Sunday, February 6, 2011

Beyond the Rainbow

Last night, we said goodbye to Barney.  I've told you about Barney before, here and here.  But it had come to the point where his little body couldn't fight to stay with us anymore.  As I sat to write this, I was truly at a loss for words.  So I thought about putting together a slideshow.  That will come shortly. 

Last night, PG and I talked about how much joy Barney brought us.  We talked about how all we would do is scratch on the sheet on the bed when we woke up and in one quick leap, he was right next to us, wanting to give us lovin' to start the day.

And we talked about how he would drag grandson #1 around the living room or just play tug-o-war as each of them had an end of a towel. 


And how he would be riding in the passenger seat of the van with my PG and would pull up the box of graham crackers that was between seats during their trip home.  A celebration for an excursion completed, I guess.

And how he would need his belly rub every day, while lying in PG's arms, just so that he could connect to my PG.  There were times he would just go nearly comatose and start snoring.   


And how all I needed to do if I wanted to train him to do anything was to stop and get an Italian beef sandwich.  One sandwich and he was trained.  We would joke that he was part Italian because he also loved pasta.


And how he was such a good sport when I found the latest sweater or jacket for him to wear.  Proudly wore it and knew that putting it on meant going out for a walk.
His tough guy look with snap front denim jacket!
We have been incredibly blessed to have this little guy in our lives.  But we also know that all dogs go to heaven.  My sister sent me a poem.  I thought I'd share it with you.
Beyond The Rainbow

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.


I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!


My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.
I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.


'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.
For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.


So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.
Author Unknown
Thanks for stopping by today.  Thanks for taking a few minutes to hear about Barney.

8 comments:

Leanne said...

Oh, Peggy. I'm so sorry...

Laura said...

Peg - what a great tribute to Barney... CT and I are so very very sorry... Barney is now resting and is at peace.

Leslie Miller said...

I guess you know how sad I am for you at this moment as I read the news of Barney's passing. I know you'll miss him and feel his loss deeply. You'll also keep the words of the poem in mind and be reassured that all is well with Barney. He's not sad or suffering. Still, I'm so very sorry. It does bring tears.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys at this time! I showed the boys the video clip you made and they just fell silent.......this is the 2nd dog that they had the joy to know that passed this week. Truly brought tears to us all but we know how much that dog was loved!! He was actually living in his own heaven here on earth in your home!
The Shattuck Home

Bossy Betty said...

Such a wonderful tribute to a family member who brought such joy and life to your home! I know you will miss your sweet Barney. You gave him a good life and lots of love too. Who could ask for more?

My thoughts are with you.....

Anonymous said...

Barney also loved Mom's pancakes and waffles. I used to train him to do tricks with that. We trained him to roll over and over and over again! We taught how to give his paw and how to say "mama." We taught him how to "sit pretty." He was a dog that wanted to please. I'll never forget when I came home from school one day and he was there! And he ate apples and nectarines, too. I've never seen a dog go so completely limp, spread-eagle, when having his belly rubbed. I'll never forget the simultaneous jingle of his collar and whimper as he scratched his forever-goopy ears. Then when you'd call him over to rub his ears for him, he's look up at you so lovingly with gratitude. When we first got him, he was afraid of laundry baskets and being left in a room by himself. He was so vulnerable and we wondered what experiences he had had before coming to live with us. But in the 15 years living with you and George, he learned to trust and love.
Love,
Christine

Sandra said...

I'm so sorry for yours and your family's loss...I'm off to see the slideshow above!

Cindi aka Ericksoc said...

So sorry about Barney. And also sorry I haven't stopped by :( I should have been a better blog (real)friend. I hope things are getting better and that these lovely tributes have eased some of the pain. I know I will be devastated when one of my furry loves goes.