Gail here again:
Thank you to so many readers for your kind and thoughtful comments on Wednesday's post.
After reviewing Bertie's condition with the vet yesterday afternoon, the sad news is that I've made the achingly difficult decision to have Bertie 'put to sleep' later today.
With his bladder cancer symptoms apparently causing more pain, on top of his deafness, poor eyesight and signs of confusion, he has lost so much of his former vitality and I didn't want to wait for his suffering to get worse.
Bertie has been such a splendid companion over the years, and especially during the long periods of Covid lockdown. I just feel numb right now and can't find the words, but a proper tribute will follow when I'm ready.
Meanwhile, here's a photo of Bertie on a walk in the woods with wee Ella earlier this week, his tail alert and happy, like it always used to be.
Oh I as so sorry, I can not even start to comprehend the pain you are going through at this point. Just remember Bertie was loved by a world wide family and he touched many of our lives. Kia Kaha stay strong
ReplyDeleteJust saw your message on Sophie's blog (and replied there) but wanting to let you know here at the hardest of times, when canines are our family and decisions need to be made, from the other side of the world I'm thinking of you both and sending you both lots of love.
ReplyDeleteGail, I'm so very, very sorry. My thoughts are with you both.
ReplyDeleteI cried when I read your message on Sophie's blog, and came straight here.
Inca and I will miss Bertie's wise words and his excellent take on all things of importance. We'll miss the photos of all the walks he invited us on.
Rest in Peace dear Bertie.
Hugs and kisses to you Gail - you will be in our thoughts constantly.
Much love from Inca, and her human, Carol xx
Oh…sorry to hear this. That it was expected doesn’t make it easier. Bertie had a good long inning. A legend. Just know that you aren’t alone.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this Gail, I shall be thinking of you and Bertie this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI ache right along with you, Gail. It's the hardest decision ever. Hugs to you and to Bertie♥
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry Gail that the hardest day ever has arrived. Holding you both in my thoughts today.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is hurting, my tears are falling and just know that we all are feeling pain with you. prayers for strength today and after Bertie is gone to heaven. hugs and love coming your way.
ReplyDeleteHamish and now Bertie. Hardly seems possible that it's that special time again. For you there is some solace in knowing that this is what trust is all about - that contract between dog and owner that says ' no pain'. You will have an unseen world of dog bloggers with you this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteYou know my heart is with you, Gail... Farewell dearest, darling Bertie... hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Bertie will always be with you. 💕
ReplyDeleteDear Gail,
ReplyDeleteBryan and I send you are heartfelt sympathy and understanding. We will be with your in spirit today as you loving care for Bertie one last time.
Bertie thank you for gleefully sharing your world with us. Thank you for the adventures you had that made us giggle and Gail thank you for putting these adventures in to words. As Tobi said, you were a legend and will remain so in our hearts.
We will always remember you exactly like your header.
With love
Cecilia and Bryan
I'm sending good thoughts for you and Bertie at this very sad day. No suffering for your boy.
ReplyDeleteDear Gail,
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for you. All dog owners know exactly what you're going through. And all of Bertie's many, many fans all over the world are saying a sad goodbye as he goes over that rainbow bridge. I believe with all my heart that you will see him again. I hope you do, too.
We are so sorry :'( We had to make this same decision with Matt yesterday. Praying for comfort for all of you today.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Bell Fur Zoo Mama
We're so sad but not at all surprised by this news about Bertie. He knows you are making the best decision you can for him. You two were so lucky to have each other. Our paws are crossed for you and Bertie during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteA brave, and selfless, decision. Our hearts are with you.
ReplyDeleteWe all had tears as soon as we saw the title of your post. We are so very sad and so very sorry, but in our hearts we know that you are doing the right thing for Bertie. He will "go gently" with dignity surrounded by love. We will light a candle here today to honor him and guide him on his way. We so wish we could give you a love-filled hug and give him a sweet belly rub, but we send them virtually from across the pond. <<<<>>>>
ReplyDeleteWoos and much love from Lightning, Misty, Timber and mom
What a grand life, so very well lived, Bertie enjoyed. Tears blur my eyes as I remember all the travels, walks and scientific findings Bertie made through the years...
ReplyDeletePlease know you aren't alone and have made such a brave and loving decision.
Virtual Hugs,
Beth(and the Gang)
Dear Gail,
ReplyDeletethis is a silent and very sad greeting from a German fan of Bertie. I asked my first dog Benny to receive Bertie at the end of the Rainbow Bridge.
Thank you for taking us on your great adventures!
Be hugged
Paloma with Maya
Dear Gail,
ReplyDeletethis is a silent and very sad greeting from a German fan of Bertie. I asked my first dog Benny to receive Bertie at the end of the Rainbow Bridge.
Thank you for taking us on your great adventures!
Be hugged
Paloma with Maya
Safe travels puppy doggo, peace to those that love you,
ReplyDeleteNuk
Run Free, Bertie!
ReplyDeleteYou lived a wonderful life and have left your pawprint on many hearts.
Your human gave you the greatest gift of all, freedom. Freedom from fear and illness.
Look for a Rough Collie and a couple of Elkhounds. They will show you a good time
Dear Gail, you have made the most loving and unselfish decision to release Bertie from this earthly world. He will live with all of us in the memories of his wonderful adventures, and forever in your heart.
ReplyDeletelove
Mabel & Hilda and Mom
I came back to let you know i have been thinking of you and Bertie all day and sending love to you.
ReplyDeleteWe've loved Bertie from afar Gail since the day you brought him home. Just as we loved your Hamish. But then inevitably comes the sad sad moment when it's go gently time, and now we will share your grief just as we shared your love. Rest in peace darling Bertie. You were well loved. xxxooo
ReplyDeleteSuch heartbreaking news. There will never be another like him. We are sending you all our love and prayers. Thank you for sharing his life with us.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry but know you and Bertie are doing the right thing, darn it is so very hard. I hurt for you and will hold you in my thoughts & prayers.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Lucy (Troy, Ohio)
Bertie fought long and hard and stayed with you as long as he could. He depended on you to make the right decision when the time came and he let you know when it was time. Take comfort in knowing that you gave him that one final gift of pain-free peace. Gail, I'm so very sorry. I know just how much this hurts right now. Sending you lots of hugs....
ReplyDeleteAngels Amber and Max and Mom
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Gail,
ReplyDeleteMy human and I have thought so much about you, and hope that you are able to find comfort in happy memories shared with Bertie. We'll all miss him so much.
Love,
Inca xx
Thinking of you♥
ReplyDeleteOh Gail, I am so sad. I've always felt a very special fondness for Bertie, remembering our own darling WFT Daisy (as I have mentioned before). What a bright, cheerful, spirited fellow he has been. I will miss him dearly. You will continue to be much in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWe are all so very sorry to hear about your dear Bertie, we know it's never easy. Love and hugs from all of us.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for the loss of your sweet boy. XO
ReplyDeleteWe visited so often, but often left without a word, now regretted. Bertie was a lovable boy, running across fields and hillsides and his endless and bouncing-boy-joy will be missed. May he now run with equal joy in the fields of heaven, may you always find love in your memories of him. Bertie, forever.
ReplyDeleteWe here are very sorry to hear of Bertie's trials. Big hugs to your whole family.
ReplyDeleteTyebe and Shoko Canadian Cats
I didn't know Bertie, but from his picture and description, 'bouncing' sounds like the perfect word for him. The very name brought a smile to my face. I have no doubt that he brought an infinite number to his family. Godspeed, Bertie.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to read this ! We know he is now pain free and well again, but oh how he will be missed ! Prayers and Power of the Paw to all who mourn him>
ReplyDeleteOh Gail. I'm so sad for you - knowing you are doing "the right thing" doesn't make it any easier. Weeping with you.
ReplyDeleteWe are so very sorry for your loss. Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy from all of us here at ATCAD
ReplyDeleteI am feel so sorry to have been away and missed your recent posts. And then to return just as your beloved companion passes away. You are right that small tragedies matter too, despite everything else in the world.
ReplyDeleteBut you know (and of course you do) little Bertie was loved to the end and had a marvelous life bringing happiness to you and to himself - that is perhaps as much as we can ask. Your sadness today reflects the joys you shared.
Take care
M x
Thank you so much for sharing Bertie with us over the years. We know the decision to say goodbye was painful, but as we all know, sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same. We are forever grateful to have gotten to spend a few days with Bertie (and you) and he will be remembered fondly in our hearts. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Lee, Phod, Lady and Man
ReplyDeleteOh Gail, we are heartbroken for you. Bertie was such a star and you have been the best mum to him. It's a privilege to be there with them at the end but so,so painful for us. Look after yourself. We'll never forget our bouncy friend xx
ReplyDeleteWe will miss you Bertie. You've been a good friend for so long. Gail, my heart goes out to you. I understand the great pain.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kim & Rolf
No more hurts for Bertie. What a great mum you have been to him.
ReplyDeleteJulie and poppyq
Looks like he had a sweet walk with his friend...and you. You were the best dog-mom ever.
ReplyDelete