When I retired and we began full-time RVing Barney was with us 24/7 and enjoyed every minute of it. I promised him he could smell as many bushes across America as his little schnauzer heart desired. He did a pretty good job of it, too!
Barney made sure I was up and out of the RV to take him for a walk at least twice a day. He met nearly every RVer in the park wherever we stayed and everyone enjoyed being his friend. You see, Barney didn’t have any enemies, only friends. In fact, he was directly responsible for my making many new RV friends because he made sure I got out and visited folks in the RV park. Now that I think of it, perhaps it was Barney who was taking me for a walk.
He was very patient, allowing me to speak with my friends during the walk. It wasn’t uncommon for him to just lie down until the conversation ran its course. I remember taking him out on dark Arizona nights and being amazed at the splash of glorious stars. If it weren’t for Barney, I wouldn’t have seen nearly as many starry nights.Barney visited national parks and campgrounds all over the United States and Canada.
After nearly sixteen years as a faithful companion, traveling with us in many different RVs, Barney is no longer with us. Today I held him and wept as the vet administered the injection and he drifted painlessly off to sleep. It’s an emotional wound I know will heal with time. I will think of our noble Barney every time I see another RVer walking their beloved pets.
Take a little extra time to love your pets today; they truly are amazing friends! Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
21 comments:
A great tribute, Jim.
I always remember the time in Visalia, I think, when Barney would play tug-of-war wth a sock.
I'm sorry for your loss. From the sounds of it you and Barney shared an exceptional life.
So sorry for your loss, but he'll be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge! God Bless.
Oh Jim can I relate, three times in fact. I dread going through it again. I think the greatest pain comes from knowing they trust you endlessly as you hold them in the final minutes. And the healing takes so long, at least until the the next one comes into your life.
Gene S.
He truly was an amazing ambassador of goodwill. I never saw him grumpy even when children or cats surely had to be trying his patience. If meekness can be ascribed to a dog then surely Barney had that quality in spades.
Love you both so much.
Jim, I am so sorry for your lost. I too have lost several companions in my life. Its like losing a family member.
take care,
Sharon
Jim, Miss Bette joins me in sending out condolences on Barney's passing. We sent out beloved Christy to her final rest after 16 years a few years ago, and said we were through, but today we have Buster, who has the same atributes as your Barney. He always helps us meet out campground mates too. Hoping your pain will soon pass, and you'll find comfort in your memories.
Jim Bob and Miss Bette
http://jimbobmissbetteandbuster.blogspot.com
Dear Jim,
Thank you for sharing. Our two dogs are now 10 years old. I dread what lies ahead. So we will just continue to accept their love and give ours in return.
Jim,
We to love our mini schnauzers, the three we have now, and the three that have passed on over the last 20 years... All being loyal,always loving furry children. I refer to the motorhome as being "their" motorhome. I'm sure Barney also let you drive his RV, since he was your roadtrip partner. One can never replace a great companion, but someday maybe you will be able to fill the hole in your heart he has left...
Until we all meet up with our furry friends at Rainbow Bridge...
Thank you for this touching tribute - many blessings to you, your family, and the wonderful Barney!
I am so sorry for your loss. I travel with my 9 dogs, 1 cat, 2 parrots and a little wild starling that I have had for 11 years. Each and everyone one of them are my best friends and constant companions. I know what it's like to lose a precious member of your family. Just remember all the joy Barney brought you for all those years.
Jim Our sympathy goes out to you and your wife. John and I lost Katie at 14 last Jan 07, but in April two more precious furry friends joined us. We could not believe how empty the LUXOR became - and now it is so full.
A small child once said that the reason dogs don't live as long as people is becasue as soon as they are born they're naturally friendly and they don't need years of training to learn to be superior beings.
Our hearts go out to you. Peggi and John
www.rvliving.net
Jim;
I truly understand what you are going thru, having just lost our Jack Russell, "Spencer" after 8 years of traveling with us. It left a mighty big hole in our hearts. We were doggie deprived for about a month when we found Sophie in a Jack Russell rescue kennel. She is well on her way to filling that hole. Best to you.
Walt
"If there are no dogs in Heaven,
then when I die I want to go
where they went."
Will Rogers, 1897-1935
So sorry for your loss. The pain from losing a loved pet is hard to get over. I said I'd never have another one, but we did get another dog. Our beloved dog will soon be 11 and I dread the time when we will have to say goodbye to her. Hope you will find comfort in the memories you have of the good times you had with your beloved pet.
Hi Jim -
We said goodbye to our faithful Yorkie - Oboe - two weeks ago. He stayed with us for sixteen years and both my wife and I wept as the vet administered the shot. We took him home and buried him next to his companion of many years - Piccolo. We hope to be with them again, in eternity.
Know that many of us share your loss.
Jim, it is a sad time for you I know and a reawakening of the sadness I still feel at losing my RV'ng friend for most of her 12 years. Last year in November I too had to hold her for the last time and even now I sit here with tears in my eyes, a Cock a Poo who was colored exactly as your Barney, often the groomers cut her as a Schnauser which was just fine. I have her ashes and want them placed in my grave when I go. I read several references to Rainbow Bridge, it is my prayer that there is such a place, I want no golden mansions, ahh but to be able to play in a meadow throughout eternity with such noble companions as surely reside there, now that is Heaven. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate.
I explained to St. Peter that I'd rather stay here, outside the pearly gates.
I won't be a nuisance, I won't even bark.
I'll be very patient and wait.
I will be here, chewing on my celestial bone, no matter how long you may be.
I will miss you so much, but if I went in alone, it just wouldn't be heaven for me.
I understand ... your loss is real. Barney looked like such a great friend. Stay well.
I share your grief Jim. I too, held my "best dog" Ty who had failing kidneys. It is a painful loss but at least I could say goodby. He is buried in our pet cemetary along with some of his other friends. Bless you for taking such good care of Barney.
Jim, I too lost a mini schnauzer after 16 years of loyal friendship. And then another 4 months later at 14 years of age. Both loved going camping with us and enjoying the outdoors and many walks. We miss them very much and hope that our last schnauzer can last as long as both the others.
Post a Comment