Caesar Barnhart, beloved adventure companion to Kirsten Barnhart, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 26, 2024, at nearly 13 years old.
During his long life, Caesar visited 10 states. He trekked across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, stood under the arches of St. Louis, went face to face with elk and black bear in the Smokies, and hiked hundreds of miles in Ohio’s beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Caesar lived a life unlike most dogs. He walked nearly every inch of Van Wert City in his prime and was made famous by his beloved friend, Kirsten, who spoke about him often in the Times Bulletin. Today, the citizens of Van Wert can see him each time they visit the county hospital.
Caesar came to Kirsten when she was 19. Young and stupid, he taught her to care for something other than her self. He moved with her 6 times, saw her through heartbreaks and career changes, provided comfort though long college nights, and walked her down the aisle on her wedding day. Caesar was there through it all—proving that if there is a will there is a way to keep your dog no matter the circumstance.
Among the many things that brought Caesar joy, chief among them were putting his face out the window on car rides, laying his head on Kirsten’s shoulder as she drove, rolling around on his back, chasing chickens, and to swim and swim and swim.
Part German Shepherd, part Australian Cattle Dog, Caesar was a force to be reckoned with. He was a challenging pup who took a whole lot of work, but each second was worth it.
Caesar gave Kirsten a reason to live when she couldn’t find one. He was her heart, her soul, and her universe, and she will miss him with her entire being. He was literally one of a kind.
In honor of Caesar, Kirsten asks that people help remember him through a donation to the Van Wert County Humane Society.