BarkingProse

Ash

Ash feels like he’s letting us down. Since Codie put it in his head that she would bark to him, he spends hours by the gate hoping to sense her presence.  He tries real hard to be still so he can hear her silent barking.

Ash has always been a busy dog so it’s hard for him to stay still. He’s the first to greet a visitor, the first to bark at the neighbor dog. Wherever there’s action you’ll find Ash. He’s got a sheepdog mind and he’s always watching.

Maybe Codie chose Asher as her listener because he needs to learn how to be quiet. He’s such an extrovert. It’s gonna be tough for him. But he wants so much to hear Codie, he’ll do anything to make it happen.

I was born with the gift of quiet listening. Once I’ve barked enough to satisfy myself, I’ll sit real still and watch. I don’t miss much. When mom’s upset I sit right in front of her and stare into her eyes. Then she tells me her troubles. I give her a little kiss and she feels much better.

Jack’s the best listener in the pack even though he’s deaf. He listens with his soul. We know that Ash can learn to listen quietly because he has so much heart. We’re gonna start practicing with him this afternoon. First he has to run the goats around and play a little ball. Then he’ll be ready for a lesson. Any maybe while he’s practicing he might hear Codie. I hope so.

Respectfully, Tess.

Codie

I like to remember Codie in her fur coat. She had thick curly hair and bright amber eyes. Mom used to call her Princess Amber Eyes.

There are so many stories about Codie. That’s what happens when you are chosen by a forever family and you live to be sixteen. So many years together. So many memories.

About six months before she died Codie agreed to write her life’s story. Why she waited so long I do not know. Perhaps she really did not want to bark about herself.

Yesterday Codie came back to us. She chose a beautiful rose to mark her return. She called it her signature.  I did not see her but I knew that she was present. I felt her spirit and was comforted.

Codie can put her thoughts in my head. If I am very still my quiet self can hear her silent barking.  Codie said she will pass her thoughts to me so that I can tell the others.

I’m not sure why Codie chose me as her listener. I’ve always been a little wild, and hardly introspective. But I am honored and will do my very best. Tess and Jack said they will help me. They already have experience at quiet listening and will teach me. I am ready Codie. I am listening.

Asher