arrive from afar and the first words out of their mouth would be, “Where is Bailey?” I spent yesterday at the First & Spring shop in the morning alone collecting all her blankets and bowls and things. Thoroughly enjoying the quiet and loving the memories of her being in the space as a puppy all the way up to a senior. Many years ago a fabulous former WK’r Nancy gifted us with a painting of Bailey. It has hung in the shop office since as we both adore it so. Yesterday I brought it out to the front wrap stand for all to enjoy and pay homage to our girl. Then the creative juices started flowing. The happy piece our friend artist Denise Fiedler did of me with Bailey was added. For my birthday on Wednesday our friend Jeanne painted a gift for me of a Veuve bottle of La Grande Dame, which I often called Bailey in her later years, and made the vintage 2005, the year she was born. A quick look through some vintage letters spelled out her name. Then I sat at my desk and went through images from over the years we quite liked. I printed them out and used a pinking shears to cut them out. Then I created a bit of a collage. Next baskets were added for canned dog food we will be collecting this next month to donate to pooches in need in her honor. The whole thing was hugely cathartic. I very much want to share the news of her passing and the amazing life she led as shopkeeper extraordinaire with those who met or read about her over the years so the memory of her lives on.

Bailey Watson Sive

November 23, 2022

“How lucky I am to have to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Oh how right Poo was. Bailey Watson Sive November 21, 2005–November 22, 2022

“She will tell you when she is ready.” This was sage advice we were told by many this last month. A true Watson Sive who had a major love of food, when she decided to stop eating and drinking we knew she was telling us it was time. Bailey flew to the heavens yesterday, just a day after her 17th birthday. “Daddy I just wanted one more birthday!” This last year as a host of health challenges came her way, I would pet her and say, “Don’t worry Bug, Grandpa & Grandma Watson will be waiting to take care of you.” My parents adored dogs. People can believe all sorts of things, but the thought of this brings me great comfort.

She took one last ferry crossing to the island last eve. In her Sherpa bag which she adored, on her Burberry blanket next to her Lamb Chop, her favorite ball and a Bonne Maman jar filled with her star treats. We buried her alongside our beloved kitty Georgia O’Keefe and Japanese robin Matisse. Under the trees right above the water. It was one of her very favorite spots in the world. Over the years little birds would come up to the glass French doors of the house and look in when we were there. I would say to her, “Princess Bailey, they are here to see you.” As the birds seemed to sing louder when she was in residence.

So many of you got to know her over the years as she came to the shops with me/us every day. In her honor, we will be accepting canned dog food which we will donate to local pet food banks through the end of the year.

I grew up with big dogs and TPS none at all. So raising Bailey was a new experience for both of us. I knew it would be special, but it ended up being a million times more meaningful than I thought it would. Words are not coming to me easily this morning. But the main message I want to convey is, that little 11 pound being was filled with an infinite amount of love and joy. Both will stay with us always, in her memory. Bailey, your daddy’s will miss you more than you could ever imagine. X, T2