In Memory of Bart

I lost Bart, a poodle-mix, 2 years ago on December 8, 2004. He was rescued from the animal shelter in 1990. He was originally supposed to be a wedding gift for my sister and her husband, but their apartment would not allow dogs (actually my bro-in-law, Russ is the one whoi named Bart after Bart Simpson). Their loss was my great gain. Bart was with me for 14 years (he was 17 when he died). He was sweet, funny, loving, smart, and a great friend. He loved to be everywhere I was. He had to sleep right next to my side while I slept. Unfortunately for him, I toss a lot in my sleep, but he turned every time I did. My cats all fell in love with Bart’s gentle nature as he became sort of a surrogate father to them. My cat Caspian snuggled with Bart almost as much as Bart snuggled with me. He searched for Bart for several weeks after his death and would walk around the house “crying” – meowing - for him. I will never stop missing Bart and cherish every day I had him in my life. I grieve the loss of him as anyone would grieve the loss of any family member. I believe it will always hurt to think of the day he died. I don’t feel like writing about it here, but it was a horrible day that will always haunt me. (Just looking at these photos got me choked up.)
I don’t theologically know for sure if animals go to Heaven. So, wherever you are, Bart, be at peace. (Sorry so many photos, but I couldn’t choose just 1.)