A very random thought that hit on the way home

So, today was Monday. As far as Mondays go, it's been a pretty good one. Didn't get everything I needed to get done finished, but people will survive it this time as well. It was also a beautiful day outside today, and I had a really nice walk home after work, since the sun was still out and it was a clear sky. On the way home though, a rather peculiar thought hit me as I passed and old "friend"...

Now, a little backstory is probably needed for this one.

This is the one I've chosen to name "Old Barky":

Ever since moving here way back in 2004, there's been one constant throughout everything. Being in a city that is basically filled up with callcenter employees the people change quite often, apart from a few individuals who stick around. But Old Barky has always been here. Whether it's been on the way to work or on the way home, usually he's there protecting his domain. Following from one fence to another, he'll bark non-stop following you until he can't see you anymore. He's even dug small holes so he can see under the fence where it's a solid wooden wall for him otherwise.

He's been quiet for a little while now, and I haven't really thought about it when passing his garden and yard. Today, he was back in normal force though. And seeing him standing there leaned up against the fence made me smile and I rather loudly said out a "HEY BUDDY!" when I saw him. I think it surprised him, because it stopped the barking for maybe two seconds. Nothing significant really, but the whole thing did make my braincells turn a bit for the rest of the way home.

I'm going to miss Old Barky. He was already an adult when we moved here in 2004, and he's starting to show his age. You can hear it on the bark, and he's not moving as fast anymore. So inevitably, one day he's going to be gone, and not coming back after a few days or couple of weeks. I know nothing about him, have no idea who his owners are, and have only seen him maybe two times outside his fences the 6,5 years I've been living here. But being the one constant in this little town, I've said "hey" to him many times passing by. When it's been quiet on the other side of the fence for so long that I realize what's happened, I'll miss him.

Hopefully Old Barky still has some time left. If I'm still here when the day comes that I have to realize he's gone, I'll stop by the fence and take a quiet minute though. Just a minute for an old unkown bud who's been here through thick and thin, always with a not-quite-welcoming bark whenever I've passed by, regardless of how early or late it's been. Then, after taking that minute I'll go home and put on this in his honor:



A very random post today, I know. But when I finally had some actual thoughts i felt like writing down, I figured it was worth getting it done as soon as I could.

So, a toast with whatever you might have for Old Barky. Personally it's a toast in apple juice for me tonight. Let's hope he's still got some years left to run around the yard.

Peace out.