Thursday, March 22, 2007

goodbye Barkley

Today was a sad day. Chet's dog, Barkley, was run over and killed by a truck he was chasing down our dirt road. Chet is absolutely heartbroken, which breaks my heart. This is the dog he got when he was so sick and wanted a dog of his own so badly, and the two of them have been inseperable since then. The only time Barkley wasn't under Chet's feet was if Chet was gone. All we had to say to him was 'Barkley, where's your boy?" and that little dog would get all excited and start barking.

Chet helped Jack bury him, and then he built the cross. The kids all gathered a bunch of the flowers that are growing in our yard. You can't see it because he wrote in pencil, but Chet put a eulogy of sorts on the cross. It says, "Dear Barkley. You were my best friend. God I love you. I will never have another dog like you. And if I ever have another dog I will teach it to not chase cars on the street. Love Chet." ( I would probably laugh about that last part a little if I wasn't feeling so down tonight.)

It hasn't been a good afternoon in a lot of ways, and I am not trying to be cryptic, but I just don't want to talk about it all right now. We have had a lot of bad news, but we are going to get through it like we always do.

There were good things today... I had parent teacher conferences for all of the kids in school, and all five of them are working hard and doing a great job. All of them have worked really hard in the subjects they have been struggling with and have brought their grades up in those subjects, and Jessica and Chet both made honor roll. I am really proud of all of them tonight.

6 comments:

Johanna said...

Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear about Barkley...I can only imagine how Chet is hurting. I am also sorry about your other bad news. You will get through this though...I know you will. Please give Chet a hug for us.

Sarah Murphy said...

so very sorry about Chets dog. My family lost our dog the day after christmas. I think it's neat that you have a memorial. I wish we could have done something like that. Take care Jenn, If you ever need to talk call or write. Hope your other stuff gets worked out. I will be praying for you and your family. hugs~ Sarah

Dale Anne Potter said...

Oh How sad!
I hope for Barkley's sake it was quick as I hate seeing them suffer when something like this happens.
{{{{{HUGS}}}}
Here is a poem a friend sent me when I had to put down my dog 5 years ago (a tumor and old.

Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Anonymous said...

Jenn,

I am sorry to hear about Barkley. I hope your family is doing well with the loss of your family pet. I am also sorry to hear that you are having trials at this time. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

-Sharla Hunt

Anonymous said...

Ahh Sorry to hear abt that Jen and Jack.. plus Chet..

Hugs from Vegas

Mas

Anonymous said...

Please give Chet a kiss for me and tell him that I am really sorry about the loss of his dog. Being a dog lover my heart breaks for him. {{{Hugs}}}