This loving memorial comes from all of my heart to the everlasting memory of my dear Barkley.
Barkley was a sweet, loving, gentle, intelligent and beautiful Chow/Shepherd cross - loved by all who knew him. He gave me, his "Mom", and extended family 15 wonderful years.
Little Barkley started his life neglected and abandoned on someone's property in Pulaski County Arkansas. Lucky for him, a kind person who lived there found him and brought him to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, where he was well cared for and loved by all at the shelter. His human mom (I) saw him there and fell in love with this four-pound, happy, ball of fur at about 8 weeks old. It turned out that he had been on the local news during their adopt-a-pet segment the night before, but I hadn't seen it. As fate would have it Barkley was still at the shelter and I adopted him immediately.
Barkley was a beautiful dog, inside and out. He was so very sweet loving. He had strikingly gorgeous reddish/golden fur and soulful brown eyes and was the smartest dog I had ever known. He was completely "housebroken" in 3 days and learned words and signs from me that I didn't even know I was teaching him. And he never forgot what he learned. A devoted companion, he always had a smile and a lick ready for everyone he met, especially his best buddy, Nana, Jean Lensing, who would come over to take care of him when I was out of town.
The loves of Barkley's life - aside from his family - were taking walks in the neighborhood, eating his favorite food and treats, running in the woods, walking by the river, riding in the car and just getting loved on, which he was all the time. He even climbed a mountain with me, leading the way up the trail and sitting next to me at the top looking off into the distance. I often wondered what he was thinking as he stared across to the mountains on the other side. I would foster a few other dogs over the years, and even adopt a little brother for him, and Barkley would be patient and good to them all, teaching them many things about being an indoor dog, all by himself. Barkley loved winter, especially when it snowed. He spent many happy hours chasing snowflakes. He loved to run, jump and play and had many doggie friends over the years. There is so much to say about how special he was that I could fill volumes. Suffice it to say he was my superman, my little heart on four legs, my best boy, who I will love forever. He was my soul dog.
Barkley moved with me to 4 homes, 2 rented and 2 bought. I think his favorite was the on North Harrison. He loved the corner lot where he could see all around the neighborhood, except for the seven steps leading to the backyard. In later years his hip dysplasia would make the way up hard on him, but the meds helped. He also loved his walks in the neighborhood. He was a true Hillcrest Dog and that was cool!
At the age of 15, Barkley passed away on August 10, 2010, of Lymphoma and complications of old age. I was with him to his last breath. It was the first time I had that honor to be with my pet at the end of his life and it was definitely hard, but it was such a blessing and a privilege for me. He died exactly nine days before his "grand dad" - my loving father Thomas Lensing - passed away. They had a special friendship, too, and it gives me comfort to know they are walking together in heaven.
Barkley left behind his loving Mom and his little poodle brother Louie, his Nana, Jean Burris Lensing, who took care of him while I was away and with whom he spent a lot of time -and lots of extended family and friends. Even though there were many health problems in his last year, he never lost his youthful spirit, his happy smile or his love of life.
"Be thou comforted, little dog, Thou too in Resurrection shall have a little golden tail."
-- Martin Luther
I love you forever and always sweetheart!
Little brother, Toby
Little kitty brother, Salem
Barkley was a sweet, loving, gentle, intelligent and beautiful Chow/Shepherd cross - loved by all who knew him. He gave me, his "Mom", and extended family 15 wonderful years.
Little Barkley started his life neglected and abandoned on someone's property in Pulaski County Arkansas. Lucky for him, a kind person who lived there found him and brought him to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, where he was well cared for and loved by all at the shelter. His human mom (I) saw him there and fell in love with this four-pound, happy, ball of fur at about 8 weeks old. It turned out that he had been on the local news during their adopt-a-pet segment the night before, but I hadn't seen it. As fate would have it Barkley was still at the shelter and I adopted him immediately.
Barkley was a beautiful dog, inside and out. He was so very sweet loving. He had strikingly gorgeous reddish/golden fur and soulful brown eyes and was the smartest dog I had ever known. He was completely "housebroken" in 3 days and learned words and signs from me that I didn't even know I was teaching him. And he never forgot what he learned. A devoted companion, he always had a smile and a lick ready for everyone he met, especially his best buddy, Nana, Jean Lensing, who would come over to take care of him when I was out of town.
The loves of Barkley's life - aside from his family - were taking walks in the neighborhood, eating his favorite food and treats, running in the woods, walking by the river, riding in the car and just getting loved on, which he was all the time. He even climbed a mountain with me, leading the way up the trail and sitting next to me at the top looking off into the distance. I often wondered what he was thinking as he stared across to the mountains on the other side. I would foster a few other dogs over the years, and even adopt a little brother for him, and Barkley would be patient and good to them all, teaching them many things about being an indoor dog, all by himself. Barkley loved winter, especially when it snowed. He spent many happy hours chasing snowflakes. He loved to run, jump and play and had many doggie friends over the years. There is so much to say about how special he was that I could fill volumes. Suffice it to say he was my superman, my little heart on four legs, my best boy, who I will love forever. He was my soul dog.
Barkley moved with me to 4 homes, 2 rented and 2 bought. I think his favorite was the on North Harrison. He loved the corner lot where he could see all around the neighborhood, except for the seven steps leading to the backyard. In later years his hip dysplasia would make the way up hard on him, but the meds helped. He also loved his walks in the neighborhood. He was a true Hillcrest Dog and that was cool!
At the age of 15, Barkley passed away on August 10, 2010, of Lymphoma and complications of old age. I was with him to his last breath. It was the first time I had that honor to be with my pet at the end of his life and it was definitely hard, but it was such a blessing and a privilege for me. He died exactly nine days before his "grand dad" - my loving father Thomas Lensing - passed away. They had a special friendship, too, and it gives me comfort to know they are walking together in heaven.
Barkley left behind his loving Mom and his little poodle brother Louie, his Nana, Jean Burris Lensing, who took care of him while I was away and with whom he spent a lot of time -and lots of extended family and friends. Even though there were many health problems in his last year, he never lost his youthful spirit, his happy smile or his love of life.
"Be thou comforted, little dog, Thou too in Resurrection shall have a little golden tail."
-- Martin Luther
I love you forever and always sweetheart!
Little brother, Toby
Little kitty brother, Salem
This loving memorial comes from all of my heart to the everlasting memory of my dear Barkley.
Barkley was a sweet, loving, gentle, intelligent and beautiful Chow/Shepherd cross - loved by all who knew him. He gave me, his "Mom", and extended family 15 wonderful years.
Little Barkley started his life neglected and abandoned on someone's property in Pulaski County Arkansas. Lucky for him, a kind person who lived there found him and brought him to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, where he was well cared for and loved by all at the shelter. His human mom (I) saw him there and fell in love with this four-pound, happy, ball of fur at about 8 weeks old. It turned out that he had been on the local news during their adopt-a-pet segment the night before, but I hadn't seen it. As fate would have it Barkley was still at the shelter and I adopted him immediately.
Barkley was a beautiful dog, inside and out. He was so very sweet loving. He had strikingly gorgeous reddish/golden fur and soulful brown eyes and was the smartest dog I had ever known. He was completely "housebroken" in 3 days and learned words and signs from me that I didn't even know I was teaching him. And he never forgot what he learned. A devoted companion, he always had a smile and a lick ready for everyone he met, especially his best buddy, Nana, Jean Lensing, who would come over to take care of him when I was out of town.
The loves of Barkley's life - aside from his family - were taking walks in the neighborhood, eating his favorite food and treats, running in the woods, walking by the river, riding in the car and just getting loved on, which he was all the time. He even climbed a mountain with me, leading the way up the trail and sitting next to me at the top looking off into the distance. I often wondered what he was thinking as he stared across to the mountains on the other side. I would foster a few other dogs over the years, and even adopt a little brother for him, and Barkley would be patient and good to them all, teaching them many things about being an indoor dog, all by himself. Barkley loved winter, especially when it snowed. He spent many happy hours chasing snowflakes. He loved to run, jump and play and had many doggie friends over the years. There is so much to say about how special he was that I could fill volumes. Suffice it to say he was my superman, my little heart on four legs, my best boy, who I will love forever. He was my soul dog.
Barkley moved with me to 4 homes, 2 rented and 2 bought. I think his favorite was the on North Harrison. He loved the corner lot where he could see all around the neighborhood, except for the seven steps leading to the backyard. In later years his hip dysplasia would make the way up hard on him, but the meds helped. He also loved his walks in the neighborhood. He was a true Hillcrest Dog and that was cool!
At the age of 15, Barkley passed away on August 10, 2010, of Lymphoma and complications of old age. I was with him to his last breath. It was the first time I had that honor to be with my pet at the end of his life and it was definitely hard, but it was such a blessing and a privilege for me. He died exactly nine days before his "grand dad" - my loving father Thomas Lensing - passed away. They had a special friendship, too, and it gives me comfort to know they are walking together in heaven.
Barkley left behind his loving Mom and his little poodle brother Louie, his Nana, Jean Burris Lensing, who took care of him while I was away and with whom he spent a lot of time -and lots of extended family and friends. Even though there were many health problems in his last year, he never lost his youthful spirit, his happy smile or his love of life.
"Be thou comforted, little dog, Thou too in Resurrection shall have a little golden tail."
-- Martin Luther
I love you forever and always sweetheart!
Little brother, Toby
Little kitty brother, Salem
Barkley was a sweet, loving, gentle, intelligent and beautiful Chow/Shepherd cross - loved by all who knew him. He gave me, his "Mom", and extended family 15 wonderful years.
Little Barkley started his life neglected and abandoned on someone's property in Pulaski County Arkansas. Lucky for him, a kind person who lived there found him and brought him to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, where he was well cared for and loved by all at the shelter. His human mom (I) saw him there and fell in love with this four-pound, happy, ball of fur at about 8 weeks old. It turned out that he had been on the local news during their adopt-a-pet segment the night before, but I hadn't seen it. As fate would have it Barkley was still at the shelter and I adopted him immediately.
Barkley was a beautiful dog, inside and out. He was so very sweet loving. He had strikingly gorgeous reddish/golden fur and soulful brown eyes and was the smartest dog I had ever known. He was completely "housebroken" in 3 days and learned words and signs from me that I didn't even know I was teaching him. And he never forgot what he learned. A devoted companion, he always had a smile and a lick ready for everyone he met, especially his best buddy, Nana, Jean Lensing, who would come over to take care of him when I was out of town.
The loves of Barkley's life - aside from his family - were taking walks in the neighborhood, eating his favorite food and treats, running in the woods, walking by the river, riding in the car and just getting loved on, which he was all the time. He even climbed a mountain with me, leading the way up the trail and sitting next to me at the top looking off into the distance. I often wondered what he was thinking as he stared across to the mountains on the other side. I would foster a few other dogs over the years, and even adopt a little brother for him, and Barkley would be patient and good to them all, teaching them many things about being an indoor dog, all by himself. Barkley loved winter, especially when it snowed. He spent many happy hours chasing snowflakes. He loved to run, jump and play and had many doggie friends over the years. There is so much to say about how special he was that I could fill volumes. Suffice it to say he was my superman, my little heart on four legs, my best boy, who I will love forever. He was my soul dog.
Barkley moved with me to 4 homes, 2 rented and 2 bought. I think his favorite was the on North Harrison. He loved the corner lot where he could see all around the neighborhood, except for the seven steps leading to the backyard. In later years his hip dysplasia would make the way up hard on him, but the meds helped. He also loved his walks in the neighborhood. He was a true Hillcrest Dog and that was cool!
At the age of 15, Barkley passed away on August 10, 2010, of Lymphoma and complications of old age. I was with him to his last breath. It was the first time I had that honor to be with my pet at the end of his life and it was definitely hard, but it was such a blessing and a privilege for me. He died exactly nine days before his "grand dad" - my loving father Thomas Lensing - passed away. They had a special friendship, too, and it gives me comfort to know they are walking together in heaven.
Barkley left behind his loving Mom and his little poodle brother Louie, his Nana, Jean Burris Lensing, who took care of him while I was away and with whom he spent a lot of time -and lots of extended family and friends. Even though there were many health problems in his last year, he never lost his youthful spirit, his happy smile or his love of life.
"Be thou comforted, little dog, Thou too in Resurrection shall have a little golden tail."
-- Martin Luther
I love you forever and always sweetheart!
Little brother, Toby
Little kitty brother, Salem
Gravesite Details
Cremated. Ashes given to Barbara Lensing, his mom. They will be put in with hers when that day comes.
