Dear beautiful Barley~What a brave and courageous boy you were, a true survivor. Your indomitable spirit, your love for life despite your incredible health challenges, are truly an inspiration to us all. I too am in tears after reading your very moving story. I'm crying tears of sadness knowing you were taken from your Mom and Dad and all who loved you far before your time, and happy tears, knowing that there still exists in this world selfless, caring, devoted animal lovers like Claudia and Alan, Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, Dr. Riego and all at the Glenwood Animal Clinic, and of course your amazing Mom and Dad; people and organizations dedicated to giving deserving doggies such as yourself a chance at happiness and a healthy life. You fought SO valiantly, sweetheart, but you also lived those wonderful 2 years on your terms (to your Mom's dismay), enjoying every moment of your wonderful new life to the fullest; you just were THAT happy. And when it came to time for you to leave for the Rainbow Bridge, when your body grew too weary to carry on, you did so so valiantly, surrounded by family and so many of the caring friends you had made along the way, your heart filled with LOVE! Your family no longer has you there in body, Barley, but your precious spirit and your legacy, a legacy of unconditional love, courage and devotion, is everlasting. Your short life is testament to the enduring spirit of the canine, and your family's devotion and unconditional love the benchmark for all animal parents. I only hope more will heed your Mommy's plea in hopes that with time, no more doggies or families will have to suffer the heartbreak of a heartworm diagnosis. Now, run happy and healthy at the Rainbow Bridge, beautiful Barley, until that wonderful day or renunion, when you and your Mom and Dad, your doggies buds Maggie and Happy, and those precious kitties, are together again! And to the parents of Barley, thank you SO much for all that you did for your beautiful boy. He was truly blessed to have known your family's unconditional love and devotion, and you equally blessed, having known Barley's Velcro love, having had the honor of sharing those near 2 years with truly, one of the most special dogs God ever created. (((hugs)))