by Lisa Crowell-Lamb
BAILEY: I saw him at an animal shelter and it was love at first sight. He had been abandoned by the side of the road and I can't figure out why. He was the most beautiful, blond (the color of Bailey's Irish Creme), sweet cocker spaniel, probably a year or two old. How could anyone desert such a sweet, lovingand perfect boy? He became a part of my heart and soul. He never chewed anything or caused any problems. He always got along with my other animals and quickly became the favorite of other members of my family. When I'd cry at sad movies, he'd come over to me and wimper and howl -- knowing I was sad. He was killed by another dog on December 31, 2000. That was the worst day of my life. I came home and found him. I was hysterical and screamed for an hour. I lost my voice, got the flu and was off work for 3 days. Holidays will never be the same. Since then, I have attended grief counseling sessions at the local SPCA. Being there, I have found a good support group and caring friends. Now we cry about Bailey together. But at least his story lives on. I've been interviewed about the SPCA's grief counseling sessions and Bailey: have been on 1 tv station (where they showed photos of him) and there have been articles in my 2 local newspapers. He's with God until we meet again. His memory and how sweet he was lives on ...