17 Comments

Hi Chris, what wonderful memories of Barney's amazing adventures. That he made it all the way home to Saturna before passing is poignant, yet seemingly important to have the serenity and tranquility of your island home to help ease your loss.

Wishing you all the best,

Sean

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Thanks Sean. Hey, next time you're out in Seattle, consider a drive up to Saturna. We'd love to see you. Did you notice that the one photo of Barney on the blue kayak, it was Steve Dashew's boat in the background, not Möbius. Barney and I met him in Fiji when we paddled out to Cochise.

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Hi Chris,

Great idea, I'd really enjoy that. Planning a NW trip this summer and will keep you posted as I firm up dates. Lots of memories sailing with Steve Dashew. Look forward to seeing both of you!

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I'm sorry for your loss. I know how it feels. My two best friends (Twins Bichons–a boy and a girl) crossed the Rainbow Bridge last year within weeks of each other. They run free now in their doggy heaven. The boy was in a similar situation. I miss them everyday. They were the best as were the memories I made with them. They'll stay with me forever. Today, I have a new dog. She was a stray at some point and now he wakes me with kisses in the morning and a enlivening joy that makes my day. They all have a forever place in my heart. I love the place you two settled in, by the way. Happy writing!

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Thanks for the kind words, and I'm sorry that you, too have recently lost your two pups. We said good-bye to our Ruby in June and now Barney. It's such a change to have no dog in the home. I hope we will get another one soon, but we'll see.

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I love the stories. I loved Barney too. I’m so sorry he’s not with you in his body anymore, but know he will always be in your heart. He was a great little guy to foster and a great little world traveler with you

I lost my son to cancer in December and know how heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one be it man or beast. G -d bless you both for the wonderful life you gave him

RIP DEAR BOY

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Phyllis - We all know when we bring pets into our lives that it is likely we will outlive them. However, I cannot imagine the pain of outliving your child. I am so sorry for your loss.

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Thank you Christine. I don’t think I will ever get past the pain. I appreciate your response.

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So sorry for your sweet doggy passing. I lost Snoopy & Saturday girls since moving to Fort Myers in 2001. While living on Sanibel Island I purchased your first book from Sanibel Island Bookshop and became your number 1 fan here on the gulf coast. I have thoroughly enjoyed following your adventures since! May you two have many more.

Glenda Jones

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Thank you so much Glenda for commiserating and for being a fan of my books and adventures. Some writers devote their lives to their writing, but I prefer to try to live my best life and also write. I don't get as many books written, but we do have amazing adventures!

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I'm so sorry to hear about Barnie, the wonder dog. But what a life he led! Many would be envious of all his adventures. Glad to hear that your trip to collect possessions and your new project RV went well. Life is a series of adjustments , like adjusting to the wind.. And you and Wayne take them all in stride. As always I love hearing about your next adventures and look forward to seeing the progress on Lance.

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Thanks Pam. This build is going to take a while, but someday I hope we can share an RV spot somewhere as neighbors. :-)

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Bonjour Chris, so happy to hear from you. Your life is so adventurous!! I share with you Barney's loss, my white cat Nougat was poisoned in the village in December. I miss him, he was so gentle. Take good care of yourselves, thinking of you often. Bises. Joëlle

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Oh Joelle, that is awful news about your Nougat! I am so sorry to hear that such a thing would happen. We must catch up one of these days.

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Chris, I am so sorry to hear about Barney. They become a part of us. I look forward to reading about your new adventures in your land yacht. I’m sure that when Wayne is finished with the truck it will be luxurious. Again , I’m sorry for your loss.

Your old friend

Al Knowlton

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Thanks for your kind words about Barney. You may remember, the Gray family always had dogs. Steve now has a Yorkie and Cindy has a pack of 3, two Boston Terriers and a pitfall. Your poodle looks lovely! We will undoubtedly get another dog when we are ready. And yes, Wayne is definitely going to build a Land Yacht extraordinaire. After all, it is the journey, not the destination.

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Such beautiful photos of Barney and Ruby! I was lucky to have shared several fabulous Barney adventures. He will be missed by a world of admirers. I hope your heart has healed a bit in these few months. Hoping this years brings some Florida time. And lots of writing time!

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