OKLAHOMA 10 PUPPYMILL

“Whattaya gon’ give, whattaya gon’ give, whattaya gon’ give…” The auctioneer’s strident query thrums against the rescue angels’ nerves, already stretched tight. They came with a game plan for saving the most in need with limited resources. The dynamics of the auction make it difficult to stay on plan. They are making “Sophie’s Choice” decisions. The tension is as thick as the smell – the odor of unwashed bodies, dog feces, an open cesspool, and fear.

The cherubic child walks up to the table and deposits a small brown dog on it. She is a chunky, chocolate colored girl with one lop ear and a toothy grin. The auctioneer announces, “This is lot number one-eighty-four, whelped in 2001. She’s got twenty-five pups left in ‘er”. The angel team goes from stunned horror to galvanized action. They must get this one. And so they did…

Meet Bertha. First spotted in the auction barn in a stall by herself, this sweet frog was jumping up and down begging for attention. At seven years old, she has spent her whole life as a puppy-producing machine. As stated on the Humane Society of the United States website, “These parent dogs live behind bars from birth until death, without ever feeling grass under their feet, enjoying a treat or toy, or having loving human contact or proper veterinary care. They are bred repeatedly until they can no longer reproduce, and then they are discarded.”

Bertha will never know this bitter end. Safe in FBRN’s care she is an endearing plus-size girl, thirty pounds of wiggly love. Bertha’s funny face with the one lop ear and an underbite give her the sweet look of a manatee. With amazing resilience, she is soaking up the caresses and attention lavished on her in her foster home.

Bertha has already been to the vet and kept her good humor through all the undignified tests. With no accidents in her crate, she is well on her way to being housebroken. Interested in her foster doggy siblings, she is learning good play manners. Her gentle nature is naturally drawn toward children. What more could you ask from the recently incarcerated? Once spayed and treated for itchy skin and ears, beautiful Bertha will be ready for a shining future filled with forever love.

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