Welcome to Barks and Life Sparks!

I’m Sandra, the heart behind this blog, which chronicles Barks and Life Sparks: My Journey with Cookie and our shared adventures of healing, resilience, and joy.

My Early Days in Barreiro: The Roots of Barks and Life Sparks

I grew up in Barreiro, a charming town filled with culture and creativity. My childhood was shaped by the vibrant community and my love for the arts, especially writing and photography. These passions became my tools for self-expression and storytelling.

To learn more about Barreiro, explore these resources:

TripAdvisor – Things to Do in Barreiro – A comprehensive list of attractions and activities.

Visit Portugal – Barreiro – Highlights the town’s cultural and historical attractions.

Lisboa Secreta – Visit Barreiro – Discover hidden gems and activities in Barreiro.

Taste of Lisboa – Barreiro Travel Guide for Food Lovers – A culinary journey through Barreiro’s best spots.

Friends were a part of my life almost every day of the week. I had a few relationships, but they didn’t last long, whether fortunately or unfortunately.

Life Before 40: The Prelude to Barks and Life Sparks

Before I turned 40, life felt full of possibilities, with social gatherings, terrace evenings with friends, and dreams to chase. But everything changed when I lost my job. Struggling to find new opportunities, I faced a difficult decision. At a certain point, emigrating became the only solution. Though it wasn’t an easy choice, it marked a pivotal moment in my life that ultimately shaped my journey toward growth and resilience.

Emigrating and Facing Challenges: A Path to Barks and Life Sparks

Emigrating alone to a new country marked a pivotal moment in my life. While it brought exciting opportunities, it also came with immense challenges—loneliness, cultural adjustments, and later, a painful family drama. These experiences tested my resilience and pushed me to the brink of despair.

Cookie: My Guiding Light in Barks and Life Sparks

Cookie entered my life after I lost my first dog, Daisy. Daisy was a Great Dane who taught me the meaning of unconditional love. She was my first guide, my first child, and my first angel. Her heart was even bigger than her size, and our bond was indescribable. Losing Daisy to old age left me in tremendous pain. Before her passing, I was convinced I would never want another dog because Daisy was perfect. However, after she was gone, the silence in my house became unbearable. That’s when I realized I needed another companion.

A Special Memory of Daisy

During our beach seasons, Daisy sometimes wasn’t a big fan of the water. She would sleep soundly in the shade of the beach umbrella, but the moment I stood up to swim, she would fix her gaze on me. Already in the water, I would pretend to be drowning, and Daisy would rush to save me. It became our little game, though after a few times, she stopped believing me and just watched over me instead!

Cookie came into my life at just the right moment. She quickly became the heart of Barks and Life Sparks: My Journey with Cookie, teaching me that all dogs are perfect in their own way and that love always has room to grow. Her boundless energy and affection became a source of healing, reminding me that love can grow and thrive again, even after loss. Together, we began a journey of renewal and discovery, proving that joy can be found in the simplest moments.

Cookie’s Beach Adventures

Cookie has her own unique way of enjoying the beach. The first thing she does is roll in the sand with such enthusiasm, it’s impossible not to laugh. After a good roll, she dives into the beach bag to find her ball, then runs joyfully toward the waves, her tail wagging with pure happiness. Watching her reminds me that life’s simplest pleasures are often the most healing.

The Birth of Barks and Life Sparks: My Healing Journey with Cookie

This blog was born out of one of the darkest times in my life—a period when I was battling depression and felt utterly alone. I found myself in a deep hole, with Cookie as the lifeline keeping me grounded. Her unconditional love and unwavering presence gave me the strength to fight back, even when it felt impossible.

“Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

A.A. Milne

Through our adventures and quiet moments together, I began to find the sparks of joy that define Barks and Life Sparks: My Journey with Cookie. The saying “when you look for a hand, a paw appears” perfectly captures what Cookie did for me. She inspired me to share my journey with others, creating a space where stories of hope, resilience, and the profound bond between humans and animals can thrive.

“Sometimes, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

A.A. Milne

I’ve also come to realize how many people face similar struggles with depression and loneliness, often feeling misunderstood or judged. While many express willingness to help during times of crisis, the reality is often different. That’s why I’ve committed to writing about topics like depression and loneliness, with the hope of offering solace and support to others who might be experiencing the same. My adventures with Cookie are my therapy and the sparks of my life—and I hope they bring some light to yours.

One of my pleasures is to open a bottle of red wine and cook a great meal of 2 or 3 courses. I consider myself an adventurous person, what lead me to travel and discover some of the hidden corners that nobody sees. For last but not the least one of my biggest pleasures : play with my dog.    

Let’s Stay Connected

• Read More: Dive into our adventures, like Isle of Wight: A Solo Retreat with My Dog.
• Follow Cookie: Join Cookie’s daily adventures and pawsome moments on Instagram.
• Contact Me: I’d love to hear your stories! Reach out via email.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Let’s create sparks together!