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labblab
12-02-2005, 04:04 PM
Today is the day that my sweet Barkis would have been eleven years old. As some of you know from reading my past posts, we lost him a year ago last August to what we believed was an enlarging pituitary macrotumor. He was the first puppy for my husband and me. He was a yellow Lab, and such a handsome boy. We adored him, and he adored us. He filled our lives with his playfulness and his devotion. I felt as if my heart had broken in two when we lost him. At that time, I was especially grateful for the "Pet Loss Support" topic that was on this board. In the afternoons (when we should have been going for our walks), I would sit in my quiet and empty house, and ache from missing him so much. It was such a help to be able to post on this board, and know that whoever was reading would understand.

Our house is once again a joyful place, with the addition of our little black Lab girl. She was born one month after Barkis died, and my husband and I laughingly say that Barkis must have been coaching her during that month. She has so many of the same "tricks" up her sleeve! And like him, she is also a sweetheart.

But I will never forget my sweet boy, and all that he meant to me. We could not have asked for a finer companion. He would have laid down his own life to protect either one of us. I will always remember how joyfully he greeted every single day, and how beautiful and strong and healthy he once was, as he raced through the grass and hurled himself into "his" lake. I will especially remember being curled up on the couch together every evening, our "paws" touching, and the comfort that he gave me. He had always been such a proud and happy dog. And that is why, when his body was failing, we felt we had no choice but to set his spirit free. Happy Birthday, sweet Barkis! We will always remember and love you.

Marianne

acushdogsmom
12-02-2005, 05:30 PM
Dear Marianne,

What a wonderful and loving tribute you've written about your beloved Barkis. I will always remember him too, even though I never met him in person, because I came to feel as if I knew him through the posts you have written here, so lovingly, about him.

We'd love to have some photos of Barkis (and your new little black Lab girl too) in our gallery, if you would like to do that. Then I can "put a face to his name" so to speak, when I think of him. :)

Members can upload their own pictures into the photo gallery, but you can also use the "contact us" link to write to Mary and then she will reply to you and give you her e-mail address so that you can send her some photos to post on your behalf.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued participation in our community. I'm sure it's sometimes difficult for you to come here and yet you do, and I think you've been a great help to some of the folks here.

Sending (((hugs))) to you and your new little girl and I'll be lighting a candle tonight in honor of Barkis' birthday.

bgdavis
12-02-2005, 05:43 PM
Marianne,

Such a beautiful memory you hold of your boy. I would love to see a picture of him as well. And your new girl also. I found that the first year after losing my little Dinky Bear was the worse. I mentally would say, a month ago, he was here...and two months ago, he got sick...and 6 months ago....

I had a long cry on the one year anniversary of his death and then began to get better.

Bonnie