A Tribute to Barkley

Very sadly, and very unexpectedly we had to say good-bye to our beloved Barkley dog early Sunday morning. Saturday afternoon he suffered a seizure, but appeared to come out of it okay. We had a great evening together with our friends, Katie and Nathan, and their twin boys, Owen and Abram. The boys enjoyed petting and playing with Barkley, and he was so good to them. He played with the kids in the back yard, and the weather was perfect. Eric cooked steaks on the grill, and shared several scraps and a bone with Barks. He had a great night! We were getting ready for bed and I heard a loud sound from the living room. We rushed in to check on him, and he was having another seizure. It was absolutely awful to witness, and seemed to last an eternity. He slowly started to come out of it, but didn't have his balance and was panting really hard. We gave him some water, and he was finally able to stand. He had wet his bed, so we moved him into our room on some towels and pillows. He just couldn't seem to settle down. He went outside with Eric and didn't want to come back in, it was like he knew it was his time. Kealy woke us up around 2AM, and I went out to check on Barkley and he was laying by our garden and he had passed away. We were just hysterical at the shock of suddenly losing our beloved friend. Totally NOT what we were expecting to happen. I called the animal hospital and ended up taking him there around 230AM to be cremated. We are just at a loss for our Barkley dog. He was without a doubt, the best dog ever. He was amazing with the kids.

Barkley, we love you and miss you more than you will ever now. I already miss you cleaning up the scraps from the kids....I never realized just how much food you were getting!!! Kealy misses using you for her garbage disposal and petting your soft head. Kaiden misses running his cars and dinosaurs up your back. Madie misses throwing the ball for you, and giving you 4 treats (since that's how old she is) every time you came in from outside. Eric misses his buddy. He misses you greeting him coming home from work every day. I miss my running and gardening pal. The yard seems so very empty without you. My Tuesday naps won't be the same without you curled up by my legs. I'm not really sure how we are going to recover from your loss, but we are determined to hold fast to all of the wonderful memories you gave us. Thanks for being the best dog ever. WE LOVE YOU!!!!
I had forgotten just how small you once were. Remember when we would go for walks and you would get tired and lay down and make me carry you home? We looked ridiculous!!!

Your first road trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house

Your first Christmas. You were the best gift that year!


The first time you learned how to shake. I thought that was so cool!

The dog house Dad built you. You didn't really care for it, but it sure was cool!

You loved to be held like a baby....until you got too big!

Snuggling Dad in a hotel that we snuck you into!

People would always tell us, "man that's a good looking dog!" they were right!

Snuggling Dad at GG's house

My napping buddy

Nibbling on Uncle Chipper's ears since he put those ridiculous shorts on you!

Remember when I busted you on the new couch using my Boppy as a neck pillow. It was pretty funny, but you were in trouble!!!

One of your favorite things to do was sunbathe on the deck.

Until we meet again....we love you, and we miss you so very much.