A Place to Bark and Meow -- Animal Rescue Blog by Bernie Berlin

Monday, July 03, 2006

I've returned....

I've returned from my trip to Wisconsin. It was a hectic trip but one that was good!! The puppies were all placed with the humane societies. I was even lucky enough to still be in town and see them on the adoption floor:)
My husband decided to come with me, but probably won't make another trip up north. He is not doing well and was in too much pain during the trip. He really wanted to see his kids and dad, so he endured his pain, but just can't do it again.
On the way back, I was so excited, thinking I could take a few weeks off to try to catch up, send out some past due Thank yous to the many of you that have been kind enough to donate your art, medical supplies, toys, towels,and dollars to helping me help the animals. Well, it's not going to happen this month it seems. As soon as I got home I had 10 puppies waiting for me. 5 calls later.. by next week, I'll be up to 20 pups.
Not to mention I also took in another pregnant cat and two other kittens.
This week I'll be painting my garage to brighten it up as I have to make space and buy more cages for the incoming pups.

The saddest news I have returning from my trip is that my Best Dog Friend Jack has died...
A big part of me died at that moment as well.
Jack was my Alpha dog, he nurtured and cared for hundreds of dogs, puppies and kittens.
He was a true Alpha and my Best and Oldest Friend.
I'm fighting the tears as I write this for a part of me will never recover from losing him.

My mind and emotions have been reeling, I know that things in this life happen, but it doesn't make it any easier..

He is an animal that comes once in a lifetime..
Always so faithful..
I don't know what I'm going to do..
Jack is the reason I started my rescue... I just can't write anymore..
I'll check in when I can, but for right now, I need some time....
I miss you Jack...

:: posted @ 1:21 AM by Bernie Berlin::

COMMENTS:

Thank you for the tear warning this time, but you know I had to read on. I am SO, SO sorry for your loss Bernie. Jack was such a fabulous dog. I knew that from the way you loving wrote about him. Such a special soul that touched your life so deeply.
When I was in 6th grade, I came home to find my Cocker Spaniel to be attacked in this same way. Sadly she was still barely alive. There was no saving her & it broke my heart to know she was enduring such pain.
Dogs are so special, as are all animals. It amazes me that they can have such a profound effect on our lives. But I suppose that is one of their special purposes in the world. You are such a special person. I hope that in time your heart heals. I also hope that your husband's condition begins to improve. You are such an inspiration in all that the two of you do! Hang in there & know that so many of us are sending good thoughts your way.

# posted by

Funky Finds : July 03, 2006 8:44 AM

My heart is breaking for you. I send you a big hug, and hug my Maggie a little closer. Reading your blog recently has made commit more to rescues here in Australia, and if Jack was your motive for even part of what you share then he is having impact here in Oz.
OOOOOO

# posted by

Julie H : July 03, 2006 10:31 AM

Oh, Bernie, I am SO sorry! I know what it's like to have one of those once-in-a-lifetime dogs. I have one right now: Lucy...my rescue dog.

Thinking of you,
Dawn

# posted by

Dawn D. Sokol : July 03, 2006 10:51 AM

hugs to you sweetie! I know exactly how you feel.
xxxoxox

# posted by

claudine hellmuth : July 03, 2006 10:54 AM

I'm so sorry hon
(((((Bernie)))))

# posted by

MizCarla : July 03, 2006 12:46 PM

Oh Dear God!!! I am crying so hard! and I am so sorry about your Jack...bless his heart! We deal with this kind of stuff often...and it's so hard! My precious cat is sick right now...and my poodle is acting so strange...plus we found mama cat and 3 kittens behind my garage...one of the kittens, my son took...and his dog accidently stepped on the kittens leg and broke it...he has a little blue cast on his leg! Bernie...my heart really goes out to you...you are so special for what you do with the beloved animals...it is in no way your fault! I just wish I could do something...I am SO SO SORRY!

# posted by

vicci : July 03, 2006 6:49 PM

This is really not fair. I am so sad for you Bernie. I don't think anyone can predict this sort of behaviour....too sad. Too sad.
Carmi

# posted by

Carmi Cimicata : July 03, 2006 7:22 PM

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

# posted by

Stampcat2 : July 03, 2006 7:48 PM

so, so sorry for your loss-try not to blame yourself-you didn't know-you have helped so many others. Maybe Jack protected the others-don't lose faith-you're doing a wonderful thing~

# posted by

donna joy : July 04, 2006 5:36 PM

I'm so sorry. How entirely, gut-wrenchingly, awful.

# posted by

I need orange : July 04, 2006 6:58 PM

O Bernie...I had to scroll down and make sure of who I thought Jack was! Jack was the laugher and the one I commented on when I said they take them under their wing, he is a angel, here on Earth and now in Heaven! Jack runs with my once in a lifetime doggie angel Lucy Loose, my black sweet Irish Setter. They might be ornery and be running after Claudine's angel, Maggie but they are all happy and we are sad but happiness was ours knowing and taking care of them and our memories of them will always make us smile, they gave us many happy days, animals are a gift!((((Bernie&Jeff))))I'm soooo sorry, try and get some rest!

# posted by

turquoise cro : July 05, 2006 1:59 AM

i dunno it it will help but try reading "Call of the Wild" and "White Fang" if you haven't yet. there may be some explanation in the book for what happened. my heart goes out to you, to jack and to your other animal family.

# posted by

askalfreak : July 05, 2006 5:08 AM

You do such incredible work to save other dogs - I am so very sorry to hear that you lost one of your own. I hope your wonderful memories of Jack help alleviate some of your grief.

# posted by

edina : July 05, 2006 12:08 PM

Oh my God, I am so sorry. I just can't imagine how that must have torn you apart. I am so awfully sorry that happened. :-( Sending you many warm hugs and all the comfort in the world. I am so sorry!

# posted by

teresa : July 05, 2006 1:09 PM

Bernie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, I don't think any of us can predict animal (or even human) behavior some times. I know it's hard, but you can't let yourself get torn up over it, as it wasn't your fault. You've done SO much for the animals. I'm so sorry Bernie!! Jack was brought into your life for a reason, try to remember that now even though you are dealing with the most devastating loss. I will be keeping you, your hubby and all of your "little ones" in my thoughts and prayers...Sending huge hugs...

# posted by

Kelly Kilmer : July 05, 2006 1:46 PM

Oh, Bernie, my heart is aching for you... so tragic and sad. Hugs to you xoxo

# posted by

navylane : July 06, 2006 11:20 AM

I am so sorry for your loss.

There are no words...

Tara

# posted by

Tara's Art Camp : July 06, 2006 12:38 PM

I am so sorry for your loss.

Words cannot say enough...

Tara

# posted by

Tara's Art Camp : July 06, 2006 12:39 PM

So sad about Jack. It reminds us that we can't ever be quite sure how an animal will react. Of course, that's true of people, too.

I have a stitched scar on my thigh dating from 1962 that I received from a female shepherd who had recently had puppies and thought I was going to take one from her. It was instinct that caused her to do that and not malice. You just never know.

Jack had the best life he could have with you and Jeff, even if it was cut short unexpectedly.

I think you're right to limit to puppies until the facilities allow for more. You do so much, but you can only *do* so much as one person to quell such a huge problem. Cut yourself some slack, babe. You gave Jack and so many others a good life and you can't fix everything.

Hugs to you.
=^..^=

# posted by

Anonymous : July 07, 2006 1:34 PM

sweet girl, i feel your pain..
i had to put my sambucca down in february as he bit my best friend very badly, i know he didnt mean it, he was a 10yr old white shepherd, but i couldnt take the chance of him doing it again to someone's face or one of our other 4dogs or 3cats..please take time to heal..jack is now with my sambucca and they are happy smiling down on us...
~k

# posted by

dogfaeriex5 : July 07, 2006 3:29 PM

Please don't blame yourself, you've shown way too much love and kindness to ever beat yourself up over an unfortunate, unpredictable and unbearably sad tragedy. Please try to find solace in the many happy memories you have and in the knowledge that you provided a loving home to one that needed it so much.

# posted by

Anonymous : July 08, 2006 9:58 AM

Bernie, I am so sorry. I know our words are just that, only words and they won't bring Jack back. But be strong, at least for Jack. You are a wonderful person and he knew that. {{hugs}}

# posted by

Kristal : July 08, 2006 3:58 PM

Oh my god! Bernie I am so sorry - I had stopped by and saw you were on the move. . .and then this post. Words are just so inadequate. . .you are such an inspiration. I am so sorry this happen to you. My thoughts and my heart are with you. I can not even imagine - I just feel awful - HUGE hugs to you.

# posted by

tiffini elektra x : July 11, 2006 4:47 PM

i just wanted to say that i really feel sorry for the loss of jack, i have 5 children, and i just cant imagine losing one. Im sure thats how it feels to you. My heart goes out to you, sometime in the future, i hope to be able to send u a donation, it seems like you are doing a really great job at a great cause.

# posted by

Anonymous : July 15, 2006 4:46 PM

I know exactly how you feel. I lost my "Jack" except that her name was Chyna Doll almost two years ago. I will never be the same again without her. The one thing that I can say though is that in spite of the pain there still remains the blessing and the tremendous good fortune of having had them in our lives.
I am posting a web site here in the hopes of changing a condo law that exists in the state of Florida prohibiting condo owners from having pets in a majority of sub divisions. Please pass this on to as many people as possible and maybe one day we will be able to eliminate the need for shelters altogether. http://www.petsincondos.org
Please, please, please go to this website and sign the petition. There are so many of us who are so anxious to rescue an "angel" but because of these ridiculous laws are denied the right. Let's all make a difference. We can't keep putting it all on the shoulders of incredible people such as you.
Thank you for all that you do.
Gloria

# posted by

Anonymous : July 29, 2006 4:40 AM