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Newfoundlands => Newfoundland Discussions => : BarkleysMum May 19, 2006, 09:36:35 AM
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6:40 p.m. tonight. My husband and I will take him together and stay with him while he crosses the bridge. He's getting that big old steak for supper, whatever treats he wants, and a whole lotta loving for the rest of the afternoon here.
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I am so sorry!!! :'( :'( Our condonlences are with you and your family. Barkley had a wonderful happy life! :'(
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I am SOOO sorry! Tears flowing here!! I know what it's like to have to do this and I can't stand it!!! It just hurts so bad! Please know we are with you!! My two Landseers are at the Bridge and will be waiting to greet Barkley with drools and kisses and lots of romps! :'( :'( :'(
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Sweetie you are doing the best for your boy - it the greatest act of a mother's love, and the most difficult. My heart aches for y'all and my thoughts are with you and your family.... and of course with Barkley. Rest in peace sweet boy!
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Oh my goodness, I am so sorry for you - tears are flowing right now :'(
Please enjoy your day with Barkley, he will appreciate that so much. Don't be sad - be happy with him, at least until he has crosses the bridge.
My heart aches so much for you, I feel for you completely and am sending thoughts and prayers your way all day today.
Please give Barkley a great big hug from Kate & I, and please give yourself one from us too. Our Slater boy is waiting patiently for Barkley at the bridge. He will receive a warm welcome with lots of drooly kisses! :-*
You are freeing your darling boy from pain, you are doing the right thing, as hard as it is... ;)
Kelly & Kate :-*
Edited to add: I love your avatar picture of Barkley by the way, what a handsome fellow. He will NEVER be forgotten here on BPO :-*
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My thoughts with you and your family.
Wind to thy wings Barkley, you are loved, and will be missed.
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Our thoughts are with you and Barkley. You have given him such a wonderful life. Our first newfie, Molly, is waiting for Barkley at the bridge. Please know we'll be thinking of you all today and tonight. :'(
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I was searching for some eloquent phrase to give you some comfort. I think this comes closest to what I'm feeling:
Kahlil Gibran:
... joy and sorrow are inseparable. . . together they come and when one sits alone with you . . . remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.
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I too want to let you know how badly I feel for you, your family and Barkley. You are giving him the ultimate gift of your love. Remember him, reminince about him and your love for him and of course, his love for you.
I will be thinking about you and your beloved Barkley. So sorry you have to go thru this but it is soooo painful because we love them Sooooo much.
By the way, I'm sitting at my desk crying.
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Myself and Angus send you and Barkley our warmest hugs. Our thoughs will be with you and your family.
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My thoughts are with you in this sad time. Barkley will always know how much you love him.
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Rosie (my first Pyr) will waiting at the bridge for Barkley! Tonight Sugar Bear, Dixie, and I will be at Rosie's grave saying a prayer for you, your family and dear Barkley. :'( :'( :'( I will add a flower to her grave just for Barkley, she loves to share.
Lisa
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 My thoughts are with you and Barkley.
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I'm sooo sorry. I'm glad his last day will be filled with treats and love. Sending good thoughts your way. Give Barkley a big hug and slobbery kisses from me Kali and Lacey.
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I am so sorry. I wish there was more that we could do for you and your family. We're here for you whenever you need us. Big Newfy hugs and kisses to you all.
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oh little pupper!!
I'm soooo sorry!! I'll leave it at that. :) Happy Trails to the bridge, big boy!
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I am so sorry to hear that. Doing that right thing is sooooooo hard. My heart is absolutely breaking for you. :'( I don't have any wise words for you, so I'll just pass along this poem that a good friend sent to me the day I put my Kerry down.
FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND
You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.
Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.
-In memory of Asta, Feb. 1997
by Karen Clousten
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I'm feeling your pain. It's so difficult, but you know that it is time.
I never had the opportunity to meet Barkley, but I am crying for both of you. :'(
Can't continue to read the threads - can't read through the tears. I'm thinking about you. :'(
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I am so sorry to hear about Barkley. You and your family are in my thoughts.
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:'( Can barely see through the tears to type. I'm so sorry. I hope it brings you some peace to know that he won't have to suffer anymore.
As Melissakins is doing, I will light a candle for him this evening.
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My thoughts are to you and your family at this time.
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You have given him a wonderful life and are letting him go with grace. It is such a hard thing to go through. I am so sorry for your loss.
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The tears are just rolling down my face.... MY thoughts and prayers are with you...
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Barkley was a very special guy to have touched the lives and hearts of so many of us that never even met him. He and you all will be in my thoughts and prayers today.
Stella
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I am so darn sorry!...We all knew this sad day was coming but I just wish it wasn't today. :'( I will be thinking about you, your hubby & Barkley tonight around that time...We are having a bonfire & I'm gonna throw in a package of sparklers in honor of Barkley's life & I will say a prayer for his peaceful passing...God Speed Barkley!...You touched so many of us here at BPO...The world is a much better place because you loped through it!...Your big paws have left footprints in all of our hearts.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Barkley. I hope that he will meet all his wonderful friends over the Rainbow Bridge and be free of all his troubles. God Speed Barkley.
Anita & the 3 Newfies from NJ
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I am so sorry for you. It truely isnt fair that our friends have such a short time with us while many people live long lives who dont deserve that gift.
Many of us have been in your shoes and know how you are feeling. I hope that you enjoy the rest of the day with him. Barkley and you family are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Words can't describe how you must feel. I'm truly sorry. But you are doing the best thing. I know it might not feel like it, but you are. My boy Benny is waiting up there for Barkley. He will love playing with him! I will be praying for God to give you strength and just hold him and love him as much as you can. Barkley is much loved, by us and you. Thank you for introducing him to us, including me. I'll be praying for you.
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I'm so sorry that you are going through this. You and Barkley will be in our thoughts.
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i will look for that new star in the sky tonight, shining so bright to let you know that he is okay, and has made it to the bridge, where he'll be waiting for you..
i am SOO sorry! and our thoughts and prayers are with you even more now than ever... and if you need anything just let us know! we may live far, but in the love of dogs we are all so close.
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:'( My eyes are filled with tears as I write this. I'm so sorry. Barkley is such a lucky boy to have such a loving Family. I know he has truly blessed your life. You remain in our thoughts and prayers, especially tonight.
Sending you hugs!
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Wait, she's in Nova Scotia, right???
It's 6:27 PM there......
I didn't realize that Barkley was in Nova Scotia...I've said a prayer for him & his family & tonight I will light up the fire with a bunch of sparklers to celebrate his life...I am sure all the angles in Heaven wait a turn to pet his furry head!
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I just placed some flowers on Rosie's grave for Rosie and Barkley. The pink roses are for Rosie and the white gardenia is for Barkley. Godspeed to a very special place Barkley. :'( :'(
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It's funny....I was thinking the same thing. Where else in the world could you be so loved and comforted in losing part of your heart: also called a dog in some societies!!
Barkley, your soul is with all of us! God Speed, buddy!!!
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I don't know what to say. It is hard to type throught the tears. God speed Barkley.
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Oh sweet Barkley , you're free now , no more pain ! Barkley's mom , I am so sorry *hugs* Just think , when you go to heaven you'll have a gorgeous newfie waiting for you !That's everybody's dream ! I'm praying for you , we all love Barkley and you so much !
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:'( :'(My tears are falling for you and your family as well. As I looked over Barkley's Paw Print, I realized that you brought as much joy to Barkley as he did to you. You gave him the opportunity to have a great life bringing him home from the SPCA. :)
No more pain now for Barkley. :) But I am so sorry for the decision you had to make and the heartbreak you face this weekend and into the days ahead. :-* <<<hugs>>>
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I was searching for some eloquent phrase to give you some comfort. I think this comes closest to what I'm feeling:
Kahlil Gibran:
... joy and sorrow are inseparable. . . together they come and when one sits alone with you . . . remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.
I saw this thread earlier and could not bring myself to post. I think Einstein's Mom's quote above expresses my feelings quite well.
While I was not privileged enough to have met Barkley I feel a loss just as I am sure everyone else on BPO does. Barkley you have touched many people most of whom only know you through your Mom's eyes. You have always been loved, now you will also be missed. Our family sends our condolences. Kali and Tim
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I am completely and absolutely overwhelmed by you amazing people. From the bottom of my broken heart, thank you. You have filled me up over the past weeks, and especially today, in ways that I could never be able to describe to others and have them believe. The pictures of candles and flowers, the gifts of poems, the shared tears, the wishes of godspeed and the promise of all your amazing buddies waiting to welcome Barkley at the bridge helped me through this day, and gave me the words I needed to speak to him, and to our two boys, tonight.
I may write more in the Bridge section, but wanted to let you all know what took place while it's still vivid for me.
I spent the last three hours that we had alone in the house here just sitting on the basement floor with him. He wouldn't eat or drink, so we just hung out and talked. I swear he nodded at me a few times. In fact, once I said "did you just nod?" and he nodded! :D He always was a smart guy ... understood every word we were saying and could put us on ignore when it was convenient.
My husband's two boys ended up coming to us unexpectedly tonight, which turned into a mixed blessing. The youngest joined Barkley and I on the floor, and my heart broke as he cuddled his buddy and sobbed. Then he started to tell me about a book that he had read at school that spoke of a bridge that dogs cross, and when they cross they are given a drink from a fountain called the fountain of memory. This drink lets them remember all the good things about the people who love them. (This boy is 8 and never ever fails to amaze me) Through his sobs he said "I want Barkley to remember that I love him, and that I fed him cookies, and that I didn't want him to go yet".
When it got close to the time, we got Barkley up. He walked on his own, with just a little help, to the truck. He has never just lay in the truck for any trip, but tonight he just lay down. There is no doubt in my mind that he was ready to cross tonight.
We walked into the clinic and his favourite vet assistant was working. She took us all into the room where she had made the most awesome, comfy bed for him on the floor. He immediately lay down right on the bed. She cuddled him for a bit before leaving. They let us have some time with him in there, and then the vet came in. We had decided that my husband would go with the kids to the waiting area while I stayed with Barkley. I thought I was really going to mind it, but in the end, it was a blessing for me to be alone with him.
As my husband said, it was a fitting end. I brought him home from the SPCA alone (we weren't married when Barkley and I found each other) and I brought him home to the bridge alone.
He placed his head in lap and locked eyes with me. I stroked his head, and told him it was ok, and how very much I loved him. The vet and the tech were both telling him what a good guy he was ... and how strong and brave he was ... and what a good friend he was. His paw sagged as the light faded from his eyes. He gave a very large, relieved sigh .... and a few seconds later, gave a second softer, peace filled sigh. And it was done.
We covered him with a blanket. They left me with him and I was able to say goodbye on my own. I put his head gently down on the pillows. He looked like he always did when he lay in his wonky leg position on the floor at home.
And then gathered my little family up and came home to our Sheba girl. She got some extra lovings tonight as a thank you for her patience and kindness toward her buddy the last few weeks.
Thank you all again. I don't think I'll ever be able to express what your support has meant to me - to know that I had a place to go where people understood that your dog is more than just a dog - he is part of your life.
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I'm with Tina on this...I can't see through the tears and we have dinner guests arriving in 5 minutes!!!
You did do the kindest thing and I know how it hurts. I feel, through your words, as if I knew Barkley and I already miss him. Please continue to post how you and your family are doing. I care; we care!!!
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Well I just finished cuddling with Zoey so she could wipe away my tears from having read your story :'(
I am sure Barkley is looking down on your from doggy heaven and thanking you for all the love that you gave him
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I'm crying and I'm sorry-I don't know what to tell you. Sadie came over as I started tearing up and put her head in my lap. They're special, and you just have to hold on to the good memories. Take care.
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I too am at a loss for words. :'( Know that we are here for you.
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I know you and your family are hurting from the loss of your dear friend, but know that we all send you our best hopes and good thoughts. Good bye dear barkley.
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He's playing with them all now. All of our over the bridge pals. They're playing and howling and running and eating every kind of food they want! I can just see them. I'm again very sorry for your loss. Please know you did what is best, and Barkley knows you loved him so much.
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I am so darn sorry!...We all knew this sad day was coming but I just wish it wasn't today. :'( I will be thinking about you, your hubby & Barkley tonight around that time...We are having a bonfire & I'm gonna throw in a package of sparklers in honor of Barkley's life & I will say a prayer for his peaceful passing...God Speed Barkley!...You touched so many of us here at BPO...The world is a much better place because you loped through it!...Your big paws have left footprints in all of our hearts.
We not only threw sparklers on the fire...I had my friend bring over some Roman Candles & we shot them to the Heavens!!!...In Iowa, we celebrated Barkely's life in style for him! ;D :-* & after the fireworks were done my family & every guest here had a full minute of silence for Barkley...I know Barkely barked the bark of happiness when the fireworks went off & felt our love when we quietly mourned him...Here in Iowa Barkely knows it was a good thing. :)
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:'( I am so sorry. I will light a very special candle for yuor special boy.
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oh my goodesss... just like everyone else let me just wipe away my tears... what an amazing mom you've been to barkley.. he was a VERY lucky pup..
i do have to say.. last night, i went outside to let fumble out, and before i could even look up, i saw this star glimmering through the trees, and when i say it was glimmering, it was shining. then i looked up and there were no other stars in the sky... here in new england, barkley was letting us know that he shined bright down here and now he's shining even brighter in heaven.Â
our thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time. fumble sends more hugs and kisses. i send human hugs (those big bear ones, tight that just don't let go)
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I'm so sorry to hear abour Barkley, but rest assured our Big Clyde was there to meet him at the bridge.
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With tears in my eyes, I am sorry to hear about Barkley, just know that you were the one that loved him and gave him the life he had. He will remember that. We will light a candle for him tonight.
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:'( Words fail to express how sorry I am that this happened. I hope you can find peace and comfort right now. You did your best for Barkley. My thoughts are with you.
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Thank you so much for sharing your last moments with your sweet Barkley. I feel as if I knew him through all of your posts. My heart breaks for you & your family and I honestly can't stop my tears. You continue in my prayers!
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Words can not express the sadness & pain... I have been there myself... :'(
Just remember the special times you shared & know that your love & kindness will stay with him forever...
Sampson & I send our love & prayers to you & your family.
-kristi.
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Peace, Barkley.
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Sandy... Thank you so much for sharing Barkley us - he was an amazing pup and will forever live on in all of us. The tears rolled while reading the posts leading up to his crossing and I knew I would boo-hoo when reading your post of Barkley's final moments - but I also knew I had to read it, for Barkley... and oh yes the tears flowed... but it was beautiful what you did for your special boy - his crossing was tender, compassionate and full of love! I have yet to face what you have... but I have a senior pup... and although Blu is healthy and vital now - I know one day I will face that same difficult decision... and will remember the strength and courage you displayed in the name of love for your Barkley!