Bailey's Story

Bailey was a kitten found dumped at HRMC in Melbourne, Florida.  He was trapped by animal control while I was out on leave along with a sibling.  By the time I was able to find out if they were still alive only Baily was left.  Bailey was in quarantine for 15 days.  When the 15th day came I rushed to pick him up at the shelter and found him very very ill with an upper respiratory, completely emaciated.  I took him directly to my vet who found he was FeLV positive, full of worms and fleas and had a heart murmur.  He was so ill that the Dr's did not expect him to survive.  Bailey spent his first 9 months living with me while I nursed him back to health.  He survived and was a happy and healthy cat who loved everyone he met.  He loved to lick you all over and let you hold him in your lap.  Because he was FeLV positive I could not keep him among my own cats and so I let him go to the Mims Sanctuary.  After a few months at the Sanctuary a wonderful lady decided to adopt him because she had another FeLV cat she was fostering.  A few months later Bailey became ill due to his FeLV status.  He fought hard but ultimately his body failed him and we made the difficult decision to end his suffering and let him go to rainbow bridge.  He passed on 9/29/07.  Bailey is best known for his hugs and kisses, jumping on your shoulder when you scooped liter boxes, licking you to death, putting his paws around your neck and giving kisses, helping unroll the paper towels....He touched many lives in his short time here on earth and will be remembered for all the love he showered us with.  He will be truly missed.  God speed my little Bailey Boo!

The Following is a poem written by an SCFN Volunteer about Bailey and it is published in the International Library of Poetry's "Collected Whispers" book published in 2008.  Bailey, The Feral Cat poem is on the first page of the book.

Bailey, the Feral Cat

  by Kathleen M. Schumann

I came into this world feral and alone,
But was found and rescued by a very gentle and caring soul,
She nursed me and showed me love and gave me a reprieve,
She also gave me a chance to return this love to others before I had to leave,
My life on this earth wasn't very long, seeing that my health wasn't very strong
But I enjoyed each day I was allowed to have to live,
to play and share all the love I had to give,
Just remember to look up at the nearest ridge,
on the day you come to cross the rainbow bridge...I will be waiting to see you all again...