Bernie was one of the puppies from our very first rescue litter. He and his four siblings were found lying in full sun on the edge of a construction site. The litter's mother was very sick and a broken jaw meant that she couldn't eat and was slowly starving to death. Due to the nature of her illness, the mother had to be removed from the pups (to a wonderful local lady who has given her a permanent loving home) and the puppies needed to be bottle fed. They all did well and with the exception of Bernie, they were all quickly adopted, with Bernie's brother Tommy becoming our very first cross-border adoption!
Bernie is a truly gentle soul, with a long face, droopy ears, lugubrious eyes, and strangely monkey-like curled tail. Holding his ears up straight makes him look almost equine, earning him the affectionate nick-name 'Donkey-face'.
Unfortunately, Bernie would be a challenge to adopt as he is scared of everything outside the shelter. It is the only place where he feels secure. Taking him for a walk is a nightmare - he hates every minute of it and just wants to go home. Sadly from a tiny pup, Bernie has been afraid of life - clearly a challenge for Cesar Milan!!
However, we all of us, human and animals alike have our own unique gifts and by our very differences we breathe life into this multi-faceted world.
Bernie's gift to the world? He is a big, strong, healthy dog which has made him a perfect candidate for canine blood donation. Perhaps there is a reason why Bernie has never been psychologically strong enough to face the world outside the shelter. Maybe life had an altogether different purpose for him?
To date, Bernie has helped save 4 doggy lives through the gift of his blood.
We are proud of him, we hope he is proud too, he certainly should be.
Barney's lookalike, I love him and thank him and send him cyber kisses.
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