Bertha was one of the fortunate Oklahoma 10, dogs purchased with privately donated funds at a dog auction for a puppy miller who went out of business (can we get 3 cheers for one more puppy miller out of business?)

She is growing some hair back in the patches that were hairless, and after a month in foster care, she is sporting a nice shiny coat and is, overall, a healthy girl!

She adores kids and is remarkably laid-back. When the dogs in her foster home get all excited about the SQUIRREL! SQUIRREL! SQUIRREL IN OUR YARD! Bertha yawns and rolls over on her back for a tummy rub. What is a prey drive? she wonders to herself. She gets along with dogs of every description—if you have a laid-back dog or two, or even a fairly high-strung one, she’d probably get along just fine. As long as your dog isn’t aggressive, she’d be glad to share a pad.

Here’s what her foster mom says about her temperament: "Bertha is very laid-back, but she enjoys a good romp with the resident Frenchies. She is very happy and easygoing, just goes with the flow. She is a mellow dog, who prefers hanging out on the couch next to a human being willing to pet her. We have not seen any evidence of a dominant personality, but when challenged she holds her own. She certainly hasn’t picked any fights. She tends to follow our dogs’ lead, probably because she’s never lived in a house before. She is definitely still figuring out this new life of hers. She needs a lot of supervision in the house (and outside), because she gets into anything and everything, and hasn’t met an object she doesn’t enjoy chewing."

Bertha has a little way to go in the housetraining department. Absolutely par for the course in terms of puppymill dogs, but you should be aware that she has had a number of housetraining accidents after an unbelievable few weeks of potty perfection. It was too good to last. As far as the crate goes, she's ok in the crate, but doesn't like to be separated from her people. She's still learning about voice commands and she doesn't entirely get the whole "leash" concept, but she's coming around. She likes to chew bones and Nylabones, which are useful to distract her from chewing on something she shouldn't. She will also play with a stuffed toy briefly. Her favorite thing to do is to sit next to you and get a massage! She is a most appreciative recipient of patting and kneading and rubbing and scratching. She's got many, many months without any benevolent human touch to make up for!

Here’s what her foster mom wants for Bertha: Someone who can be home with her a good part of the day. She has been in a cage/crate all of her life and I’d love to see her in a home where she can have more freedom, but also some structure so she can learn appropriate limits. We have to crate her here because we work out of the home (she’s let out at lunch) and she does well, but I’d love for her to get more attention. I think Bertha is one of those rare dogs who would do well in any setting. I have not seen her get overstimulated, and noises and activity don’t seem to bother her at all (we have a 3.5 year old, so there is plenty of noise and activity at our house.) I think she would like a dog companion, because she does like to play, but she would do fine as an only dog. She has never met a stranger, and has loved everyone she’s met so far, and sought out our young son’s company from the get-go. I would also like it if she could sleep in the people bed.

She’d be a fabulous office dog! In terms of housing, Bertha would do well in an apartment or a house. A fenced yard would be easiest for her, because she is still a bit confused about being on a leash. However, with a patient owner and consistent practice she could learn to take regular walks on a leash. She should never be trusted off-leash in an unfenced area; she barely responds to her name at this point, much less coming when called.

Here are some final words about Bertha from her foster mom:
"Bertha is utterly delightful. Everyone who has met her has been amazed at what an affectionate dog she is, and how resilient her spirit must be to have emerged from almost seven years as a breeder in a puppymill with such a loving disposition. She loves people, gets along well with dogs, and is especially gentle and patient with children. She’s a big, goofy girl with a big heart to match. She wants to be the center of someone’s home and heart, and she will definitely make some lucky person or persons the center of her universe. She will need a patient and consistent owner who is willing to take the time to teach her what life as a dog in a home is like. And who can resist that silly, toothy grin of hers? Honestly, a sweeter, better-natured dog you have never met. She is ready to start the best years of her life."

She’s waiting to begin her happy ending in Central Texas, and you’ll have to wish yourself there to pick her up. She won’t be shipped.

Apply for me here!

Bertha's Sponsors

Chris Palomo
We know that all your days from here forward will be filled with love. Derek Kowata & Allen Weinberg
Kim Stevens
We are so glad you will now feel the sun on your back and the grass under your feet. The Fuzzy Fawzis
We are making this donation in memory of our Bronco who went to the Rainbow Bridge February 3, 2008. David Berry
Carol Harig
With love, Jan, Scott, Lincoln, and Lola (formerly Bumble)
Kerry Mantrop
Nancy & Ginger Rogers/NY