Dixie Mae Barnas

Dixie Mae Barnas, aka Big Momma, crossed the rainbow bridge peacefully in her home surrounded by her humans and sister dog on January 2, 2024. Her age was guesstimated to be around 11 years old. She was a Bluetick Coonhound. 

Dixie was adopted November 23, 2014 from HoundSong Rescue into the Barnas family. She had been rescued by HoundSong from deplorable conditions in South Virginia, pregnant and severely malnourished. While in transit to her foster family in the Midwest she delivered her babies at a hotel. Robin Williams had recently died so her temporary name was Wendy and her pups had names from the movie Hook.
 
Once adopted, Dixie immediately bonded to her sister Beagle, Mabel. They have been the best of friends through the years with a bond so special it was obvious to anyone who saw them together. They tried to go on an adventure or 2 over the years by escaping the underground fence together. The two of them were always snuggled close at night, often looking more like a pretzel of limbs than 2 dogs. 

In true hound fashion Dixie was a Houdini dog. She escaped every kennel/crate there ever was and then proceeded to bust Mabel out of a separate kennel as well. This led to her dad building them a “safe room” with tiled floors and walls as well a steel exterior door to keep them contained while we were away from home. The room has a window and is equipped with an Alexa for background music.
 
Dixie loved the outdoors and basking in the sunshine. She was the best camping companion and went on all the hikes. Thunderstorms and fireworks were her enemy which meant she would look for small spaces in closets or hampers to hide. She was an amazing garage dog while dad tinkered outdoors, napping in the driveway or on her garage bed. She would bay loudly at any and all neighbors walking by, delivery trucks, the garbage man, etc in case we weren’t aware there was possible imminent danger so close. If said danger approached the house she thought she had made a new best friend because she loved all people, and the Coonhound in her meant she would put her front paws up on everyone in greeting for a hug but looking like she was treeing a raccoon. She had the best soft, long hound ears that touched the water when she drank, and she had one single black mark on her left side in the shape of a heart. 

Dixie is survived by her dad Eddie, mom Sabrina, sister Madie, brother Arlo, and sister dog Mabel.
 
She will be forever missed and we will carry her in our hearts always. We ask that you give your pets extra treats and love in memory of her - she was truly a lover of food and all the snuggles. 

Cremation services accorded. Arrangements entrusted to Whispering Willow Pet Funeral & Cremation Services.