“Barney and Me” by Katelyn Myrskog
I created a podcast to discuss life in the pandemic and I chose to talk about something that made my life a little bit more bearable, particularly during the lockdown months. I spoke about my pet rabbit Barney and our journey together. He was my best friend and baby and this is probably the most personal thing I have ever created about myself, even though it’s a podcast about a rabbit.
Barney was a great comfort to me last year and he gave me the strength to get through the hard days and a little extra joy on the good days. I compiled a variety of small moments I captured last summer, where I would take Barney for walks at Dow’s Lake or when we would lay out in the sun together.
My favourite clip I featured is of Barney at my house in Toronto, grazing around the backyard. My cats either followed him around to glare at him, hiss at him, bat him in the head or completely ignore him- but still wanted to be around him, he honestly loved it. Re-listening to the way I used to talk to Barney and especially hearing my brother speak to him, gets me every time.
His passing was extremely hard for me but creating this podcast brought back beautiful memories that I look back on with such love and happiness. Although these memories are bittersweet, I am thankful for the time I had with him and as I mention in the podcast, I am sure anyone can relate to at least one thing that gave them a similar comfort in the early lockdown, and that one thing made all the difference- Barney was that for me. I hope you enjoy.
The piano at the end of the composition is me playing my keyboard, Barney would frequently sit under it and close his eyes while I played. He was such a sensitive, mischievous and pure soul, I miss him everyday. This is for you, my sweet boy, I'll love you always.
This project was featured in episode 1 of The Place of Sound.
