For a cat who lived his life front and center, it is distressing not to be able to find a photo that does him justice. Not as distressing as saying good-bye though, and sadly, that was the story of today. Though all of us loved this quintessential orange-marmalade sweetie of a cat, today was hardest for Westi. Not wanting to part with him when they left the mountain to begin life in their own home, Westi and Mike have been Barney’s guardians for the last several years. What does it say that they could part with us but not with him? I like to think it says that Barney was one special cat.

From pound kitty to unsuccessful “companion cat” for Gene Miller (the “Horton” stage of his life and it turned out Gene didn’t like cats), Barney came to us to be a barn kitty. But his new name was only a nod to this intent; he lasted a night or two in the barn before we broke down and moved him into the house. A sociable and adaptable guy, Barney was as solid as it gets, physically and emotionally. He was equally at home in the city and the woods, and I expect he’ll do fine wherever he goes next. Good-bye Barney. Thanks for sharing our lives.