Written by: Jenny Lance
Bernie loves lounging on the couch.
Photo courtesy Jenny Lance
[Editor’s note: Orvis customer Jenny Lance sent in these great pictures and the sad-but-ultimately-heartwarming story of how Bernadette came to live with her.]
Bernadette was obviously someone’s loved dog at some point, because she was spayed, knew sit/shake/stay, was house-trained, and loves people, cats, and dogs. For a reason we will never know, she ended up lying in the middle of a remote country road in southern Ohio, weighing only 67 pounds! Her backbone was an inverted “V” on top of her back, and her hip bones were sticking out with sores on them. She had open sores on her legs and pads, fly-bitten ears, fleas, raw-and-red skin, and barely any fur. When some gals I know came upon her during a walk, she couldn’t even get up. They ran home (one being pregnant!) to get their car. They returned, picked her up, and took her home.
She was skin and bones when she was first found in the road.
Photo courtesy Jenny Lance
Since I am involved in our local dog rescue efforts, one of the women, Lizzie, called my home. I was out of town, so my husband gave her another volunteer’s name and number. My friend, Karen, took in Bernie and named her St. Bernadette (the Patron Saint of Healing). After “Bernie” had spent a few weeks at Karen’s, I took over her fostering. I did show her to potential adopters, but having grown up with a Saint Bernard as a child, I have a special place in my heart for the breed and decided I could not give her up. I officially adopted Bernadette, and she has blossomed into a gorgeous, healthy 120-pound, fluffy, ball of love!
Now she loves going on hikes with Jenny and JJ.
Photo courtesy Jenny Lance
For quite a few months, she didn’t have the strength or endurance to go on hikes up our hill with me and my Chocolate Lab, JJ. She is now able to enjoy wonderful hikes and to chase JJ around the yard. (But she can’t catch him!) I am pretty sure she was a city dog that someone dumped in the country, because she does not leave the yard, even though we have hundreds of acres and has been off leash when I am outside since day two. She is tentative about ditches and creeks yet and apparently could not fend for herself, considering the condition in which she was found. Sometimes you wish you could know the dog’s story, but sometimes I don’t know that we could handle it with the grace they do.
It’s amazing how a loving home can bring a dog back from the brink.
Photo courtesy Jenny Lance
Bernadette is a wonderful addition to our family and we love her very much. She loves her Orvis Bed (and our couch!)
You are a true savior to animals. Bernie is one lucky dog to say the least. I don’t know what kind of heart could take that poor animal & dump him in the woods to fend for himself. You are his angel, & God Bless you for having the heart to love him back to health. I love my two dogs & would never let anything ever happen to them. They are my family.
thank you! we love her so much!
Beautiful outcome. We did something similar with our Sassy and had the same wonderful results. Too bad all dogs aren’t so lucky. You are earning your wings.
I love my new wings! How are yours, Minta! Thanks for reading her story!
I love having a dog with my name. I would say she is quite tenacious and so lucky to have you. I have several…some from sad situations but they are so great. Best of luck to B