Harley Barton gave us 11 great years. He came from very humble beginnings. Stephanie bought him on a farm near Blue Springs, Nebraska for $35, which had to be the biggest steal of all time. He spent the first year of his life living with five beautiful sorority girls in perhaps the nastiest rental house in Manhattan, KS. But he didn’t care. You see, Harley was a social guy. Hanging out with hot chicks was just his style. You might say he was the Hugh Heffner of Fremont Street. Or maybe it was Harley’s Angels. Either way, he was loved. And he learned to love back, even when Stephanie decided to marry me and move to Utah.
After a brief stay with Stephanie’s folks in Nebraska, we welcomed Harley to our new digs in Utah during the month of February, 1999. This began his transformation from farm dog to mountain dog. He learned to swim in the San Rafael River over Memorial Day weekend that very same year. And from then on, he was always keen on adventure, joining us on river trips, camping trips, hikes in the beautiful Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, and even casual strolls through Sugar House Park or Cottonwood Heights. In fact, at the first sight of camping gear, he would hop in the truck and refuse to get out. This was often problematic if we were packing up a day early.
Harley was also a good brother. The arrival of Connor in 2004 was a big blow, relegating Harley from “baby” to “dog” status. But he took it like a champ, and greeted us each day with unconditional love and enthusiasm. He had a similar reaction when Quinn was born. She was just starting to pay attention to him over the last few weeks.
Harley was very protective of Connor and Quinn. He developed this tendency where he would sleep in the hallway leading to the kids’ rooms. He would lay there all night, alternating between keeping watch and chasing rabbits in his sleep.
For me, Harley was my office mate. Every day for the last six years, if I’ve been in my office, Harley has been right there with me. He’s slept soundly through hundreds of conference calls, barked at the FedEx man during a few others, and politely demanded a scratch or a pat in the middle of dozens more. If Harley could talk, he could probably sell software. Because he’s been listening to it for a long, long time.
Harley was the best dog we’ve ever known. I don’t even pretend to believe that I’ll have a better one in this lifetime. While we are sad to see him go, and we weren’t ready to say goodbye, we’re certainly thankful for all of the good times we shared, all the memories we created, and for all of the love we were so blessed to receive from him.
Here’s to you, Harley. We love you. May you begin your never ending camping trip in the sky. Save a spot for us around the campfire.
After a brief stay with Stephanie’s folks in Nebraska, we welcomed Harley to our new digs in Utah during the month of February, 1999. This began his transformation from farm dog to mountain dog. He learned to swim in the San Rafael River over Memorial Day weekend that very same year. And from then on, he was always keen on adventure, joining us on river trips, camping trips, hikes in the beautiful Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, and even casual strolls through Sugar House Park or Cottonwood Heights. In fact, at the first sight of camping gear, he would hop in the truck and refuse to get out. This was often problematic if we were packing up a day early.
Harley was also a good brother. The arrival of Connor in 2004 was a big blow, relegating Harley from “baby” to “dog” status. But he took it like a champ, and greeted us each day with unconditional love and enthusiasm. He had a similar reaction when Quinn was born. She was just starting to pay attention to him over the last few weeks.
Harley was very protective of Connor and Quinn. He developed this tendency where he would sleep in the hallway leading to the kids’ rooms. He would lay there all night, alternating between keeping watch and chasing rabbits in his sleep.
For me, Harley was my office mate. Every day for the last six years, if I’ve been in my office, Harley has been right there with me. He’s slept soundly through hundreds of conference calls, barked at the FedEx man during a few others, and politely demanded a scratch or a pat in the middle of dozens more. If Harley could talk, he could probably sell software. Because he’s been listening to it for a long, long time.
Harley was the best dog we’ve ever known. I don’t even pretend to believe that I’ll have a better one in this lifetime. While we are sad to see him go, and we weren’t ready to say goodbye, we’re certainly thankful for all of the good times we shared, all the memories we created, and for all of the love we were so blessed to receive from him.
Here’s to you, Harley. We love you. May you begin your never ending camping trip in the sky. Save a spot for us around the campfire.
3 comments:
Stephanie and Preston,we are so, so sad to hear about Harley. He was a wonderful dog and we will miss him. He was Jackson's first dog friend and part of so many of our memories we shared with you in Utah. You are in our thoughts.
That is very sad- but what a great eulogy to honor his life. My condolences...
Dear Preston and Stephanie,
I am deeply touched by your moving tribute to your friend and companion, Harley. Having read your eloquent description, I feel as though I knew him. We lost our sweet dachshund a year ago and still miss him every day. The unconditional love our canine family members give is a beautiful gift.
Thank you for sharing!
Nancy Hab
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