Happy Tails
Barkley
By Lisa J.
He panicked when I came into the room and started to "talk" to let his parents know that something was going on. I reached down to pet him and that let him know everything was alright. I kept thinking of how I would feel if some new person entered my house and I couldn't see them and could barely hear them. I would be so mad! Few people would handle it as well as this Happy Tail did. Meet Barkley!
Barkley is an older "YorkiePoo" that was adopted out and returned to Pet Haven. When his current parents started fostering him over two years ago, they had no idea what they were in for. They were concerned at first, but soon realized they could do whatever was needed to keep Barkley healthy. They spent some time early on trying to get someone to adopt Barkley, but because he was "high maintenance" they knew it would be tough. They tried websites for dogs with diabetes, and Pet Haven did their best. When there was no interest in Barkley they adopted him into their family. They knew his feeding schedule and how to administer the twice daily shots; it just seemed right. Mom has a "rule" that if a dog is not adopted after she fosters them for six months, she keeps them. That's the kind of mom everyone needs!
When they started fostering Barkley his diabetes was being treated, but being treated and being under control are two very different things. With weekly vet visits and a strictly regimented diet Barkley's diabetes is finally under control. He is awake before 6 a.m. and howling for his food loud enough to wake the whole neighborhood. Once he eats he gets his shots. I can hardly imagine giving shots to my dog twice a day, but his parents take it in stride. They must have learned that from Barkley because nothing phases this dog, he's the most easy going animal I have ever met.
Barkley takes everything in stride,
something we could all learn from him, and he has a great attitude. He started living in his current home when he was fully sighted, and he used to go on walks throughout the neighborhood to see everything a dog could see. Now he is completely blind and his hearing is going, but if it weren't for occasionally bumping into something, you would never guess. He lets himself out to go to the bathroom and comes back when he is ready...mostly.
As it gets closer to supper time, Barkley is ready to remind everyone that 6 p.m. is fast approaching and he wants food. As his parents proudly proclaim, "He loves to eat." Snack time around this home is 7:45, and dad is the giver of the snacks. Now keep in mind that Barkley is a old blind dog but don't let that fool you, he stalked his dad until snack time arrived. Then he was happy and content.
Barkley had a message he wanted me to pass along to the readers-"Starving! Please send food!"