Dreams really do come true. Having lived in Madison most of her adult life Liz Barnett had long ago set her sights on one day returning to Oxford, home of her alma mater. The Barnett Family; Elizabeth, Dusty, Saz, Pearl and Simba where given that chance in 2015 when she was offered a position in the health care industry which required……. a transfer to Oxford.
There is an essence to Oxford that captivates each of us in a unique way. For Liz it’s the unlimited access to sporting events. She’s an admitted sports fanatic holding season tickets for football, basketball, and baseball; just a few of her favorite past-times second only to spending as much time as possible with her furry family!
Liz shares her home with Dusty a terrier mix and three cats; Pearl, Saz, and Simba. Pearl was the first of the crew to join the family. She was adopted 17 years ago from a woman who had “collected” a few too many pets. Pearl was named not just for her cream-colored coat, but also her admirable, rare beauty. She may be the old lady of the group, but she still loves to go on walks with the family and her unique vocalization let them know when she’s falling behind.
Saz aka: Sassy was rescued from behind a hair salon when he was a kitten…talk about a good hair day! Sassy became Saz once the family realized he was a boy. He too enjoys tagging along for evening walks around the neighborhood. He has quite the waddle to him, and loves to swish side to side, strutting down the street! But don’t let that confidence fool you, this little guy is as shy as a mouse and is often found hiding under mom’s bed. Maybe he just likes his privacy 😉
Simba, a litter mate of Saz has a very shy demeanor, and likes to get his kicks outdoors. After they move to Oxford, Simba decided he was done with the indoor lifestyle and has heroically taken position as the neighborhood security guard. What a relief!
After losing her pup in 2014, Liz felt that emptiness that can only be filled by a canine companion. She starting searching rescue shelters and stumbled upon “Fuzzy Wuzzy” at Wynne’s Animal Rescue Shelter in Arkansas. After the application and interview process was fulfilled she waited. On her birthday in April of 2015 she was contacted with the news that “Fuzzy Wuzzy” would join her family! She changed his name … to Dusty because she quickly learned that “Fuzzy Wuzzy” actually did have hair… and lots of it! So much hair that he looked like a dust mop and hence his new name Dusty. This month marks their two year anniversary together and she is still in-love with her little terrier mix. He is a true lap dog and greets Liz with the same abundance of excitement, whether she has been gone 2 hours or 2 days. He loves lounging by the window awaiting her return and his healthy dose of daily belly rubs!
Please join us in wishing a Happy Birthday to Liz and a Happy Anniversary to her and Dusty! Be sure to greet them on their struts around the neighborhood. Thank you Barnett family for being our April Pet Family of the Month and more importantly… part of the Homeward Bound family.
Please visit your local shelter to see what you can do to help a pet in need!