Saying goodbye to Bertie.

Today I said goodbye to Bertie. Although he was not my dog I have worked with him for 19 months which is longer than I have known some of my own.

He was people reactive and dog reactive but once you were his friend he was immensely loyal. He was my boy and would drag people over to me if he saw me while out with a different staff member.

He gave great cuddles and kisses. He lived to learn and really enjoyed agility. More than a few times this last year or so I have called him my sanity saver.

I have worked with him nearly every day and if he had got along with other dogs I would have brought him home ages ago. I used to take him to my house on weekends when all my dogs were in the staff kennels so that part of his walk was in a normal house.

Today he received a couple of special meals including cake and lots of treats. He went for a walk on a nearby common with me and a colleague where he got to paddle in the pond and sniff lots of smells. Then we took him to the vets. The decision was made to sedate him first as he would not cope with strangers handling him. The vet sedated him and then left the room so he fell asleep with just his friends around him. Shortly after the vet returned and Bertie passed quickly.

Although I could not bring him home in life I am having him cremated and his ashes will be placed with Bob's so that he has a home even if it is after.

He was a brilliant dog and I really wish I could have done more for him. I'm so sorry he passed away in kennels and it breaks my heart that someone can hurt a dog as much as he was.

Wherever you are now Bertie I hope you find peace from your demons. Sleep well my wonky legged boy.

Oh well that's got me in floods of tears now.

You have a heart of gold Wyrekin. Bless you for bringing this dog some happiness in his life and some dignity in his death.

My heart goes out to you Wyrekin, but what a wonderful thing you have done in caring for Bertie and giving him the love he had been missing in his earlier life. I know you are sad that you could not give Bertie a home with your own dogs, but you gave him your love and he gave you his - you have given happiness to Bertie and made sure that he passed peacefully and in no pain - you could not have done more for him - bless you for that. xx

Run Free Bertie, bless your little cotton socks

sleep well Bertie....x

Run free with those wonky legs Bertie XX

Jen,I'm so sorry

Run free sweet Bertie xxx

So sorry Jen .... Run free at the bridge Bertie xxx

I am so sorry. Thank goodness Bertie knew you.

Run free Bertie.

Bertie found love with you, you gave him something very precious and he went with love.

Run free at the Bridge Bertie.