How Barney Came to Live With Us

On June 29, 2009 I was out in our front yard and next thing I knew a white bundle of fur was wrapped around my leg with a “hi!’ smile. Collar, no tag. I didn’t want him to get hurt and I put him in the back yard then inside the house when it got too hot.

This little guy acted as if he’d always lived here and he got along with Bogie, my Chihuaua/Yorkie. What was I to call him? Barney popped into my head and he responded to it right away. Yes, I was good and called the shelter to make a found dog report. I told her I had a Westie who was probably 2 or 3 years old.

Barney is affectionate, loves to play, high energy, but good around Bogie, and even protective with him. It was love all the way around. Barney had a blankie in my office and would lie there or in my chair while I wrote on my laptop. He also hung out downstairs, sitting with my mom in her chair or on the couch.

Then it happened. Monday I saw a lost dog poster on a nearby lamppost, but said a white mini Schnauzer. Same color collar and was lost the same day Barney appeared in our yard. And I was positive it was Barney even if I thought he was a Westie.I was in love with this dog, but I had to do it! I called and it was him, and his name was Simon, although he responded to Barney better than Simon. :}

He lived maybe 15 houses down from us and it was the longest walk I ever took. The owner, a very nice widow, was so happy to see him back. And I was sad. She had another dog, but her life was also taking some serious turns. I left almost crying, because Barney had been such a strong part of our lives. But she said if she moved, she could only take the older dog and would I take Barney. I told her I'd take him in a heartbeat. I did the right thing and I felt like it sucked to be an adult. But it was a no brainer to return Barney to his owner.

Bogie searched for Barney all Monday evening and we all missed him. I love Bogie, he’s my spoiled baby, but Barney had become a part of our family.Then the surprise. I got a call two days after I returned Barney. The owner said she’d been thinking about it and she asked if I still wanted Barney. That she felt it was for the best. You can figure out my answer.

When I showed up, Barney looked at me as if to say "so where have you been?" When I brought him back he ran into the house as if he never left it and he was one happy puppy.

Funny thing – I was right. Barney’s two years old. He turned three in August. I have all his papers and we’re all one big happy family.

He's a total goofball, has what I call a Tigger hop when he's excited and very playful and vocal. Funniest thing he does is give us 'dinner and a show'. He drags out his huge green octopus every night after dinner and humps it. He came with one and for obvious reasons I had to replace it. Luckily, I was able to find the same thing.

So, that’s the saga of Barney. A happily ever after ending.

Linda