Bertie’s Story: Part 2

In a previous blog, we looked at Bertie's story and the difficulties that can be a part of rehoming a dog rescued from the streets of Romania.

After living with Bertie as a foster for 5 months, Linda decided that she could never face letting him live with someone she didn't know and trust, and in December last year, she made the decision to adopt him fully and they became an official family.

One of Linda's biggest worries with Bertie is having to be away from him in the future, especially when visiting her sister who lives in Australia. It would also be impossible to have people staying at her house with Bertie there.

As she would never consider putting him in a kennel with all of his anxieties, she has been working with a home boarder, Dawn, with some rescue dog experience, hoping that Bertie can stay with Dawn when absolutely necessary.

After 3 months of gentle coaxing, Bertie was finally comfortable enough to let Dawn stroke his head and give him a belly rub. He won't let her put on his lead yet, but they're hoping for that over the coming months. Everything has to be taken slowly, and completely at Bertie's pace. 

Looking after Bertie has been hard, lonely and very stressful, and Linda has had to rethink everything she does, making sure she has all of the patience and understanding that Bertie needs. She continues to work with the home boarder to get Bertie more comfortable around her, and also uses a local dog behaviourist who is trained in treating reactive dogs. There are still regular challenges, such as getting Bertie to the vet when needed, but Linda knows to take each challenge as it comes, one day at a time. 

She knows it will take time for Bertie to feel completely at home, but is rewarded by a wagging tail when she enters the same room as him, and even gets an occasional kiss. Linda is so thankful that she has been given the chance to show Bertie what a good and safe home can be like. 

O.U.R Dog Foundation would like to thank Linda for everything she has done for Bertie and wishes them a world of happiness together.