Barkley

We had to take Barkley in to be euthanized last Friday. She had large cancerous mass (sarcoma) on her front leg that was oozing blood. She hadn't really eaten (beyond a nibble) in nearly two weeks. She was suffering. Couldn't walk more than a few steps w/o resting.

It was an emotional Friday, having basically made the decision (as advised by vet) after picking her up on Thursday after getting home from Louisville. It was a blessing that she didn't die while we were gone as we got to have one last day to pet her & just have her around.

Barkley'd been part of our family since Dec 1995 and the shelter estimated she was two when we got her, so she was probably 13. There are lots of indelible memories, many of which form the foundation of our family. I have a horrible memory but I can still remember the room where we first met her. (Ironically, it was a lot like the room where she left us. Guess most vet / animal hospitals use the same floor plan.) I "got" her for Kristy for Xmas 1995, but we went as a couple to pick her out. I remember liking her, because she was the quietest (ha, fooled me). She was so shy & had probably been abused previously (found as a lost dog). It took a few minutes to coax her over to us & then when Kristy first petted her she accidentally shocked her (dry static air) & Barkley retreated to the wall. We remember the early times w/ Alex. When Alex would cry it would alarm Barkley ... she'd get nervous. She was always great w/ Alex, but didn't like it early around kids. (Though by moving down to NC, she was fine w/ them.) Her favorite activity in IL was when we'd go on "hikes" in the Forest Preserve in Naperville. We'd let her off the leash & she'd just roam along w/ us ... she LOVED that. Years later, you could still get the floppy ear to go erect if you said anything that ended in "ike". I think she loved having her own backyard down here. When we added Cherish last fall there was a transition period, but it enlivened Barkley (sure it added at least a year to her life). She even joined Cherish in digging up the backyard on occasion.

She was incredibly loyal and fiercely protective of us ... even nipping at least two people. Interestly, Cherish who was always junior backup security dog, loping to the door whenever the doorbell rings as opposed to Barkley fierce barking charge, has taken up the doorbell duty over the past few days. Odd.

Anyway, we all cried a river & I wish she was still here. APD & I spent a bawling moment outside the vet (Kristy was inside w/ her for the process) & he asked "Why". I blubbered that it was all part of life & that's why we needed to appreciate the everyday things that make up a life. He knows that already, everyone knows that already, but I think I needed to hear it anyway.

Miss ya pup. Hope you're somewhere where you can run to your heart's content, w/ a pack of friends, and a full bowl of food & a nice comfy bed waiting for you when you're ready to rest. Hope it works out that we see you again someday.