(July 13, 2002) -- In the past few days, you may have passed by a small, temporary homemade shrine on the east side of Bellflower Blvd. just north of Spring St. and wondered what it was. We did, and here's what we found.

Harley was Ty and Joyce Wilson's best friend, a dog enjoying a dog's life with her masters in the well kept ELB neighborhood. But on July 4th, someone set off illegal fireworks near the Wilsons' home and the noise so frightened Harley that she somehow managed to escape from her backyard. Harley ran and ran, trying to avoid the noise (alarming to a dog's sensitive ears). She got to Bellflower Blvd and kept going...straight into the busy street. Shortly after 9 p.m., she was struck and killed, apparently instantly, by a passing car.

When Mr. and Mrs. Wilson arrived home a little later, they were absolutely devastated, but found some solace on learning that neighbors and some workers at the nearby 24 Hours Fitness Center did everything they could to save Harley's life.

As a show of gratitude, and to warn others of what can happen when animals experience nearby fireworks, the Wilson created a small, temporary but heartfelt shrine on the service road parkway on the east side of Bellflower Blvd. near Pageantry St.

It'll be up for just a few days, but Mr. and Mrs. Wilson hope their remembrance of Harley will remind pet owners to keep their friends indoors and well secured on holidays, especially when there's a chance illegal fireworks might be set off.