J.E. Rice Hardware’s longtime greeter, mascot, and friend
Rescued 2016 – April 9, 2026
Manassas lost a familiar four-legged friend with the passing of Baileigh, the longtime greeter and mascot at J.E. Rice Hardware. She was approximately 12 years old.
Baileigh’s story with the Rice family began in October 2016, when she was rescued from South Carolina after Hurricane Matthew. She found her way to Manassas and, before long, became much more than a family pet. She became part of the community.
For years, Baileigh went to work every day and became part of the experience of visiting the longtime Manassas hardware store. She brought smiles to customers and staff alike and seemed determined to make every day as fun and exciting as possible.
Baileigh had many fans and friends. Some customers would come into the store just to see her and, as her dad Jamie Rice put it, “get a dose of happiness.” Her joyful personality even inspired several people to adopt dogs of their own over the years.
Baileigh’s life was also a remarkable story of strength.
After being diagnosed with cancer and given six months to live, Baileigh went on to thrive for another three and a half years. She rarely missed a step or showed weakness. She was beautiful and smart, but also incredibly strong and determined.
Jamie remembers a dog who seemed to treasure every moment she was given.
“Baileigh made every waking minute of her short life count,” he wrote. “Truly have never met anyone or anything that loved being alive more than Baileigh and her precious time on this Earth.”
For the Rice family, Baileigh was a beloved companion. For the staff and generations of customers who walked through the doors of J.E. Rice Hardware, she was also a familiar face and a little piece of Manassas.
Baileigh touched far more lives than she could have ever known. For the many people who stopped to pet her, came by just to see her, or simply remember her happy presence at J.E. Rice Hardware, she will remain a special part of their memories of Manassas.
Rest easy, Baileigh. Thank you for the happiness you gave so freely and for reminding us all just how precious it is to simply love being alive. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
