Barney is an Angel Now.

[pomtzu]

Lara and all the other PT'ers,

I mostly just lurk and don't ususally comment all that much, but I wanted to let you know that I have also been following the saga of our dear Barney; the first thread that I always check is this one. I've never been one to easily convey my feelings, so I don't say much. But, this little boy has touched my heart like no other. Like you all, I am a certified "crazy cat lady" and have a real soft spot in my heart for those dear animals who need our intervention in order to see that they have the life that all God's creatures deserve.

My DH and I visit the pet stores and shelters to spend time with the animals and it is always heartbreaking to hear their sad stories, and hope that someone like us comes to rescue them. I cry pretty easily when I hear these stories, but rarely have I been so affected as I have by Barney's tale. My heart breaks for this poor boy who spent so much time in the wild trying to survive as ill as he is.

Lara, I cannot thank you enough for taking Barney in and caring for him as you have as well as sharing his story with us. There is a special place in heaven for you, where Barney will be waiting for you one fine day. (To quote Gary.) He is such a special little boy who has been most fortunate to have been able to share the joy and love of being in a warm home, with food, comfort, and most importantly, love. He now knows what love is. This is reflected in how patient that he has been with you throughout all of your care; removing the mats in his fur, the repeated baths, clippings, trips to the vet, ear cleanings, etc. He knows you were trying to help him and ease the hurt. He knows without a doubt that you love him, as do we all.

Bless you and Scott, too, for the affect that you've had on him. I wish Barney could know the effect that he's had in others as well. I can't tell you enough how he's impacted me, and in the best way, too. Times are tough and the news everywhere is so gloom and doom, and yet, here's our Angel, Barney, showing the best in all of us. Look at how he has united all of us, and impacted your husband. I just love this little guy, I feel like I know him. I wish I could just take him in my arms and hold him close, as we all do.

My heart breaks for you as Barney's condition deteriorates. Remember the love that he has shown you as you wrestle with the upcoming days ahead. I will be thinking of you and Barney in the days to come. Remember this final act of love for Barney as it is all he asks of you. Thank you again for all you have done for this lucky guy; I wish all other needy animals were as lucky to have found someone like you.

Peace in the days ahead for you and for Barney.

Now, I've got to go and clean this darn blurry monitor. Funny, it blurs up every time that I'm in this thread; why is that?

Love and Peace to you and the Barnster.

Mary

Beautifully said!

[momtomany]

A huge ditto to beautifully said

[weluvcats]

I am heartened to see that Barney has had such a good Christmas and New Years...Although it can confuse and complicate the issue of "when." It's strange that sometimes when you feel that you've made the decision, the little sweethearts seem to perk up. I know...we've been through that more than once. Whatever (and whenever) you decide, blessed Barney will go to the Rainbow Bridge knowing love, warmth and kindness, and that you were the source of all of those, and he will take that with him. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you and Barney.
Judy

[Purr-tender]

Lara, we've been gone since Wednesday. My husband and I rented a cottage with a huge stone fireplace and took my parents with us for New Years. I have been going crazy not knowing how Barney was and if Friday was still the day. What a relief to see the wonderfull video of him enjoying a stroll through your house with you. My goodness, how I love that boy!! I felt like I was there. I kept saying "come on Barney, come on Barney" since we don't actually see you it could be any of us that he was following like a little puppy. So sweet. It's good to know that he does still have an appetite. Like Catty said, I too have those thoughts that when Barney's vet sees him she will be able to buy him some more quality time. But, you are there with him, you see his decline. When the time comes you will do what is best for him, no doubt.

Love to both of you!
Mary

[Edwina's Secretary]

Lara,

I often see the expression "Let me be the person my dog thinks I am..."

As I watched the video of Barney I thought...'You are the wonderful person Barney thinks you are!