Beautifully said, Shari. You captured exactly what I felt when Barney visited Catie and Riley. And that seems like lifetimes ago now. That box of mementoes and stories must be pretty darn hefty now. That little purple Dino has been well travelled and well loved, well slobbered, and well dressed. Love him and all he represents.

Beautifully said, Shari and I couldn't agree more! The box of mementos and the journal are both amazing. I originally just wanted him to visit because I thought it would be fun (which it also totally was) and good blog-fodder (which it also totally was). But it was so much more than that!

I was very touched by his visit and reading the journal made me feel connected to everyone who had him before. I wrote down a quote that someone had written in the journal and put it on my blog: (I can't remember now who I snitched this from but I think it sums up the Barney experience very well.)

"I cannot begin to express my gratitude over this Barney. I believe he carries strength from all the tripawd and quad-pawds he's visited. He has been a great source of comfort to us during his visit."

"It’s been an honor to host Barney. The Tripawds family has been so great and supportive and it’s nice to have something tangible we can all share that brings a good laugh along with it. Barney is a great symbol for sharing our strengths, our hopes and even a laugh in the face of tough times."

Shari,

That is exactly how I felt when I opened the box.  I was going through some physical scares myself, and I got Barney right in the middle of it.  I didn't feel strong enough to handle the "distraction". 

I did sit down though and cried and got the "heart tears", the deep pain in your chest that comes with longing, knowing that some of your pup friends who touched this are now at the bridge.  I had longed for them to still be with us.  I held on to barney tightly and thought that I could almost feel my friends.

It was too emotional for me to deal with at the time, so he went on to see JD's mom. 

Someday I hope to host him, but now I have my dad's stuff going on...

Elizabeth and Sammy

I read this forum a month ago when Shari first posted.  Of course I was particularly interested because Jewels and Aspen happened to be the next hosts after Dakota and Evelyn.  I didn't want to share in the conversation yet because my experience with Barney was yet to be told.  Now I've finally sent him on his way to his next secret mission and feel like I can contribute a little here.

At first when Shari offered Barney to us I had no idea what or who he was.  I thought to myself, "What is this Barney that Shari is offering to send us?"  I was really puzzled until I did some research here and realized what the whole KillBarney tour was about.  I wrote Shari back and told her I wasn't sure that Barney would get to us in time for Jewels to enjoy him.  We had just received confirmation that her lung "mints" were so advanced that she would have only weeks left.  She was declining pretty quickly and the dreaded "day" could happen anytime very soon.

Shari explained that a few other tripawds were hosting Barney at the time they crossed and that it was really more about bonding with our community here.  Of course she also understood if I declined because, after all I am a busy mom, the holidays were coming and of course much of my energy was spent on Jewels.  But I started reading her blog about Barney's visit and I got a great laugh!  At the time I was so depressed and sad knowing that I wouldn't have Jewels around much longer that to be able to smile like that was priceless.  I thought to myself, well perhaps I can make others laugh who would need to smile too.   And I thought I could make it all work since I was taking some extended leave for the holidays anyway and this activity would allow me to have some fun.  It was a little bit of a distraction but it would still keep me focused on my sick girl during the end of her journey in this life.  So it worked out perfectly and Barney did indeed provide for me some of the strength and comfort that I need at a very crucial time.

So my blog about "James" Barney's visit can be read here for those of you who have not yet read it and might be interested.  Through the eyes of monkeydog Aspen, we find that Barney has served a wonderful purpose for my family.

Thanks so much Shari for sending Barney to us!  Barney did indeed turn some frowns upside down.  I have more fond memories of the time spent with my girl Jewels during the last few weeks of her life.  Yes, the items in the box felt almost "sacred" to me because of what they represent as you all so beautifully expressed here.  And I did not feel so alone anymore.  The experience of being the privileged pawrent of a tripawd is so unique.  I felt even closer to this community and grateful that it is here to hold me up when I was feeling really down.  

And yes, Nicole, Barney's squeaker still works!