Tyler Bailey

 Welcome to Tyler's website!

In a nutshell:

Tyler Bailey was born November 23, 2004 with a rare condition called an "omphalocele" that was repaired and Tyler thrived.  When he was only two months old, he endured a medical catastrophe that could have been remedied had his surgeon responded in a timely manner.  Unfortunately, that surgeon had been drinking alcohol and chose not to come to the hospital until it was too late.  Tyler lost 95% of his intestines and has been dependent on I.V. feedings ever since.  Please see "All About Tyler" for more details about the tragic events that we have faced. 

General Bradley (at attention), Laura and Tyler Bailey

Photo by Michael Bailey

                                            Tyler, 4 years old, Lahaina, Maui (July 2009)

                                                             "The Screaming Monkey"

 Here's an old picture of Tyler (October 2006) that's been circulating on email with the title of "This Will Make You Smile" and there's probably a few other titles that I'm not aware of ...and it's been taken by a few "fun" photo websites, including Joemonster.org without permission. 

How did we end-up with two dogs? 

Originally, we had intended to get Tyler a service dog for general companionship.  After raising over ten thousand dollars for "4 Paws for Ability" located in Xenia, Ohio to obtain the dog, we travelled there for training.  We were unable to attend training consistently and tried to reschedule another time when we could go back again.  Karen Shirk, the owner of "4 Paws for Ability" said that we could take our dog home as an "In Home Companion" which was fine with us.  In the end Karen Shirk took the money and did not deliver the dog.  To date, the funds have not been returned to our generous donors despite our numerous attempts to work things out with her.  I am certain that it was a blessing in disguise that we did not end-up with one of her dogs as I've been informed by others that the dogs are not trained to service dog standards.

Meanwhile, we adopted Bradley, who has proven to be the world's best dog for Tyler.  He is AMAZING!

 Our Newfoundland, General Bradley:

 Bradley!  Oh Bradley, what are we to do with you?  You have won our hearts just as fast as you have grown, which is really-really fast. 

Bradley, 4 and 11 months old

 My how we've grown!

Our dear General Bradley lives up to the Newfoundland standards.  Not only his he massive in size, but he's gentle as a lamb, making him true to form as a "Gentle Giant."  He loves Tyler and just wants to play with him all day long.  We never need to worry about Bradley hurting Tyler.  On the contrary, we need to worry more about Tyler getting too rough with Bradley.  Tyler has this little game that he likes to play with Bradley called, "Let's See How Far My Fist Will Go Down Your Throat" and Tyler thinks it's very funny.  Bradley has never complained nor has this game ever stopped him from playing with Tyler.  Bradley must think it's a pretty fun game too because he keeps going back for more.  Perhaps they both think I'm the party pooper by stopping this game?

"Hey look!  I found a pocket on Bradley's face!"

When Bradley's mouth is free of Tyler's fist, he's always close by watching over him.  As a family, we have witnessed why Newfoundlands are the number one breed for children:  They are devoted, gentle, smart, nuturing and still tough as nails! 

Bradley watches over Tyler, being careful to avoid Tyler's tubing.

Bradley continues to amaze us with his insight.  He knows that Tyler cannot walk.  He also knows that Tyler needs support to stand, so what does he do (without being trained to do so)?  He stands in place so Tyler can steady himself:

"Lean on me, little friend"

                                                        Introducing General Sherman!

 Meet General Sherman, a spunky Labrador who is Bradley's little buddy.  He keeps big brother, Brad, moving all day long, playing hard and having fun.  Like Bradley, Sherman loves Tyler and wants to be by his side.  Tyler really likes Sherman, too!  In only one month, Sherman gained 16 pounds (Bradley is generous about sharing his food).  He knows how to "sit" and he's working on the rest.  Walking on a leash?  Well, let's just say that he thinks that he's a  sled dog and would prefer to run, no matter how much pressure his on his little neck.  He also thinks that cars are something to chase.  I'm not sure that he's the smartest kid on the block, BUT he's a sweet-sweet boy and that's what is most important for us.

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