Just got an email from a former neighbor about his dog, Barney.

In October, 2001, my neighbor's son was on his boat in the middle of the Catalina Channel, off the SoCal coast. It was mid day, clear and calm, and there were no other boats within miles. He was about 13 miles equidistant between Catalina and the mainland.

About 10 degrees off the port bow he saw a splash in the water and what he thought was the head of a small seal, common to the area. As he approached he realized it was the head of a small dog!

Long story short, he pulled aboard a young beagle/terrier mix, suffering from exhaustion and dehydration, but otherwise okay.

Barney went on to become my neighbor's friend and companion, and the darling of the neigborhood. He oversaw the landscaping and supervised the mail delivery for 5 houses in each direction. He attended every barbque and every pool party, greeted all the guests, and protected every child.

He was a joy to us all, and returned the favor of his rescue with 12 years of love and companionship.

In remembering Barney, it's hard to decide who benefited more from the events of that day, Barney, or the people who's lives he went on to enrich.


Barney passed the other day. RIP, my friend.

quote:

Originally posted by TWL:
In remembering Barney, it's hard to decide who benefited more from the events of that day, Barney, or the people who's lives he went on to enrich.

Ain't it the truth!

friar