Barney Shoe Lepper Obituary

Barney Shoe Lepper was born on July 12, 2007. On December 12, 2007, he was brought into our family, adopted from the Portage County Humane Society. “Barnes” would live a healthy and happy life. He lived in four different homes and had several half-brothers and sisters. In his early life, Barnes would grow close to his feline brother, Jack, and canine sister, Bryar. Later, his canine sister, Rosie would grow into close companion. Barney would often bathe Rosie, who he would describe as the “dirty doggie”. One can imagine the pet-party once Barney crossed the rainbow bridge and joined all his siblings. Barney loved laps. If there was a warm lap available, especially one with food nearby, Barney was surely there. The guy would pretend to just want snuggles but would persistently try to sneak a nibble if the owner of the lap would let their guard down – even for a second and especially if the food was ice cream. Another passion of Barney’s was to work on his suntan. If there was a spot of sun on the floor or an open window, Barnes was sure to be napping there soaking up the rays. He loved shoes and boxes almost as much. When guests arrived, inspector Barnes snuggled their shoes until he was sure they were free of danger. And Amazon deliveries and Christmases always meant there was a new cat bed for Barnes – in the form of a cardboard box. In February of 2025 at his routine veterinary appointment, remarks were made of his great health at his advanced age. He was a very nimble kitten in an old cat’s body right up until just a few days before his passing. Even in his last moments, he gave reassuring slow blinks to his family, assuring them everything will be okay in the hard days to come. Barney was always a comforting soul. If he thought you were sad, he’d find you to cheer you up. He could comfort one on the saddest of days. Barnes was a “constant” in our home and is already deeply missed. Eighteen years of companionship and many, many memories. Stories of our sweet Barney boy will be told for decades; he will never be forgotten.