Monday 14 March 2022

Bouncing Bertie, 18 Feb 2010 - 11 March 2022

Bertie 11 March 2022

Gail here:

Thank you friends for all your lovely comments on Friday's difficult post. 

Oh how grateful I am to have enjoyed over twelve years of companionship and fun with my darling little Bertie. His presence steadied me through many major life events - the final illnesses and deaths of both my parents, retirement, the Covid pandemic and so much more.

If I were to ask him to list his highlights, I'm sure he would remind us of the time he slipped his collar, jumped off a just about to depart train and made a break for freedom, sprinting down the platform at Newcastle railway station with panicking owner in hot pursuit... Or the more recent episode in Glen Mark, when a solitary mountain biker with a broken chain inadvertently donated to Bertie his last chicken sandwich

Bertie would also probably tell you about his exciting Christmas Day 2020 incursion into a care facility kitchen where the staff had to lure him outside again with a slice of turkey off some unfortunate resident's dinner plate.

For me, among so many wonderful memories, standouts include our two trips abroad by train and ferry, first to Switzerland in 2016 to see his beloved Doggy Godmother Tootsie (and her family Renée and Daniele), and then to Germany in 2019 to stay with dear friends Renate and Michael.

Then there were visits closer to home, notably with our wonderfully welcoming blogging friend YAM-Aunty in Dunoon

When travelling further afield was not possible due to Covid, Bertie always loved exploring new places around and about Aberdeen, especially when accompanied by M and J,  whose generous treat supply never ran dry. 

There are so many poignant memories of trips to Nottingham to see my father (Human Grandad - HGD) and mother (Human Granny - HGY).  Wee Bertie's presence never failed to lighten some dreadfully difficult times. 

Looking back to the earlier years, what joys we had with Blogville friends. In 2012 Bertie wooed his Valentine date Addi with the aid of a tank, and their virtual romance lasted longer than any I have ever sustained in real life! 

And then there was the time he took all his Blogville friends on a Geology Field Trip in Scotland...

Being shortlisted for the role of Ambassadog for Scotland in May 2016 was perhaps Bertie's great honour, and I believe to this day that he was only pipped at the post by winner George the golden retriever due to my all too not-Scottish accent! 

Bertie was diagnosed with an incurable cancer of the bladder in September 2020, and lived at least a year longer than was predicted. His whole life is recorded in this blog. Every minute was precious. 

So to end, here's Bertie as I most want to remember him, out and about enjoying the freedom and beauty of the Scottish hills, the perfect companion in good times and bad. 

PS I now plan to take a short break from blogging but, rest assured, a new blog featuring Bertie's successor Nobby will appear before too long and I'll let you know where you can find it.

45 comments:

  1. Gail, we are smashed to the ground... and we send you hugs and we cry with you for your wonderful bertie pup.....

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  2. What a wonderful memorial to a very special boy. Your words brought tears, and some laughter too. We shall remember him with great affection, he's cheered our days so many times, and we've learned so much from him.

    Love,
    Inca and her human xx

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  3. I didn't know Bertie but read about him on Cecilia's blog (My Mind's Eye). You have given him such a beautiful tribute full of happy memories. I am sure the train station incident will never be forgotten! I send my sincere condolences and a hug too.

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  4. Thanks for sharing so many wonderful stories, I always loved to ready them! Your smart boy is sadly missed.
    Auf Wiedersehen Bertie!💞

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  5. What a fabulous tribute. I hope my humans come somewhere close when my time comes. We were really sad to read about Bertie reaching the end of his allotted time on earth. He gave us all so much entertainment and he was clearly deeply loved, and loved you back.
    xxx Mr T

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  6. What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful boy, Gail. He sure did have a full life and wonderful adventures. We miss you, Bertie♥ Huge hugs to you, Gail♥

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  7. I have only followed your antics for about 2 years, and just took a train ride and a tank ride before I came here. I do remember several of the others and all of these are pricless memories and made me laugh again. you were a bright light in our lives, with your travels with Gail. your travel tales with Gail have shown me a Scotland I had no idea existed. My heart is broken for you and your Mama. Goodbye sweet Bertie, we all loved you so. Hugs to you Gail as you work your way through this loss. we will be waiting for the new blog. love you lots

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  8. A beautiful tribute to a fine companion. Thank you for sharing your (plural) adventures with us. Reading about them has been, for many years, my cup-of-coffee, first morning ritual.

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  9. Gail
    You 100% made Bertie proud today. If he you an EOYR (end of year review), there were be all kinds of new perks awarded. This was a beautiful Bouncing Boffin Bertie tribute. I thoroughly enjoyed the Geology Field trip. It was my first time reading about it and seeing the names of so many friends. Bertie did, saw, visited and pawticipated in so many things and visited so many places. His passport pages were full.
    Gail, we here in NC, will be waiting with baited fishy breath (a Madi quote) to meet, greet and enjoy Nobby.
    Hugs and love Cecilia and Bryan

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  10. Hari OM
    ...sigh... my eyes are all wet as I remember all these fun times - especially the ones we shared together in person. But in that sorrow is the light of joy for the potential that resides in a little pup yet to arrive... Hugs, YAM xx

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  11. That was lovely Gail and a treat remembering so many of Berties adventures and exploits over the years. Wee Dobbie will have large paws to fill but we have no doubt that together, you'll blaze a wonderful new trail.

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  12. Such wonderful memories of a life well lived.

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  13. We are so very sad and sorry to hear about Bertie passing. He was a fun guy and although we hadn't been followers of his for a long time, we always enjoyed his posts. Run free buddy!

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  14. Such precious memories of Bertie. Thanks for sharing them all with us and reminding us of some of the best of times. We are keeping our paws crossed for you, Gail.

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  15. Sweet tears combined with laughter remembering all those moments Bertie gave us his personal philosophy of life and special insights. What a wonderful 12 years with him. 12, that's how old my Jake was when he left us..
    and yet is still so present 9 years later. Thank you Gail for sharing your dear lad with us. I know he and Hamish will be looking out for you and Nobby as Nobby finds his own voice. xxxooo

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  16. I have a huge lump in my throat after being shocked that Bertie has passed. I had started to think that he was immortal. His amazing spirit never wavered. You and he were so lucky to spend so many years together but I know how it hurts when your best friend passes. Lots of hugs to you, Gail. In fact, Bertie is immortal in a way because you and all of us will never forget him.

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  17. I'm so sorry for your loss. It's heartbreaking to learn of a beloved companion's passing but I hope the many tender moments you shared will provide you with a certain measure of comfort as your heart heals. Sending thoughts of comfort you way from me and the 'Ranch Hands.' ❤️‍🩹

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  18. we did not have the honor of knowing you Bertie, yet we wanted to say how truly sorry we are. we send hugs to you, and to your family as well. ♥♥♥

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  19. Our hearts were broken when we heard about Bertie. But he did a dog's job and brought joy, laughter, companionship, and love to you and many others. Our hearts are with you.

    Your Pals,

    Murphy, Stanley, Carol & Bob

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  20. Sorry to hear about the loss of your fabulous boy Bertie. He lived a wonderful life full of love with you.

    Julie and poppyq

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  21. Dear Gail, I promise to keep alive Bertie's wonderful wire fox terrier spirit by stealing as many chicken sandwiches from unsuspecting humans as possible and escaping from mum at every opportunity. Bertie was my hero and we shall miss him. Findlay x

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  22. Dear Gail, I am so sorry that Bertie has left you. I so enjoyed reading his blog. You both had great adventures together and you shared them with us. Now I can't wait to leave the office at 5 and hug my Alex. Hugs to you Gail.

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  23. We are so sad to hear about Bertie. He was quite a character, and such a good boy! Sending tearful hugs and prayers.

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  24. I am so sorry to read this, I am late in expressing my condolences to you for the loss of your sweet Bertie. There are tears all around here. What a wonderful friend he was and all the adventures you had together...thank you so much for sharing it with us, giving us out here smiles while we enjoyed your adventures with all the quirks and fun! A big hug to you from across the wires. Take good care in the days ahead.

    Your friends Rosie, Redford and Lesley

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  25. A lovely tribute to a splendid dog. How fitting to see Bertie pictured among a few of his many friends. They don't come finer than Bertie and your devotion to him was heartwarming. It was just grand to come along on his adventures. I will be missing him so much from afar. How very happy that Nobby will be joining you soon. Take care and it will be good to see you back. With love, Stephanie

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  26. Such a wonderful life you and Bertie made together. I have so many fond Blogville memories of Bertie through the years....He will be missed!
    xoxo,
    Beth and the Gang

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  27. So many wonderful memories, Gail. Take time - what a dreadful few weeks we are living through. I look forward to meeting Nobby in due course. Hugs to you as you process your loss.

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  28. I think we all have so many wonderful memories of sweet Bertie. He was truly a Blogville icon who will never be forgotten.
    Hugs.....

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  29. A beautiful post for a very special dog. I know how painful it was to write it. Bless you. We can't wait for new adventures.

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  30. Thank you for sharing these lasting memories of your best friend & companion Bertie! He will be missed by all. Take care of yourself and we look forward to your comeback, but we won't for get Bertie!
    My best,
    Lucy, (Troy, Ohio)

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  31. We remember when you went to look…..just to look at a litter of WFT puppies, and the rest is history. There are so many memories packed into a dozen years. He was always our choice for Ambassadog!

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  32. A lovely tribute to your closest companion. The blog will stand as memory too.
    Did you know by the way that you can get your blog printed / converted into hard copy and/or PDF. Try Googling blog2print which is who I use.
    Meanwhile, take care in your break and come back bouncing.
    Very best
    x

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I have already used blog2print to create and print hard copies Volumes 1 - 8 of Bertie's blog, and will shortly be ordering Volume 9.

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  33. So sad to hear your news, he was a real character and your tribute has done him proud.
    I also remember him helping to shake the can for AI on a windy Saturday morning :)
    Do drop in next time you are up this way to visit Nobby.
    xx

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  34. A beautiful and loving tribute to a wonderful companion who lived a life filled with love - one can't ask for more than that.

    Woos and Hugs - Lightning, Misty, and Timber and Mom Kathie too

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  35. Awww, this is so sad to read, but it is a beautiful tribute to your beloved Bertie.

    Sending much love to you and many big hugs at this very difficult time.

    ((((( ♥ )))))

    I made a memento in his honor...but I do not know how to send it to you...it will be up in our blog the next time I post. You could snag it from there...or send me an email to: ingrid (at) rickmar (dot) net

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  36. We will miss you so much Bertie. Sending lots big hugs and westie kisses to you Gail. <3

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  37. We will miss you, Bertie... our Finley sure thought you were the cutest pup evfur-- she had quite the crush on you! Hugs to your momma, Gail... and westie kisses, of course! ~~ Brinley

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  38. Sweet Sir Bertie, it's so special to see that picture with you and our Tootsie here at Casa Burrow. Thank you so much for being so wonderful.

    Lots of love,
    Renée and Daniele

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  39. I do believe Nobby will be Naughty AND Nice—you know, sugar and spice....:)

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  40. I was and am so sorry to read about your beloved Bertie. But what a wonderful life, full of the best of memories, spent with the best of people and his person. I know all those adventures and memories are still as much a part of him as he left this life for the next, and will always be a part of you too. The two of you will always be connected. It's how it should be. ❤

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  41. Dear Gail - I have following your BLog Constantly since lost my first WFT, Tintin, and got my second, Newtin, in 2011 - around a bout the same time as you got Bertie - So I am feeling particularly heartsore on your behalf as our wft's were the same age and I loved following your story! Oddly Newtin - although still looking cute and puppyish a lot of time is like Bertie struggling with his sight and hearing and is also often confused and perhaps this is reminder to love him and his WFT idiosyncrasies to bits! Feeling really sad for you! Tweet Brummer

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  42. Looking again at these photos, I am touched by how lovely they all are.

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  43. I am so sorry for your loss. He livened up our world every time we read about his adventures. - The Johnson Family and Angel Barkley and Angel Abby

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  44. I'm Scooter and im so sorry about Bertie. Him and Addie had so much fun. They are playing together Along with Jazzi.

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