Twelve years ago, the day after her 19th birthday, Bree W. went to her local shelter determined to bring home a dog. The first pup she chose was adopted before she could finish the paperwork — but that twist of fate led her straight to Barney, a 2-year-old pup who instantly stole her heart.
“[I] fell in love with him instantly,” Bree recalled.
From that day on, Barney was her shadow, her comfort, and her closest companion. For years, it was just the two of them — until one day Bree spotted a black-and-white cat with a perfect little mustache at an adoption event. She didn’t adopt him right away, but she couldn’t stop thinking about him.
Weeks later, on Barney’s seventh “adoptaversary,” Bree went back and brought the cat — now named ‘Stache — home. She wasn’t sure how Barney would react, but the two bonded almost immediately.
“Within three days, they were cuddling on the couch,” Bree said.
From that moment on, Barney and ‘Stache were inseparable. They wrestled, played, and curled up together every day.
You can watch Barney and ‘Stache wrestle here:
Over time, ‘Stache even started imitating Barney — greeting Bree at the door, and eventually learning to play fetch (though with hair ties instead of tennis balls).
Watch ‘Stache play fetch with hair ties here:
For five happy years, the unlikely pair were constant companions. But earlier this year, Barney’s health began to decline.
Despite every effort, treatments didn’t work. At 14 years old, Bree made the heartbreaking decision to help him cross the rainbow bridge.
In the week leading up to his final appointment, Bree organized “Barney’s Farewell Tour,” giving him the chance to say goodbye to neighbors, grandparents, and his closest friends.
When Bree returned home without him, carrying only his collar, ‘Stache knew something had changed.
“At first, he just seemed curious,” Bree said. “But then he started looking at Barney’s bed, waiting for him.”
Days later, Bree walked into the room and found ‘Stache sitting quietly on Barney’s bed — as if reflecting, or perhaps finally realizing that his best friend wasn’t coming back.
“It was so sad, and I wondered if that was the moment he understood,” Bree said.
You can watch that moment here:
When Barney’s ashes arrived, ‘Stache rubbed his face against the box, almost as though saying goodbye.
For Bree, it was heartbreaking but also a reminder that her cat was grieving in his own way — just as she was.
“I think, like me, he has quiet moments of grief and reflection,” she shared.
Now, a little over a month later, ‘Stache is adjusting.
Bree doesn’t plan on adopting another pet just yet, but she believes Barney may one day send someone special their way.
“There will never be a dog that can replace Barney or the bond that he and ‘Stache shared,” Bree said. “But if we do get another cat or dog, I’ll know exactly who hand-picked them for us from heaven.”
You can keep up with ‘Stache and Bree on TikTok.
