Bailey Ray Merlin
March 28, 1983 - October 8, 1998 

Bailey was our “first born.”  My husband and I got married in February and often told folks that we “had” to get married.  Why?  Because we “had” Bailey in October - you do the math <grin> 

She was affectionately known by many names…Beagella Bagella  Boo, Bagel Loopner, Bailey Bumper, Bumper Nickel, and our “20 pound barkless wonder (that’s another story). "  In our hearts, she was, is, and always will be our sweet little Bailey Girl.   

When Mike first saw her, cutting wood with a friend in South Carolina, she was a half-starved pup-dog.  She was so thin and disproportionate that it was hard to determine what kind of dog she was.  She looked like part Beagle, part Terrier, part Dachshund, and maybe even a little otter!  This little dog soon blossomed into the best, most beautiful dog ever.  

On October 8, 1998, Bailey passed away after suffering from Chronic Mitral Valve Insufficiency and Diabetes for the previous 18 months of her life.  Her will to live and strength to hold on was and still is an inspiration to all who knew her.   

When it was her time to go, Bailey let us know.  Which is why, if you’re ever faced with making this hardest of all decisions, open your heart and listen to what your beloved companion wants.  I honestly believe that they will “help” with the decision.  

If you’ve recently lost an animal companion and folks tell you to “let go,” I urge you to let go of physical being but hold on to their spirit and your memories, cherish those precious times, and grow from them!  Our animals have so much to share, so much to teach us, in life and in death.  And they do teach us, not through regimented training sessions, but through unconditional love, trust, and joy!  If we, as humans, can only learn to return those feelings, we will have learned the most important life lesson of all.