The Atkinson Family

Our family

I've had many requests for pictures of our little family to be posted. By "many requests," I mean one. But hey - I'm here for YOU. You want, you get, capice?

Here's our handsome boy Barley.


We've been told he's the best lookin', best behaved, sweetest, funniest, lovin'est, most wonderful dog around and we're hard pressed to find fault with any of it. Of course, it's usually Ben telling this to me or me telling him, but when you're right, you're right.

Born Feb 21 2005, he's an Aquarius "on the cusp" with way more Pisces tendancies. The funny part is I totally pulled that out, but it's actually true for him. Huh. Anyway, he's super sweet, very sensitive and loving, and is so calm that we wonder if he'll need an i.v. after he "matures." He's our baby and every other dog we spend time with only serves to highlight Barley's near-perfection. You think I jest. I do not.

While Barley may be sensitive, do not think him un-manly. He leads a harrowing life. He subsists on 2 meals a day, plus 2 eggs a week (gotta keep the coat shiny for the ladies). He has only 3 beds in the house, only 4 toys, only 2 water dishes, and only 2 collars. His is not a life of choices. He has but 10 regular dog-friends, and only one regular weekly play-date at the beach with them. He works for meals, treats, the leash, and affection by...prepare for it...sitting down. He is nothing if not a survivor.

Can you tell we love him and dote on him. He's our baby. We also may have a cat...more on that later. Right now, it says enough about her that she's been christened Rasputin.

posted by Ashley @ 4:26 AM