It's with an incredibly heavy heart I have to announce that my lovely little dog, Barney, has had to be put to sleep today.

He'd been ill for a long time, so to be honest we were expecting it, but we still feel hollow inside. Me,  squire and my parents are all heartbroken, but my mum mostly as she spent almost all day every day with him, and took care of him when he was sick. He was a member of the family to her, so she's currently in bits.

My dad seems stronger but his voice is trembling slightly. He's about to dig up one of the flags in the garden to bury Barney beneath, as was always the plan, as the garden was Barney's favourite place.

He was nearly 17 so he was an old fart, and he lead a happy life, but he's been in my life for so long that it's going to be very odd to not have him around anymore :(

I've never really had a pet before Barney aside the occasional goldfish, so this is really quite painful for me. I know he's not in pain any longer, but I'm feeling so very empty right now.

Bye Barn-pot, you daft dog. Thank you for being my friend. I love you.

I'll miss you.