08/09/2026
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Big Al the doodle. 😔🌈
Big Al often visited for boarding with his brothers Tramp and Copper and other close relatives Herc, Bell, and Daisy. His last stay with us was one of his most energetic. He was romping around and jumping on the trampoline, happy to be a Bark House dog and spend precious moments with us and his friends.
The stay before that, we met the dogs at the top of the chute, heads hanging out the window ready to be released and run down to the yard. They always booked it down as fast as they could run. When we placed our hands around Big Al to pet him, we immediately felt a large mass around his jaw. That mass ended up being a rare form of salivary gland cancer that ultimately stole his light. 😢
One thing cancer cannot take away, no matter how rare or mean it is, are the moments we already shared with Big Al. In that way, cancer loses. Big Al is already tremendously missed and will forever be remembered. 🩷
"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together..."
