We had some terribly sad news over the weekend. Gillian Mitchell’s lovely little Beagle boy Bailey was killed in a tragic accident aged just 19 months old.
Bailey had always been an incredible athlete that loved to run and chase. He really knew how to live life to the full and gave mum Gillian plenty of heart-stopping moments! He was a joy to know. Here he is at the end of last year playing with little Biggles – he was one of Biggles’ first friends:
Like most Beagles owners, Gillian was always on the look-out for safe places for Bailey to play and worked hard at keeping him safe and under control. She had made fabulous progress and Bailey had been very good off-lead recently. However, a few days ago an incredibly unlucky turn of events lead to tragedy. Bailey was playing in the park and suddenly set off hot on the heels of a fox. The fox lead him through bushes, through two fences and onto the railway line where he was tragically hit by a train. It was quick. Bailey died doing what he loved most.
Bailey will be missed by so many people and dogs. He was a lovely little boy that knew how to live life to the full.
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It’s called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the bridge there is a land of meadows and hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a pet dies, it goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are made young again. The crippled or maimed become whole. They play with each other all day long. There is only one thing missing: the special person who loved them on Earth.
So they run and play for days on end, until suddenly one stops and looks! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are bright and expectant! Quickly, this one runs from the group.
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him into your arms and embrace with unrestrained joy. Your face is kissed again and again, and you look into the eyes of your trusted friend who has been waiting for you.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
What sad news – I can hardly bear to think about how Gillian feels. Please tell me it wasn’t Rouken Glen Park – I used to feel the dogs were safe there.
So shocked and sorry to hear the terrible news, we hope Gillian and her family are doing ok. Must be so hard. Bella will miss looking out the window for him walking past and howling her head off! He was a lovely dog and Bella enjoyed jumping on his head whilst he just stood there and took it without a care! Bailey will be missed. Take care.
thanks everyone. and thank you for the lovely tribute. its been a really difficult week, but we are getting through it. thanks for all the support. he is sorely missed.
no it wasnt rouken glen, it was at huntly park. im thinking about maybe writing a letter to the council asking for a dog park to be considered, perhaps in rouken glen since its such a big park. i’m sure a lot of dog owners would appreciate such a thing, peace of mind of letting the dogs run loose in a secure area. might save on other tragedies in the future.
thanks again. x
Gillian, a dog park would be fabulous. It’s certainly needed by lots of Beagle owners! If they’d allow it then perhaps we could all get together to raise money to have the park in Bailey’s name?
What a terrible tragedy, but have no regrets Gillian at letting this little boy run freely – that’s beagles at their happiest.
Remember me when flowers bloom
Early in the spring
Remember me on sunny days
In the fun that summer brings
Remember me in the fall
As you walk through the leaves of gold
And in the wintertime, remember me
In the stories that are told.
But most of all remember
Each day, right from the start
I will be forever near
For I live within your heart
Author unknown