Sunday, August 10, 2008 And so it begins... "Your work is to discover your work and then to give yourself to it with all your heart.." -Buddha We have broken ground and the building is going up as I type this!!! I'm still pinching myself:) This is just the beginning, but here is where it starts... Seems like just yesterday, we moved to Tennessee and this winter it will be 3 years. The building will be 30 x 60 with 4000 square feet of outdoor kenneling. We will have a few acres fenced off with different yards for the dogs to run and play after their 3 week quarantine.  The shelter will be dedicated to the artists and animal lovers who have helped me create this program.  The animals and I are grateful everyday..  I know I sound like a broken record, but I feel you cannot let people know enough how much they are appreciated:) And I do appreciate you.. From the bottom of my heart I THANK YOU for being a part of this journey with me!!! Life has been extremely, insanely, busy lately, with family issues, caring for the little ones and getting my professional work done.   So if you are waiting for an e-mail or box from me, the mail is packed waiting for me to drive it to town and I have the e-mail on my to do list.. Jeff is doing as well as can be expected and we are headed back to the doctors tomorrow.  The shelter being built has given him some new life,  he is trying his hardest to stay on  his feet. Balance and walking is very difficult for him, but he has put so much work into the plans for this place it only seems right that he be right there, even if it means sitting in a chair, with a cold drink, while they are building. This blog is usually where I write about art & the animals, but I am sure Jeff would be tickled if you left a comment for him.  He has done so much for the little ones here, the scared and the unsocialized I find it only fitting to dedicate this post to him. Artwork has started coming in from my friends to decorate the shelter, even though it will be months before we can hang it,  I believe we will not only have a functional shelter, but a very colorful, vibrant and fun place for the animals. Later this week, I will be writing to qualify us for many of the animal programs & grants available...  Tons to do, so I better get to it!!! Again, a million kisses and hugs from one very excited crazy dog lady:) Much LOVE, Bernie :: posted @ 11:42 PM by Bernie Berlin:: COMMENTS: I am so excited to see the pictures of a dream coming true. Jeff you just have to get to feeling better,we all need you to help the animals and to get this shelter built. You have such a gift of getting the little guys socialized and ready to meet their new families. You are a major part of the team. I am saying prayers for your recovery. Nancy A. # posted by  Anonymous : August 11, 2008 11:27 AM   Hi Bernie & Jeff, breaking ground on this amazing venture seems like it has good timing....nothing like seeing your dream come true to heal the body & soul! Continue all of your hard work...I look to you for inspiration as it is also my dream to one day begin a rehab center for dogs that people have turned thier backs on. Kelley # posted by  Anonymous : August 11, 2008 11:56 AM   You guys are doing a great thing for the animals! Get well soon, Jeff! I'll say a prayer for you and for all the animals! # posted by  Anonymous : August 11, 2008 12:40 PM   Sending prayers and good karma to Jeff for a speedy recovery. Stephanie in Ohio # posted by  Stephanie : August 11, 2008 12:58 PM   I am so glad this project and the darling animals help keep Jeff's spirits up! He deserves all the pleasure he can get! # posted by  Maija : August 11, 2008 4:29 PM   Hey, Jeff, we all know how critical you are to this whole operation. Take care of yourself. We are all pulling for you to feel much better. # posted by  I need orange : August 11, 2008 4:57 PM   wow! all the smiling pup faces in that pic! its like they know all the ruckus is for them! well done! # posted by  Anonymous : August 11, 2008 5:58 PM   Congrats to you and Jeff. You are an Angel sent from heaven. # posted by  Rainy : August 11, 2008 6:39 PM   Sending my best wishes and congratulations to you & Jeff - how exciting ...you guys are amazing. And I would love to donate a painting to hang in your shelter Bernie. Hope we can connect on one of your trips to Chicago. -Anne # posted by  Anonymous : August 11, 2008 8:01 PM   Jeff, you can do it -- you can get better!! There is no doubt in my mind! Take one day and one challenge at a time. I know you have the will and the strength to get better, and you have SO much to get better FOR! What a wonderful life!! We are all with you, sending positive energy to you to help you get better!!! :) Take care!! # posted by  Kathy : August 11, 2008 9:27 PM   Congrats on the ground breaking...how exciting! Jeff, take it one day at a time...I am sure the animals will help you find your way... # posted by  Jill Beninato : August 12, 2008 9:08 AM   Jeff, we just know what a great job you're doing overseeing the building and that all the pups are as happy as can be. Barb & Carl # posted by  Anonymous : August 12, 2008 9:23 AM   Jeff, you and I are on for a date sometime soon! (okay, Bern can come along as well)...be back home in a few weeks, and look forward to seeing y'all! Cynjon # posted by  Anonymous : August 13, 2008 12:36 AM   If only we lived in a perfect world - a world where Jeff would be running along right next to the dogs :) A world where animals wouldn't need to be rescued! A girl can dream can't she. I wish for you, Jeff, painfree days, where you can watch in peace your dream come true. Love and Hope to you both! The world is a MUCH better place because of you both! # posted by  SweetPea : August 14, 2008 9:29 AM   hey you two! The new shelter looks fantastic ... Larry and I think of you often and are thankful for people like you who care for all these little critters so much! Sending lots of love to you both and good thoughts for Jeff to keep hanging in there! love you 2 xox me # posted by  Anonymous : August 14, 2008 11:02 AM   Congrats on the ground breaking-&to jeff for all the behind the scenes work he does for this cause too~ prayers for you both # posted by  donna joy : August 14, 2008 11:09 AM   BERNIE and JEFF!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you!!! You are INCREDIBLE...A BIG BIG BIG CONGRATS on breaking ground for your new shelter!!! XOXOXO # posted by  Tracie Lyn Huskamp : August 14, 2008 3:41 PM   Best wishes to you both and the shelter will be amazing - and those pups look like they are smiling and waiting their expressions are adorable. Jeff I wish you well and sending positive cyber vibes across the pond! Dawn x # posted by  Dawn : August 16, 2008 5:42 PM   Prayers to Jeff. The new shelter is beautiful. # posted by  Erin : August 22, 2008 10:20 PM   Prayers to Jeff. The new shelter is beautiful. # posted by  Erin : August 22, 2008 10:21 PM   Post a Comment << Home

about me Name:Bernie Berlin From:Tennessee, United States I'm a mixed media artist specializing in Faberge Style Eggs, Author of "Artist Trading Card Workshop" and am currently working on 2 new books. I run a full-time dog rescue, taking in the dogs that have been abandoned, abused or police confiscated. I quarantine, foster, retrain, transport & adopt. Cats are also welcome at my rescue. I am drawn to the unwanted, unloved and misunderstood. Hoping to educate and effect change for the animals that do not have a voice of their own. Visit my web site at www.aplacetobark.com View my complete profile SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!   what i'm doing right now follow A Place to Bark on Twitter how you can help latest videos Loading... more ways to help START USING GOOD SEARCH: A Place to Bark earns a penny every time you search the Internet using Good Search! So next time you want to search for something, click the link above! Thank you! ITEMS WE ARE IN NEED OF: Towels, blankets, toys, collars, leashes, crates, food, treats, very small baby bottles, milk replacement, bleach, 1 microscope, 1 baby scale, 1 stethoscope, muzzles, pet beds. SHIP ITEMS TO: Bernie Berlin "A Place To Bark" PO BOX 649 Portland, TN 37148 615-681-2631 Every little bit helps, it is ALL appreciated!! All donations are tax deductible. A Place to Bark is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization. Donations are tax deductible. All monies and items go directly to the care of the animals. Donations can also be made directly to help with medical cost for " A Place To Bark": The Critter Clinic Clinic 522 W. Main Street Gallatin, TN 37066 615-452-1477 Saukville Veterinary Clinic 303 W. Dekora Saukville, WI 53080 262-284-7000 Any U.S. Bank Location Just tell the teller that you would like to make a donation to "A Place To Bark Inc." Checks or Credit Card donations accepted Thank You! video about my rescue registered non-profit A Place to Bark is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization. Donations are tax deductible. products T SHIRTS AND MORE! Support rescued animals -- shop at A Place to Bark's NEW CafePress Store! ARTIST SUPPLIES Bernie has created amazing clip art sheets to use in your art and craft projects from her stash of vintage images. •collage sheet set 1 •collage sheet set 2 All proceeds go toward the care of the animals. BOOKS Bernie's NEW Book! Now available from Amazon.com! Buy any book from Amazon by clicking here and a percentage will benefit my rescued animals!! medical supplies needed DOG MEDICAL SUPPLIES NEEDED: • Duramune Max 5-CvK Distemper/Parvo Vaccine $94.99 • Monoject Needles 71-645 3cc RL - 22x3/4- Box/100 $12.99 • Progard KC Bordatella Vaccine $52.99 • Panacur C-dewormer $4.89 • Frontline CAT MEDICAL SUPPLIES NEEDED: • Eclipse 4 (Box of 25 Doses) $39.99 • Syringe with Needle 71-802 25x5/8 LL, Box/100$14.99 previous posts Quick post.. Kobie gets a new home.. Heavy Post: Independence Day came early... Today.. Day 3 Give Away Gifts... Thank you for reading!!! Updates on Chase and where I am off to next.. How BIG is your heart??? Alive and running.. New Look, Cats, kittens & Casting Call Happy Mother's Day!!!! 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Wisconsin Cocker Rescue Illinois Cocker Rescue & Toy Breeds Russell Rescue Rover Rescue St. Johns County A.C. Pet Shelter S.P.C.A. Tampa Bay Eskie Rescuers United Pug Hugs Inc. Camp Chaos Peterson Express Transport Service HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website other blogs check out some of my favorite blogs: select a blog to visit! claudine hellmuth Tim Holtz Charlotte Lyons Kim Nugent "Raevn's Nest Lynn Whipple Sally Jean The Dog Whisperer Angela Cartwright D.J. Pettitt Michael deMeng Michelle Ward Traci Bautista carla sonheim karen michel lesley riley nina bagley lobbylu lost aussie sarah fishburn tiffiniX Misty Mawn Katie Kendrick Tee's Spree's Miz Carla Jen Osborn Tattered Edge Ambiguously Indigenous Maija Annax Nua Rua Sue Pieper Deryn Mentock Deb Trotter Mermaid Momma Heather Funky Finds Linda Koch Brain Bubbles Turquoise Cro Stacie Rife Lunacy Izzabella's Tattered Letters Mary Boyer Barbe Saint John Sally Turlington Altered Lou Navy Lane Studio Art Bella Corey Moortgat Kelly Kilmer Joleen Contemplating The Moon Patricia Anders Tongue in Cheek Pam Garrison Tonia Davenport Ginger Pixel Chelise Claudia Roulier Pet Stories of Love Aimee Reid-Rice Fiber Artist Kathy Wasilewski celine navarro Carmi Cimicata Judy Wise Jill Beninato Sue Berry Editor's Blog Joyce Vance Corinne Stubson Reiny Rizzy L.K. Ludwig Bluhm Studio Mz Bella Teresa Turquoisse Cro Jill Beninato Tara Ross MB Shaw Kivett Studio Kim Boehm Funky Finds Noisy Dog Studio EM's Knitty Corner Rebecca Wallis Dotee Is There A Shadow Svenja Wolf Katherine Dunn Jennifer Perkins Vickie Howell Tracie Lyn Huskamp Judy Patti Mosca Artfully Yours (links open in a new window)     all photos and text © Bernie Berlin content of this site may not be reproduced in any manner without advance written permission