When I first met Bertie, her name was Bessie Boo and I was at the rescue to meet another dog. That dog was pretty wild and Bertie was so calm and just showed up next to me to say hello. I adopted her and had her for 12 wonderful years. My 2 cats were not happy but they got used to her relatively quickly, especially because she didn’t bother them at all. Her only downfall was her high-pitched “shriek bark” but otherwise she was a perfect little pup.

She has been with me through moves, losing other pets (including her 2 sister cats), different jobs, etc. She loved riding in the car and going places where people would notice how cute she was with her bouncy ears and her little prance. She was my dog through and through - friendly to others but preferring to be with me. As she got older and her hearing got worse, she just followed me around the house so she could know where I was at all times.

It’s hard now to go to sleep and know she’s not under the bed (her chosen sleeping spot), to sit on the couch without her by my side, to go on walks with her dog brother but without her. I know that putting her to rest was the best option but it doesn’t make it any easier. She is reunited with her cat sisters as well as a previous dog brother and I know I will see them all again some day. I miss you, my little Bertie bear. You were a good girl.

-Rachel Tapp