Barney the Dog 1992-2007

Barney the dog has been declining swiftly over the last few days. Bram's noted that his impending demise is neatly coordinating with having to leave this house, and that the whole time, it has been intended that he not go to the new place.

Yesterday, Barney was almost unable to get around. He no longer looked happy, curious and interested - he just looked sad and disconnected. This morning, he was lying next to Jackie's food dish, and couldn't get up. Only his one front leg was reaching, as he was trying to do something - anything. He just looks like he won't be with me when I get back from church in a few hours.

I've had dogs now since 1982; Barney has been the constant through most of that. He's been at loggerheads with me since he was just over a year old; he has shat in every room of every place I've lived, has peed incessantly in every corner, and has peed after having caught my attention to make sure I knew he was doing it. He's been a pig, knocking people out of the way to get attention, and he's cost many thousands of dollars in damaged property.

And, I have not been able to bring myself to end his life for being a bowel and bladder terrorist.

Barney has caused me great wonder and reflection - do dogs use mental law? Do they have an emotional component that brings them what they expect?

I think so. Barney was the runt of his litter, he has always expected to be pushed aside and ignored, and his behavior, while designed to attract attention has had the opposite effect, pushing away those whom he wanted and causing his reality to be that which he conceived.

I know that we tent to map human tendencies and qualities onto animals, especially onto pets. However, if we're all one - made from the same God stuff (or cosmos stuff, or flowing energy stuff, or however you want to look at it) does that not mean that Barney is just as much a part of God as I am? Is it not arrogance to consider that I, a human, have a special relationship with the impersonal God stuff that flows through and makes up everything?

My other dog, Jackie, uses mental law - I've seen her do it. When she gets the results she has put into action, she's so pleased. I think she knows that the time after Barney's death will be very special for her, and she seems not to be disturbed by his frailty, and today, by his imminent passing. She's more bouncy and excited than she's been in many years.

I'm sad for Barney's leaving this world, even at a time when I will be experiencing great freedom from it. He's been a part of who I was - a little doofus who rebelled against a world he pre-judged was out to get him. Perhaps it's a sign of my increasing confidence and maturity that he's leaving.

Thank you Barney, for sharing your time on this reality plane with me. You will be remembered always.