This is Barley’s story:
[donation-can Barley show_progress=false show_description=false show_title=false show_donations=false]
My name is Judy and I’m Barley’s foster mom. Barley is my first foster and I haven’t regretted this challenge for one minute. Some time in June I got a call from Barbara, asking me if I’d foster 4 year old Barley, with special needs. Barbara drove to Thornton to pick up Barley and have surrender papers signed. Later in the day, we met in Milton and Barley continued his destination just outside London.
My first impression of this curly, furry bear was ‘oh my gosh, he’s so cute’. Actually he was dirty and smelly and his hair was falling out everywhere. He needed a bath and grooming right away. Under all that hair was this sweet Aireboy, but he was the saddest dog I’d ever seen. He never looked up, his head was always hanging down and he never wagged his tail. Does that sound like any Airedale you’ve ever met? Well he was off to the vet PDQ and we started right away to adjust his insulin. This was a real learning experience for both Barley and myself…..I was convinced I was going to overdose and kill this dog. I was a wreck for about a week but Barley took it all in stride, like it was no big deal. He has been so easy to give insulin to. I have to do a 24hr. glucose chart every time we adjust his insulin and this means getting blood from him every two hours. Even then he comes and lays in my lap and lets me prick him.
It’s early October and Barley is a different dog, that’s because his diabetes is under control. Now he looks at you with those big puppy dog eyes and his tail is wagging as fast as it will go. He loves to play and go in the car and certainly reminds you when it’s time for his walk. He is a totally different dog from the one Barbara delivered to me. Because it’s been such a transformation it’s hard to accept that Barley is going BLIND! My vet told me from day one that this would happen, but I was hoping it wouldn’t be so fast. It is progressing quickly, far too fast for me to accept. Probably within weeks his sight will be gone. Somethings in life are just not fair and to me this is one of those. But we do have an option, he can have cataract surgery to correct the blindness but it needs to be done as soon as possible, before an inflammatory process call uveitis sets in.
This is a really long blog but it is also a very important one. We need donations to pay for this surgery…$3000.00 for one eye and over $4000.00 for both. I can hear you all saying ‘WOW’ that’s a lot of money’ but Barley is ONLY 4 and he has a lot of living to do yet and I’d like him to be able to see and adopted to the right family.
AireCanada Airedale Rescue has been supportive, financially and emotionally but they can’t deplete their resources for one dog and that’s what this story and appeal is all about.
Barley is a sweet boy and he needs help from all of us. Even the smallest amount that you can spare will go towards Barley’s operation. You can donate through PayPal via the donade button on this article. We would be pleased and excited about every donation whether large or small.
[donation-can Barley show_progress=false show_description=false show_title=false show_donations=false]
Thanks from both Barley and his foster Mom Judy
Get your new eyes Barley! lydia, alice and dave
Hi Volunteers! I’ve just made a donation, only wish it could have been more.
I hope Barley is able to have his surgery soon, and that he has a full and successful recovery.
Big Airedale hugs from me and my Rocky Mountain Airedales! Lots of
prayers and zen coming his way!
I would donate to this wonderful little dog…..can I write you a cheque and who do I make it out to?????
Maeva on Vancouver Island
It breaks my heart to hear about Barley’s health issues. My Jack Russell had juvenile cataracts at 3 but was lucky enough to have eye surgeries to correct the problem. Barley is too young to go blind. Have donated and hope that everyone can contribute a small amount to help this sweet little guy. Please keep us posted on his condition.
Only to happy to donate, it could happen to anyone of us, doggies and humans.
Shirley
Barley, we are pulling for you and your TERRIFIC foster home!
So happy to help this beautiful boy! I have two dogs of my own and can’t imagine having to face blindness with them. I am so happy to have helped with this and encourage others to do the same…just your coffee and lunch money for a day would give this boy site so he can see his new foreever home and family!!! Please hit the donate button and help Barley!?
My sister is on insulin, too, Barley, so I know what it takes to try to get good control. Lots of love from your friends in ATRA!
Barley, we ‘dalers look after our own and by hook or by crook we will get you your surgery. Thank you to your fantastic foster mummy for doing such a great job with you xx
Barley, my husband is going blind and he wants YOU to have a better life ahead. Of course, Cliff is MUCH older, and you are just a youngster! We AT lovers help each other.
Carole Raisbeck
Northwest Airedale Rescue transporter
Look to the future Barley and enjoy!
I don’t have the emotional resources to deal with fostering. I also have cats and worry too much about their safety with my own two ‘dales. However, I have nothing but respect and gratitude that all of you out there who do fostering continue to do so. This is my only way to help. Good luck Barley!
Diane, Griffin and Sari
We are behind you all the way, Barley! God Bless you and your foster Mom!
Barley, sweet kid, get well soon! There is a wonderful life ahead of you. We love you!
Blessings,
Nata, BelAire and pa Greg
Barley – you’re going to get this surgery! I’m plugging for you on Facebook!!!! And we hope you find your 4-ever home soon too! Deanna, Roxy, & Jack
You will get your operation Barley! We have enlisted the support of all our Aussie Airedale buddies. Keep your chin up and your tail wagging 😉
Myself and Angus (who is nearly 4 himself) are keeping our paws crossed for you Barley, we’ve sent a donation and are hoping you will get all the money you need in time. Sending Airehugs and wet noses from England xxx
Barley, the four Aussie As want you to SEE and have tipped out their money boxes for some special AireVision dollars (they didn’t send the dust bunnies though) just for you. We want you to know how much we all care.
Sue, Aerem, Chester, Emma and Chilli @ Wombat Bend, Oz
Dear Barley, we have sent a small donation towards your cataract surgery. You have had a very sad start and now thanks to Judy, your life will be long and enjoyable. Our mum has shed a few tears over your pawly health.
Hugs from us all in England.
Awwww. Donation sent from my little Barley (WFT) to you. Good Luck!!!
Dear Barley: So happy you will be getting your eyes fixed and will be able to see the love in everyones eyes. Be strong for the surgery…we will all be thinking of you! Big hugs from Deb, Greg, Chelsea, Mandy, Robert, Balou and Harlow…
I want to leave a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of you that donated to Barley’s cause and left a blog for us. You don’t know how much each and every comment meant for us. It has touched my heart to know how generous and compassionate people have been for Barley. We love and appreciate all of you.
Judy and Barley
Dear Barley, stopping by to send more Airezen and Love to you and Miss Judy<3
Lily Airedale and Joyce
Whoee, Barley! Nothing but good times ahead, thanks to the incredible support of your Airedale pals around the world. So much love and care!
Carole Raisbeck
Whoee, Barley! Good times ahead. Thanks, everyone.
Carole Raisbeck
Hi everyone, just wanted to let all you wonderful people know that Barley had his catarct surgery Nov. 1 and it was very successful !!
Hi everyone, just wanted to let all you wonderful people know that Barley had his cataract surgery Nov. 1 and it was very successful !!
That’s brilliant news, am so pleased for Barley!! Great to hear, bless you Barley, enjoy life with your new improved sight!! :0)
Awesome!!!!