WOMAN HAUNTED BY DOG'S KILLING

Marcie Carroll Hasn't Been The Same Since Police Shot Her Pet

A London woman has been unable to return to work or go home since city
police broke into her apartment looking for drugs that were never there and
shot her pet dog.

Struggling with flashbacks and harbouring a lack of trust in police, Marcie
Carroll says she is receiving medical attention to help her cope with the
loss of her dog, Bear.

The six-year-old German shepherd and Lab cross was like a son to her, she says.

"It's getting harder because I don't really know what to do, and I can't go
home," Carroll, 22, said yesterday. "I'm still having nightmares."

Carroll, who began a new job the day before the botched drug raid, has
essentially been laid off from work and hasn't received a paycheque.

She finds it difficult to concentrate at work and struggles to talk about
her dog.

"It's too stressful. All day I'll be upset and crying and thinking about it.

"It's hard because when I'm upset, I usually go to Bear and he comforts me.
It's easier to talk and just feel with an animal. It's unconditional love."

Carroll's lawyer, Faisal Joseph, said his client "has not slept in her
apartment since this event.

"It has caused tremendous emotional damage to her."

Police Chief Brian Collins has launched an internal investigation into the
incident.

Earlier this week, Carroll and her lawyer met for nearly three hours with
Insp. Kenneth Heslop, who is conducting the internal probe.

"We provided various photographs and physical evidence from the scene to
assist (police) in their investigation," Joseph said.

Speaking for the police force, Const. Paul Martin said he didn't know when
the investigation would wrap up. "I spoke with the inspector (Thursday) and
it's still ongoing," he said.

A report will be forwarded to the chief on completion.

Joseph launched a formal complaint on Carroll's behalf and asked for the
names of the police officers involved in the incident.

The lawyer said he was given nine names, but says the name of the officer
who shot the dog is missing from the list.

Since the story first surfaced, letters of support for Carroll have poured in.

"I'm glad people care because I don't want it forgotten. I don't want it to
happen again," Carroll said yesterday.

Paul Scheiding, a radio host with CHRW, will launch the Bear Fund next week
with the support of Carroll and Joseph. Funds will go to the London Humane
Society.

"Hopefully, something good will come out of a bad situation," Joseph says.

Scheiding said he was so moved by Carroll's story he felt he had to do
something.

Those wishing to donate can write to: The Bear Fund, Attention Lerners,
1326 Huron St., Suite 417, London, Ont., N5V 2E2.

Cheques should be made payable to The Bear Fund.