If ever there was an award for the most lovable therapy dog, Bailey Cusick would be the winner...paws down. One look at his sweet face and you can't help but smile. While he is most attached to mom, Mrs. Cusick, Bailey's heart belongs to every student in the school. Of course, he can't always be here, so he counts on his pals, Rosco and Cooper -- both equally lovable and loved -- to fill in.
Bailey was born in Bensalem, PA on November 30, 2005, and was adopted by the Cusick family in February 2005 -- on Superbowl Sunday. He is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel -- a type of dog originally bred to keep their owner's feet warm. Bailey is all about that and much more. As a puppy, he cuddled in the laps of his parents and brothers every chance he got. At night time, though, he had what his veterinarian called, "night crazies" -- running around the house at high speeds insisting that his family play chase and hide and seek.
Now 12 years old, Bailey has slowed down a little bit, but still plays hide and seek. The only difference is that instead of with people, he plays the game with bones. "He is constantly hiding little bones all over the house," said Mrs. Cusick. "The best part is that he finds and then moves them around. They never stay in the same place for long!"
On the days he spends at OLMA, he begins with a visit to Mrs. Duffy and then the girls in Room 108. He can be found standing in Mrs. Cusick's doorway so as to get as much attention as possible from passers by. While some of his favorite treats are
carrots and apples, he simply can't resist Mrs. Stanzione's chicken and often makes a break for the kitchen when Mrs. Cusick isn't looking.
As far as his extracurricular activities go, Bailey loves chasing leaves, the feel of the wind on his face, snow, and car rides. The only thing he doesn't like are dogs on leashes. We can't be sure, but we think that may have more to do with the leash than the dog.
Bailey gave us a bit of a scare recently as he all of a sudden was unable to walk. All is well, though. He just had a touch of vertigo --something his doctor said is typical at his age. We were all greatly relieved to see him return good as new. No bones about it, Bailey. We all love you. Woof!
