“A person can learn a lot from a dog..... he taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things-a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty.”      -John Grogran

Black Mountain Ranch has lost a very important staff and family member this past week, its four legged pal Bailey. Bailey has spent the past 13 years at Black Mountain keeping top dog status with our Ranch Manager, Nowell May. Our staff from the past summer and years past have all put together a few words for Nowell in remembrance of a truly great dude ranch pooch.  Nowell and Bailey, enjoying a moment together on a Sunday afternoon. Bailey, doing what she did best. Nowell, Our thoughts are with you. Losing a dog is never easy and Bailey was one heck of a good dog. We are all thinking of you and sending our love to you and Kaylee! "Bailey was a beautiful dog, and it was amazing how active and able she was in her old age - I remember her helping us move the steers down the chute when we were roping this summer. She was an important member of the ranch family, she'll be missed." -Helen Lauth "Bailey "the prickly cactus " She was a wonderful part of Black Mountain Ranch , her dedication to her work and owners will not be forgotten ." -Amy Lynn Galipeault "Bailey, thank you for teaching Sammy how to move livestock. . . and how to submit to a female." -Anna Simmons "Bailey was an amazing dog. She was beautiful, good at her job (I've never seen a dog herd cattle with such efficiency before), and she commanded respect. She will be missed."  - Flo Meylan "Bailey was a great dog to all. She was very good at her job and faithful. She will be missed by Roxy and I." -Jessica Whalen "Bailey was unfailingly loyal, hated cows, prone to occasional grumpiness and none to fond of annoying children. We had much in common. I shall miss her kindred spirit." -Nicola Cornwell "Bailey was a fantastic dog who never had a problem letting you know how she felt! I’d like to say that I never gave into those beautiful eyes staring up at me over the breakfast bar. Instead, I would say that she got to live a real dog’s life with great owners, fresh air, and plenty of animals to herd--a life that most dogs only dream of! She will be missed!" -Betty Schnoop "Aww sweet Bailey, Bailey Girl. How you are missed already. I'll never forget the greeting I got from her the first time I arrived to the ranch. Her snarly little bark..." WELCOME TO BLACK MOUNTAIN RANCH." It never changed right up to the last day I saw her. I am honored to say I was in her tight circle of friends. The sweet little kisses she would sneak on my face and the occasionally head scratch she would seek me out for. What a wonderful life you lived little girl, may you continue to herd those heavenly cows and ride the tails of all the divine horses. Forever loved, forever missed!" - Jacki Michell "Awe, Bailey Boo. The Queen Bee. Her stiff bristley coat on her shoulders always errect when on the job, remined me of the evil queen in Snow White with the long black cape and tall stiff collar. She was always on the job, whether chasing horses in or out, protecting Nowell from new potential intruders with a bark, or begging for a steak treat at dinner ride. But she had that softer side, too. The crazy licking tounge when she was happy, the adopted shadow she made for Kaylee and the ability to respect all 30 fingers of my little anoying children...she left them all intact. She was always at Nowell's side looking for the next command, a very loyal friend. May she be up in heaven taking the ride of her life...swinging from the back of a horses tail as they ride off into the sunset. Hang on tight, Bail. You'll be missed." -Cyndy May                Forever in our hearts Bailey. You will always be top dog at Black Mountain Ranch!