Bernie

It was Memorial Day weekend 1994.  Bj and I had only been married 4 months and we were at a BBQ with some dear friends.  I noticed this little peanut of a puppy running around the yard, full of energy and asked my friend about the puppy.  She said it was her sisters and he was only 8 weeks old.  Over the course of the day I had several opportunities to play with the puppy and thought he was the cutest thing ever. 

My friend's sister saw me playing with him and asked me if I wanted him.  I looked at her with a confused face and asked, "What are you talking about?  He's your puppy."  She explained that her and her boyfriend didn't realize how much work it was to have a new puppy and they didn't like being woken up in the middle of the night.  She said that if she could find a good home for him, she'd give him up.  It didn't take long for Bj and I to say yes.

I remember the drive home with him.  He was so small, fitting easily into the palms of my hands, and slept in my lap all the way home.  That first night was a challenge.  He didn't want to sleep in the bed we made for him (a box with blankets) and finally fell asleep when I brought him into my bed (he liked to sleep on my pillow above my head).  His favorite toy was a pink stuffed animal.

Hmmm...small problem.  We were living in an apartment at the time and were not approved to have pets.  The apartment complex would allow pets, but it was a $3000 deposit...a lot of money for newlyweds, so we chose to "hide" him in our apartment, which wasn't hard to do since he was only about 5 pounds. 

He instantly stole my heart.  Bernie was a loving, playful, cuddly dog.  He adjusted easily to all of the changes in our lives (moves, new pets, children...although in the end when we got Chip he was absolutely disgusted and pouted for days.  He was also quick to teach Chip who was boss).  Bernie loved everyone, but he and I had a special relationship...and preferred to be with me if given the choice.

Bernie was a part of our family for 15 years.  He died Memorial Day weekend 2009.  I was able to be there with him as he took his last breath (I'd always told him to not put me in a situation where I'd have to make the decision to put him down, and I was very thankful that he didn't).