**UPDATE** - We began this morning (03/04/24) with the good news that Barley had successfully undergone a blood transfusion and remained static through the night. We took this as good news and so we started the GoFundMe in order to raise money for the additional support we knew he would need going forward... To our devastation, the doctor called us a second time shortly afterwards to inform us that Barley's respiratory condition had begun to quickly deteriorate and that he was put on high flow oxygen and moved into critical care. Upon arriving at the hospital it was clear to us that he was not going to make it for long, and that the doctors had exhausted all options. What started as a Blastomycosis (fungal infection) diagnosis in the lungs shifted quickly to what is to believe to have been some atypical form of late stage cancer.

We made the heart wrenching decision this morning to euthanize Barley, given his grave outlook, so that he might be free from his suffering.

He died this morning at roughly 10:30 surrounded by his family including sweet Juniper.

We are absolutely shattered at this confusing and unexpected loss. Barley was everything to our family.

We are so incredibly honored and deeply grateful for your generosity and support in giving him the care that he needed. We love you all so much, and I consider the people reading this message as part of my larger family.

We will keep this GoFundMe active so that people may donate, if they feel so inclined, to help relieve the financial burden of his medical expenses and cremation services.

My wife Madison and I (Sean) are humbly seeking donation to help us bring home our beloved golden.

***

Barley, our 7 year old golden retriever, best friend and big stinker-butt, is currently battling a life-threatening infection in his lungs.

Madison brought Barley home in 2019 when he was just a tiny little fuzzball. Being her first very own pet, Madi poured her heart and soul into raising her sweet Barley boy. I met and started dating Madison 1 year later and fell deeply in love with both my future wife and her inseparable fluffy companion. The time we spent together on hikes and at the park with Barley defined the early days of our relationship in a big way. His sweet sappy nature, goofy personality, and extreme loyalty stole our hearts and enriched our lives and relationship in ways I never knew possible. I truly cannot express my gratitude to Barley for all that he has given to us during the past 6 years.

After a few years we decided it was time for Bar to have a companion. In 2022, we brought home our sweet Juni girl (our now 4 year golden retriever) as a brand new puppy. Though he was initially suspicious and probably a little jealous of the new fur ball, Juni and Barley quickly grew to become fast friends and mischief makers. Shared mud baths, squirrel chases, tug of war, play fights, and soft snuggles between the two, filled our hearts and our home with joy (and dirt lol)

Since then, through all the ups and downs that life has presented, what has been consistent is "June and Barley". I truly can't imagine our lives without these two inseparable companions who have given so much to our family.

Barley's condition right now is critical, he is going to need a lot of intensive hospital care and we must try everything we can to help him make it through by giving him the care that he needs. We ask humbly and sincerely for your help in bringing home our sweet boy.

God bless,