Sweet Barney

[Bengalz]

Rest gently, Barney boy. You've left a legacy of love and courage.

Barney your legacy will live on in many hearts - rest sweetly dear one.

[Catty1]

Lara and Scott - I remembered the first time of joy with Barney, after he peed on the bed at the other home.

He got a bit stronger and actually went to the litterbox on his own the next time!

Barney, we were with your human purrents for every little victory, every ounce of weight you gained at the beginning - right to the end, with sad news, but hope against hope that something could be done for you.

And it was - you snuggled in Lara's lap in your blankie, and were content. You went to the Bridge, more loved than you ever had been.

I hope and pray you know the love you have, that you are free and happy.

Lara and Scott - hugs to you, THANK YOU for loving Barn-Barn in every way possible.

[Randi]

Lara, thank you for a beautiful tribute to Barney. And thank you for all you have done for him.

Barney, you have walked an alley of almost a hundred candles, and you are now the Top Angel on the RB. I believe that Pjevs and Fister's mom, Mrs. Spot will be there to show you around and protect you.

Before you had to go, you got to know true love, and you have affected SO many humans in the best way. You have touched our hearts very deeply in the past few months.

Sleep softly sweet Barney - you were so loved and you will be in our hearts forever.

[rosethecopycat]

Barney, I don't think you had any idea of what impact a ragged little cat could have on this earth. But you did.

Godspeed.

[Pinot's Mom]

Lara and Scott, thank you for sharing that sweet froggy kitty with the world, he linked us all in a very special way, and I hope you know how much Barney meant to us. I'm sure, as someone else mentioned, he's had a grand entrance to the Bridge, and my savvy tomcat CK is holding one heck of a party (of many in his honor) to make sure Barney feels welcome! Now take a moment, realize how magical this space in time has been, and know that Barney is happy, healthy and free of pain.

You're wonderful people to have done this for Barney, and for us. Bless you!

Maggie

[Cataholic]

You will be forever missed, Barney. Hugs to Lara and Scott.

[momtomany]

Barney what a blessing you were to so many lives here on Pet Talk. I will miss that "sweet froggy" face that is etched in my mind. I will miss going daily to Cat Health right away to see the "Barney update". You brought people together in a way that was phenomenal. It was wonderful to read the words of eloquence that people wrote. It was wonderful to read the words from the heart that people wrote. I know for one that my life was enriched by all who shared and posted. Thank you for what you gave us.

Barney you were blessed with angels in Lara and Scott. Lara is an extraordinary person who opened her heart to share yours and hers incredible journey with you. God will look with favor on Lara for the compassion of her heart and Scott's also. Thank you Lara for what you shared and gave. Thank Scott also.

Barney, I know you are happy at the Bridge. You are healthy and in no pain. One day we will all get to see you again and be able to give you those scritches and scrathes and rubs we asked Lara to give to you.

Thank you sweet Barney and God for what you gave all of us...........an unbreakable bond between so many people in so many places.

[3Catcondo]

Lara,
I have been thinking about you for 2 days straight, I hope you are holding up well. I want to thank you so much for the care, compassion and time that you blessed Barney with. You and Scott are truly wonderful people and Barney was blessed to have been introduced to you both. If you need anything, please let me know. I will never forget Barney and your acts of kindness to him. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart, sending hugs from VA to you.

[weluvcats]

Here's hoping that Lara and Scott are hanging in there today...Most (if not all) of us have been where you guys are today. After all the agonizing and stress leading up to the end of such an ordeal, afterward you seem to go through a period where you're numb and just worn out emotionally. We're all thinking of you both today, and your sweet Barney. Know that we are always here for you guys...

Phred's suggestion of a memorial candle is a great one..I've already lit one for sweet Barney, as well as for my family's beloved purr angels keeping Barney company at the Bridge. What a wondeful site!

Hugs and prayers to you, Lara, Scott and Barney

Judy

[catmandu]

Theres a special Animal Angel Army welcoming commitee to take Big Barney to the Saturday Animal Angel Fly in Movie Party where Barney will be the Guest Of Honor.
The Party this week is in Fiji, and Barney will get to pick from the buffet table first and sit in the rows of coches and lazy boys, all soft and know that he is in Paradise where he will never be ill or in pain, and that he will find a mate, and have a family of Eternal Animal Babies to mentor.
All thts neede to make this truly Paradise is for Barney to be reunited with his Loved Ones , so he may repay them for the love and care they showed him, and that made him a very happy Cat.
One Fine Day.

[phesina]

Rest in peace, dearest Barney; you are safe home at last.

God bless you, Lara and Scott, and thank you for all you have done for this sweet kitty. And thank you for sharing him with us.

[Moesha]

I was here last night while Lara was making the thread, but I couldn't stay awake to post. I woke this morning and my thoughts went to Barney and how far he came just in the last few months. He had been outside and then worked his way inside with Angela. Then he had the run of the house even though he wasn't supposed to even be in there. Then he worked his way over to Lara's place in the outbuilding. He had quite the setup there with his movies and everything else. Then he moved himself into the main house even though that wasn't part of the original plan. Again he was out and about allowed to enjoy the fire and music. I think Barney was quite the manipulator! I too will miss the daily and extensive updates on his adventures. He will be missed but not forgotten.

[Emeraldgreen]

Thank you guys for so many wonderful posts for Barney. I also really appreciate the kind words for me and for Scott. It sure is a sad time but everybody's words make it so much easier to cope. I've read every one and looked at each of the candles on the candle site and read all those messages too. It's so great. Some of them, I don't know who they are from but it made me realize that more people were out there reading along for the past few months, checking in on old Barney too but may not have posted. Thank you to all of you too for reading and caring.
Some of the candles were from people I did recognize but haven't seen around PT for awhile! Thanks Willow Oak for your candle too!!

I was hoping that I would dream about Barney last night but when I woke up, I couldn't remember anything. Maybe tonight though!

I keep remembering this one time in particular, though he did it on numerous occasions, when I walked into his room and he was standing there with his right paw planted squarely on top of his left paw. He was just sitting there looking at me, blinking and holding hands with himself. I was so struck by it because I immediately thought "this poor little guy probably did this in the past to sort of keep himself company since there wasn't anyone else around". It was a comforting thing for him I think. It might be the sweetest thing ever now that I think about it. Sad but sweet.

I sure miss him, just as we all do. Last night I went into his old room and Scott had completely cleaned it. The floor was all shiney and there were no blankies and no litter box, food dish or water dish. It looked so cold and sterile and I just sat down on the floor where his bed used to be and thought about him.

I know he is out of pain and that is so important. And I know that those troublesome ears of his aren't causing him endless discomfort anymore. I know it was time. The only thing I'm struggling with right now is that he might have been scared on our trip and I just hate that. But it was as good as it could have been and I will have to accept that. The only thing better I guess would have been if a vet had come to our house. Maybe I should have done that. It's done now though and he will know everything now, even if he didn't quite understand yesterday so that gives me comfort.

I'm thinking about making a painting of him with his fur, grown out (which we never did get to see while he was with us) standing on a rock, overlooking Rainbow Bridge down below. Kind of like Aslan from Narnia. I've only painted a few things and don't know if it will turn out, but if it does, I'll post it. If it doesn't, I won't! lol

Tomorrow is the first meeting I've set up for our local feral cat group and I've printed out two 11x17 pics of Barney to post on the wall for people to see. I will tell them about him and how he inspired the group and hope that he will continue to touch people and hopefully to make a change for other cats.


kt_luvs_kitties wrote:

RIP sweet Barney. You will never be forgotten. You are loved by so many people. I hope the bridge is all that you deserve and more.
You are so missed already
*HUGS* to you Lara. I cant even begin to imagine the pain you are feeling.
And thank you for loving Barney, with every single piece of your heart.

Thanks Katie. Everybody's posts have helped so much.

Jenn Librarian wrote:

...we wanted to love you so much you would almost have to get better. Unfortunately that didn't work, but you knew we loved you, I am sure of that.
...Dear Barney, I hope that you are now out of pain, and young again, and spry and jumping around at the Bridge. I hope you can hear all the birds and the crickets and insects that are there, and I hope you will be happy there, knowing that you have all of our love behind you.

...We all fell in love with you, and you have stolen many hearts in your short stay here. My heart will heal and I will see you again, one fine day. Love you Barney Frog.

Jenn, you're right, I think we did try and love him to good health but as you said, it just didn't work. Certainly not for a lack of trying though on everybody's part! He really was loved from near and far and I think about that alot.
I hope he can hear the birds and bugs too! What a neat thought.
Hope you had a good birthday yesterday, despite that sad part.

Karen wrote:

Rest in peace, sweet one, happy and in no pain at last. Love lives on, as will you in many, many hearts tonight and always.

Love does live on. Thanks Karen.

Purr_Tender wrote:

Lara you and Scott have a very special angel looking over you now. It will take some time for the huge hole in your heart to heal. We'll all still be here with you, grieving, and missing him. You were a blessing to Barney and you are so special and dear to me.
Gentle hug and a squeeze!
Mary

Thanks for that Mary, I really appreciate it and thank you for that poem. Yes, we all have a new angel today. He has a funny little face and gorgeous white wings!

weluvcats wrote:

What a wonderful memorial...You did such a tremendous thing for this precious angel...Like you said... "...This little cat just breaks my heart..." Barney broke all of our hearts, but what a legacy he leaves behind...All of us here at PT thinking, praying and remembering this sweet kitty...Many, many of us from, at last count, 5 different countries. Wow!
Thank you again, Lara, for sharing Barney with us...It has been a sad, wrenching time, but as it turns out, it has been a real gift, too. He will always be your special purr angel watching over you both...
Sleep Precious Barney...You are loved so very much, and will never be forgotten...Judy

You're right Judy, it has been a gift and I must remember it this way. It is so amazing that people from all over thought about Barney over the past few months and on a regular basis. His family was really very big!

Taz_Zoee wrote:

While I am very sad and heartbroken about Barney, I am also relieved to know he is no longer in pain. Also, I take comfort in the fact that he knew what love felt like in his last months here.
Thank you so much Lara and Scott (and Angela) for giving this to Barney.
RIP Barney

I'm also thankful that the pain is over. I have been reminding myself of this every now and then through the day and it helps. Thanks for your post and for posting about Angela. I should have written something about her in my post too. She loved him very much and he just adored her. There was something about the way she handled him. He trusted her so much. I used to think he could hear the soft way she spoke to him and thought that was it but then I learned that he was deaf. So I realized that it was her touch and a connection they had. Before I took him I was trying to convince her to take him and told her I thought he was her soul cat. But now I see that he turned out to be everybody's soul cat in one way or another.

Prairie Purrs wrote:

Thank you, Lara, for loving this sweet little cat and for sharing Barney's story with us. My heart is breaking right along with everybody else's.
Rest gently, Barney boy. You've left a legacy of love and courage.

That is the perfect word to describe Barney...Courage. That's it in a nutshell.

krazyaboutkatz wrote:

Lara, what a wonderful tribute. I'm sure that with your love and care that you made Barney's last few months some of the best that he's ever had. He was a little fighter but unfortunately his body just couldn't recover from his cancer and other health problems. Now he's painfree and running happily up at Rainbow Bridge. I'm sure that my RB Pepper was part of the greeting committee. Barney has touched so many lives here on PT and we'll never ever forget him. Some day you'll be able to see him again but for now he'll live in your heart forever. RIP sweet boy. Please take care Lara and Scott. (((HUGS)))

He was such fighter and so determined. He's probably ruling the roost up there in RB already! (or at least trying!) I hope Pepper is going to be okay with the new tough guy in town. His heart is all marshmellow though so I'm sure he's making lots of friends.

Cinder and Smoke wrote:

Keep Barney's Candles Burning

Rest In Eternal Peace, Dear Barney
For those who wish to keep a Memorial Candle burning for Barney >>>
Here's a direct link to Barney's Candle Group = BarnB
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...l=eng&gi=BarnB
Find and *click* on an UNlighted candle - it will become Your Candle for Barney.
Follow the instructions that will appear beside your candle.
Safe Trip, Barney!
{{{HUGS}}} to You and Lara & Scott
/s/ Phred

Thanks Phred. That's a neat idea to keep some candles going for awhile. It's comforting. I just lit a few more too. Thanks for the hugs.

Barbara wrote:

Sweet little Barney- thank you for touching our lives all over the world.
You have been loved and you paid that love back a thousand times.
Play happily at Rainbow Bridge.
Lara, it breaks my heart thinking of that drive. Now sit down and try to relax. You made the right decision

Thanks for your post. That drive really was so hard. I felt a million things all at once. I was sick to my stomach, scared with butterflies, guilt ridden, full of love and so sad. I burst into tears when one of the receptionist barely said anything, something like "this must be very hard for you" and that was it. I was a mess. The other receptionist asked me how long I'd had him and it sounded ludicrous when I said "just a few months". I even laughed because it just didn't make sense.
I was so thankful when it was over. The hardest part, just as it is for everyone when they go through this is the ability to change your mind and turn the car around, second guess yourself. But once it's done, it's done and there's no turning back. There is a peace in that.

Medusa wrote:

"Sweet little froggy face" describes Barney's appearance perfectly but only you and Scott were privileged to have the pleasure of his company. It's the outpouring of love and compassion for this little spirit, no, make that "big spirit w/a tiny body" that renews my faith in humanity. The love I felt was almost palpable and whenever I want to feel it again, I'll gaze upon his picture and be right back there. He was a blessing to the lives of all he touched in one way or another and he deserved the best and surely received it when he found you and Scott. RIP, sweet Barn-Barn. Peace to you and Scott, Lara.

It's so true Mary. It was a privilege and never a burden.
"big spirit in a tiny body" I love that. My faith has totally been renewed as well. I have never 'met' such a wonderful collective bunch of people in such a short time. Thank you for that gift Barney.

Sugaree wrote:

Rest In Peace Barney.

Thank you.

kb2yjx wrote:

Thank you Lara for being brave enough to love and care for this very special cat that brought so many people together...Barney may be gone, but there will be another cat that will come to one of us, who will need the same love and care, and again we will band together for the fight like we did for Barney.

Barney, your candle is still lit on the front porch, despite the wind we had last night. Like Phred suggested, I am going to keep your light going....I hope all our Angels were there to meet you at the Bridge. Can you just imagine the procession that took place as Barney was escorted over the Bridge??

Sleep softly Barney...

Thank you for keeping that porch candle burning Sandra. It is so neat that the wind didn't blow it out. Last night I lit a tea candle and put it on my desk while I typed his memorial post. It stayed lit until I said to my cat Sneakers "well, what do you think, is it bedtime?" and the candle went out, just like that! I smiled and said "good night Barney".

pomtzu wrote:

Barney Angel...
I feel so blessed to have known you and been a small part of your life, even tho it was across many miles. I'll never forget you, since you felt like part of my own family. So for now I am saying farewell, but never good-bye.
Play hard at RB, and enjoy all your days with new friends, knowing that you will be with Lara and Scott again one day.
Peace to you Barney, and to Lara and Scott as well.

He was/is a part of your family Ellie. I'm sure he knows how much you cared about him. He probably is whispering in Sherbie's ear about you right now in fact.
Giving him tips on how to work his way into your house! lol Barney was the master at that kind of thing as Moe pointed out in her post!

Bengalz wrote:

Barney your legacy will live on in many hearts - rest sweetly dear one.

I'm so grateful that he went from being homeless and potentially 'forgotten' to a very special boy with many loved ones.

Catty1 wrote:

Lara and Scott - I remembered the first time of joy with Barney, after he peed on the bed at the other home.
He got a bit stronger and actually went to the litterbox on his own the next time!
Barney, we were with your human purrents for every little victory, every ounce of weight you gained at the beginning - right to the end, with sad news, but hope against hope that something could be done for you.
And it was - you snuggled in Lara's lap in your blankie, and were content. You went to the Bridge, more loved than you ever had been.
I hope and pray you know the love you have, that you are free and happy.
Lara and Scott - hugs to you, THANK YOU for loving Barn-Barn in every way possible.

I remember that too, we were so proud of him when he showed us that he did know how to use the litterbox afterall! And that pound he gained was so awesome. Robin (the vet) and I almost high fived each other when we weighed him! We both started laughing because we were so ridiculously happy about it!
Thanks Candace.

Randi wrote:

Lara, thank you for a beautiful tribute to Barney. And thank you for all you have done for him.
Barney, you have walked an alley of almost a hundred candles, and you are now the Top Angel on the RB. I believe that Pjevs and Fister's mom, Mrs. Spot will be there to show you around and protect you.
Before you had to go, you got to know true love, and you have affected SO many humans in the best way. You have touched our hearts very deeply in the past few months.
Sleep softly sweet Barney - you were so loved and you will be in our hearts forever.

That is a nice thought that Pjevs and Mrs. Spot will be there for Barney. I meant to tell you that when I looked at the pic of Pjevs that you sent me, it reminded me so much of Barney!
Thanks Randi.

Rosethecopycat wrote:

Barney, I don't think you had any idea of what impact a ragged little cat could have on this earth. But you did.
Godspeed.

He really was a little ragamuffin. I never did get him completely cleaned up. He got so mad at me when I bathed him. I bet his white fur is as white as snow now and his black fur is shiney and soft. And those little feet of his! I loved his little feet. He always did those paddies and would cross his legs over each other. He sure knew how to melt a heart!

Pinot's mom wrote:

Lara and Scott, thank you for sharing that sweet froggy kitty with the world, he linked us all in a very special way, and I hope you know how much Barney meant to us. I'm sure, as someone else mentioned, he's had a grand entrance to the Bridge, and my savvy tomcat CK is holding one heck of a party (of many in his honor) to make sure Barney feels welcome! Now take a moment, realize how magical this space in time has been, and know that Barney is happy, healthy and free of pain.
You're wonderful people to have done this for Barney, and for us. Bless you!
Maggie

It does sound like he must be having the time of his life or 'afterlife' with all those wonderful RB cats up there like CK!
It really was a magical moment in time and I will continue to think about, I think forever. I'm so glad to have had Barney and Pet Talk these past few months. It has been very special.

Catholic wrote:

You will be forever missed, Barney. Hugs to Lara and Scott.

Thank you.

momtomany wrote:

Barney what a blessing you were to so many lives here on Pet Talk. I will miss that "sweet froggy" face that is etched in my mind. I will miss going daily to Cat Health right away to see the "Barney update". You brought people together in a way that was phenomenal. It was wonderful to read the words of eloquence that people wrote. It was wonderful to read the words from the heart that people wrote. I know for one that my life was enriched by all who shared and posted. Thank you for what you gave us.

Barney you were blessed with angels in Lara and Scott. Lara is an extraordinary person who opened her heart to share yours and hers incredible journey with you. God will look with favor on Lara for the compassion of her heart and Scott's also. Thank you Lara for what you shared and gave. Thank Scott also.

Barney, I know you are happy at the Bridge. You are healthy and in no pain. One day we will all get to see you again and be able to give you those scritches and scrathes and rubs we asked Lara to give to you.

Thank you sweet Barney and God for what you gave all of us...........an unbreakable bond between so many people in so many places.

Thank you for those words Julie.
I enjoyed reading all those great posts too. People shared so much. Everything from support, suggestions and ideas to poetry, pictures and now tributes. It was a communal thread.

3catcondo wrote:

Lara,
I have been thinking about you for 2 days straight, I hope you are holding up well. I want to thank you so much for the care, compassion and time that you blessed Barney with. You and Scott are truly wonderful people and Barney was blessed to have been introduced to you both. If you need anything, please let me know. I will never forget Barney and your acts of kindness to him. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart, sending hugs from VA to you.

Amy, thanks for all the thoughts over the last few days. I've been thinking about all you guys! I'm better today, just taking it a few hours at a time. I had to work all day which was a good distraction.
I too will never forget Barney or the kindness of all of you.

weluvcats wrote:

Here's hoping that Lara and Scott are hanging in there today...Most (if not all) of us have been where you guys are today. After all the agonizing and stress leading up to the end of such an ordeal, afterward you seem to go through a period where you're numb and just worn out emotionally. We're all thinking of you both today, and your sweet Barney. Know that we are always here for you guys...

Phred's suggestion of a memorial candle is a great one..I've already lit one for sweet Barney, as well as for my family's beloved purr angels keeping Barney company at the Bridge. What a wondeful site!

Hugs and prayers to you, Lara, Scott and Barney

It's so true, the time after Barney left for the Bridge left me with a feeling of exhaustion. Crying always does that though. But all the emotions and butterlies take their toll and you just want to wrap up in a blanket and go to sleep to make it all go away. Part of me woke up this morning wishing it had all been a bad dream but the other part of me, the more sensible part, was relieved that the 'day' was over and that Barney was at last, free. He deserves to be whole and healthy after that tough life he lived for who knows how many years. I hope he is having the most wonderful time right now surrounded by lots of friends.

Catmandu wrote:

Theres a special Animal Angel Army welcoming commitee to take Big Barney to the Saturday Animal Angel Fly in Movie Party where Barney will be the Guest Of Honor.
The Party this week is in Fiji, and Barney will get to pick from the buffet table first and sit in the rows of coches and lazy boys, all soft and know that he is in Paradise where he will never be ill or in pain, and that he will find a mate, and have a family of Eternal Animal Babies to mentor.
All thts neede to make this truly Paradise is for Barney to be reunited with his Loved Ones , so he may repay them for the love and care they showed him, and that made him a very happy Cat.
One Fine Day.

Fiji?!? How awesome. The weather here is so awful, horizontal rain and damp cold. Fiji is a much better place to be. I love the idea that Barney might find a mate! Perhaps she will look like our cat Sneakers. I think he really fell for her the other day when he laid eyes on her for the first time. But she is a Norwegian Forest Princess of course! LOL I think it was Tracey that told me that and ever since I told Sneakers of her royal lineage, we haven't heard the end of it! She meows more than ever (constantly, really) and demands that we cater to her every whim! lol Barney was very impressed with her.

Phesina wrote:

Rest in peace, dearest Barney; you are safe home at last.
God bless you, Lara and Scott, and thank you for all you have done for this sweet kitty. And thank you for sharing him with us.

Thank you guys for sharing him with me. I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Moesha wrote:

I was here last night while Lara was making the thread, but I couldn't stay awake to post. I woke this morning and my thoughts went to Barney and how far he came just in the last few months. He had been outside and then worked his way inside with Angela. Then he had the run of the house even though he wasn't supposed to even be in there. Then he worked his way over to Lara's place in the outbuilding. He had quite the setup there with his movies and everything else. Then he moved himself into the main house even though that wasn't part of the original plan. Again he was out and about allowed to enjoy the fire and music. I think Barney was quite the manipulator! I too will miss the daily and extensive updates on his adventures. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Who could blame you, it takes me FOREVER to post! lol
Your post really brought a smile to my face. I never really thought of it that way but that little guy probably knew exactly what he was doing! Giving me those sad eyes and holding paws with himself! That little stinker! He had me from the first froggy meow! We knew he was an amazing cat but I think we can now add 'brilliant' to his list of qualities!

[weluvcats]

this has been. I went back tonight and looked over this entire thread from beginning to end, and it struck me again what an amazing thing has happened through this whole saga with our sweet Barney. It's so easy to get caught up in life's garbage and to get hardened and cynical about so many things, but strangely enough, one sweet, sick, lonely and bedraggled little cat ended up bringing so many together on his behalf. I am so grateful to have found PT and the wonderful, compassionate, and caring people here. What an extraordinary community of people you all are!

And thank you again Lara, for making this experience possible by sharing your precious Barney and his story with us.

Judy

[CultureJunky]

I hope you had a safe trip to the bridge Barney, there will be so many Pet Talk angels waiting to greet you, say hi to Jack for me, you will now be transported back to how you were in your prime, beautiful fur, bright eyes, puffy tail....have fun there, there will be many that want to see you again one day