In my regular search for leads on my lost dog, I came across the account of Cherry on the local CraigsList.  The little dog has been missing for eleven months, stolen from the front yard.  The owner still thinks about her every day and longs for her return.  Of particular sadness is the following statement:

"Last night she came to me in a dream. I knew it was a dream, so I cherished every second with her that I could. I cuddled her, felt her soft baby fur. Everyone that loves her was there and we all took turns holding her and playing. She's such a sweet baby. I'm not at all surprised someone would want to keep her."

I do not know exactly what kind of person took this lady's dog, nor the person who now has mine.  They stole her dog right out of the yard!  Were they not thinking this to be someone's beloved family member?  I could better comprehend stealing a laptop or phone- nonpersonal items readily bartered for whatever the perp may need.  But a family pet is so much more than its monetary value.  Perhaps this person wanted a pet for himself or for someone he knows?  It is very possible that someone is now a happy pet owner of this pretty little dog, not much considering he/she is assisting in the breaking of this woman's heart.

I wrote her a short, hopefully encouraging note.  She said she had noticed my ads on CraigsList looking for Bailey.  We have engaged in so many exchanges with wonderful people who readily identify with our sorrow and search.

If you come across a lost pet, please do the right thing and make a diligent search for the owner.  If they care, they will be put up signs and place ads in the paper and upon the internet.  As much as you may find the animal to be attractive, remember it is not yours.  The lady I mention above talks about "karma".  In her grieving she wishes bad upon such a person as would steal her baby dog.  I won't call it karma, but justice.  When you do something good, like return an item you have found, you will gain strength of character and I believe you will be a better person.

(My Bailey...)


Here's to Cherry and Bailey.  Good dogs.  Bailey is the one without the pink ears.

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posted by: OldSchool (reply)
post date: 04.23.08 (9:05 am)

Still hoping & praying that Bailey comes home.

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posted by: squirrelzone (reply)
post date: 04.23.08 (9:21 am)

Me too Pastor Dave, me too.

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posted by: toztee (reply)
post date: 04.23.08 (10:12 am)

Mean old bad people! Warts on their noses, ingrown toenails, and a puss swollen risen on the backside. That would serve those theives!
I wish Bailey would find his way home to you and Cherry to her home. Pets are family too.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 04.23.08 (10:28 am)

Reply to: OldSchool
A sincere word of gratitude to you and your little girl.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 04.23.08 (10:29 am)

Reply to: squirrelzone
Appreciate the good wishes that you share.

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 04.23.08 (10:31 am)

Reply to: toztee
Cherry is micro-chipped. So, should the thief ever take her to the vet, it is likely she will be scanned and therefore would be returned to her owner. That would have been a smart investment for us, but we were not smart at the time. Our next valued pet will be microchipped.

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posted by: bipolarexpress (reply)
post date: 04.23.08 (10:51 am)

awww... your Bailey is beautiful! May whom ever stole Bailey be infested by a million fleas...

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posted by: bawdy (reply)
post date: 04.23.08 (12:18 pm)

Funny, I can picture your wife encouraging you to spend more time in the yard, hoping someone would drive by and whisk you away.

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posted by: kurtmaddox (reply)
post date: 04.23.08 (12:59 pm)

You should try to the pink ears thing as a gimic to grow church membership. People all over town would want to come and see that crazy preacher with the pink poodle ears! lol!

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posted by: auntconi (reply)
post date: 04.23.08 (3:29 pm)

So often I think of you and your family and the loss of Bailey ~ I am so very sorry that you had to experience this sadness!

((hugs))

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posted by: Barbara (reply)
post date: 04.24.08 (1:39 pm)

That is still so sad about Bailey. But I haven't seen anything about Cassie, your new dog. Aren't you enjoying having her?

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posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 04.24.08 (1:43 pm)

Reply to: Barbara
You are in this conspiracy with my wife! Cassie is her dog- I am still waiting for Bailey.

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posted by: lorischuster (reply)
post date: 04.28.08 (2:14 pm)

Honestly that paragraph made me cry. The poor woman (and you guys too) I had a dream last night that I hooked CoCo (who was Ali's dog and now mine) up to a railing and came back and she was gone...the leash cut. I woke up frantic. :( Hope Bailey comes home...Cherry too.

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posted by: ggirl (reply)
post date: 04.30.08 (9:36 am)

I'm so sorry for the two lost family members. I'm still missing my beloved huskie. May Bailey be returned to you.

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