In the early hours of this morning my little companion of nearly fifteen years, Barly, went home to Heaven. His death was not unexpected but a tremendous relief that he went naturally and peacefully. We lived together in Pimlico, Barnet, Crystal Palace and Westminster. He will be laid to rest tomorrow in Hertfordshire.
Puppy love is an extraordinary thing and Barly gave me more than any other. Fifteen years is a long time and I shall have to take life one day at a time. In the meantime, I couldn't help thinking that a verse in this morning's Prayer of the Church (Thursday - Week IV) was very apt "We leave our fate with thee, and wait - Thy bidding when to go".
Barly will probably be the subject of other postings. He featured in the columns of the Evening Standard's Londoner's Diary a few times so his life was not without colour. May he rest in peace.
