Bernadette

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Update 11/19/07: With her hot spot completely healed, Bernadette’s vet has given her a clean bill of health. She remains active and energetic for her age and likes her daily walks. She would chase squirrels if given the chance.

Bernadette has a measure of independence. She will roll over on her back if she doesn’t want to go somewhere or do something but gets right up when you put her on a leash. She doesn’t always respond to her name readily or to commands, but she comes right away if she thinks she is being left behind. When it comes to what she wants, Bernadette can be adamant, but her sweetness and kisses more than make up for any unlady-like stubbornness.

She is never far from humans. For the last few weeks Bernadette has been around a 6-month-old grandson in her foster home and has been wonderful with him. Her table manners have improved and there is no longer any counter surfing from this gal. She is truly a lovely, young senior with a very sweet disposition who enjoys the company of people. She’d love to share the busyness of the holidays with a family of her own. She will help you walk off the wonderful seasonal feasts and, if you have squirrels that need to be put on notice, she’ll help with that too!! Most importantly, Bernadette has a great deal of love to give. Wouldn’t you love to be on the receiving end of her gift?

Original: Bernadette and her brother Murphy had been relinquished to a NJ shelter when one of their owners died and the other was unable to care for them. There must have been an underlying health issue with Murphy because he died in the shelter before MAESSR could pull him. Bernadette was much luckier and healthier because she is thriving in her MAESSR foster home.

Bernadette is a very sweet gal who loves lots of attention and manages to get it from everyone she meets. She likes to be with people and have her belly scrubbed. Her foster mom has a little shadow in Bernadette since she likes to be near her all the time. When her foster mom has to leave Bernadette behind at home, she gets very agitated and barks even with other dogs or humans around. She needs some brushing up on her house manners. Although she is housebroken, she has been caught counter surfing and even standing on top of a desk barking when she thought she was alone. Her foster family is working on correcting these behaviors.

When it comes to commands, Bernadette appears to be familiar with “come” and “sit.” She does not respond to other commands, so a refresher course in dog obedience may be in order for Bernadette when she gets to her forever family. Bernadette is very, very strong and her foster mom has used a Halti Harness to walk her. She will not be deterred if she sees somewhere she wants to go.

Bernadette is in great shape for her age and likes to run and play with the resident dogs. She was a bit pudgy when she first came to her foster home, but has been trimming down with all the exercise and playing she has been enjoying! Her relinquishing family said she likes to play ball. When she’s not playing, she is more than willing to go for a ride in the car where she is a good passenger. To her delight, her foster family has taken her on boat rides!

Bernadette is an active senior who likes to experience new things! Come expand your horizons with her. She’ll be a faithful companion in all of your explorations!