Our Boy Barney

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Barney – our beloved Golden Retriever, and “poster boy” for Paws Naturally. He has been fighting against several conditions for some weeks now, which unfortunately turned critical a week ago. Despite the best efforts of the various canine health professionals, who cared for Barney up to the end, he sadly lost his fight for life, and died yesterday afternoon (Sunday 22nd October). We must thank the many people who helped Barney in his last days and weeks, as well as those who sent such kind wishes. We must especially thank the staff at Medivet Oxted and North Downs Specialist Referrals, as well as Nikki Brown at Canine Angel, for their tireless efforts to give Barney a chance.

Barney fought hard to the end and he made us so proud. He was obviously in great pain and suffering badly, but he put on a brave face and tried to lead his normal life. He was even walking nonchalantly around the hospital just a few hours before he finally left us. Throughout his life he never complained. He always thought of others. If he saw distress or difficulty in others (whether they were 2 or 4 legged) he would immediately try to comfort and help them. He befriended everyone. He touched everyone he met and did not have a bad bone in his body.

However, sadly – in life there is also death. In Barney’s case this came way too early, but we must not be sad for long. He now waits at Rainbow Bridge, along with Holly (our previous Golden Retriever), and all the other pets waiting for their owners. Waiting for the day that we can be reunited in happiness once again. In the meantime Barney would want us to push on with our lives, work tirelessly to help others – and most importantly, to celebrate his life and be happy in his memory.

Barney is the reason why Paws Naturally exists. His conversion to a raw natural diet was part of a change in lifestyle that gave him such happy and healthy years – albeit way too short in number. However, while he died young, his legacy will surely be the many hundreds (hopefully thousands) of dogs he has already helped (and will continue to help), through Paws Naturally. Once Lyn has overcome the initial grief of her loss, I am sure that she will re-double her efforts to continue her mission to help dogs and cats to find a healthier way of life. Unfortunately, we could not give Barney the length of life he deserved, but, having had the privilege to know and love Barney (as many others did), I know that he would want us to continue our work to give others the chance.

A final thought. Love and cherish your pet every single day. Always do your best for them. Give them the best chance of health and happiness by questioning what is best for them.

Barney “Thompson” 2008 – 2017 RIP

Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of all its beautiful colours.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows,
hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who were sick, hurt or in pain are made whole again.
There is only one thing missing,
they are not with their special person who loved them so much on earth.
So each day they run and play until the day comes
when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches! The ears are up!
The eyes are staring and this one runs from the group!
You have been seen and when you and your special friend meet,
you take him in your arms and hug him.
He licks and kisses your face again and again –
and you look once more into the eyes of your best friend and trusting
pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together never again to be apart.