by ROS PETHERICK
We have a well of grief inside ourselves which no tears can lessen.
The house seems a very empty place without Mr Rubble - he was large in all ways including personality. A big dog with a big heart.
We've spent the day weeping and trading Barney memories - most make us laugh - Barney trying to suckle our young puppy (Elisabeth), his obsession with licking our cats (they didn't always appreciate the attention), his generosity in sharing food, bones, treats with all our other beasties, his crazy antics in the snow (he went mad for catching "snow bubbles" & could never quite understand why this "ball" suddenly dissolved in his mouth), his persistent mining for moles (we have holes in our fields which will bear testament to Barney's digging capabilities for years to come), his bland assumption that he would come anywhere and everywhere with us (and he did!) - visiting, shopping, sightseeing, you name it he was there. Barney "helping" us take the shopping trolley back to the trolley park, Barney dribbling in the queue for the drive-in at McDonalds (he always had a cheeseburger and chips), Barney knocking over ashtrays and hot drinks with his huge waggly tail (if there had been a Crufts award for the waggiest tail he would have won by a mile or more), but mainly Barney just being there constantly under your feet, always by your side, always looking up with those wise old adoring eyes.
He was the most affable of dogs, not a vicious bone in his body - he loved everyone and everything. He idolised my partner, Mandy, she could do more with him with one crook of her little finger than I ever could with my bawling and shouting and tellings off. He was one of life's nice guys - happy go lucky, always up to mischief, In human terms he was a drinking, smoking, going down the pub and telling jokes sort of dog.
I wish I'd spoiled him a little bit more.
Actually a whole lot more.
Some dogs are a privilege to know. Some dogs touch your heart and the hearts of all those who meet them. Some dogs make you realise that dogs are far better people than most people. Some dogs are special and irreplaceable.
Barney was one of those dogs.