My Story
Are you looking for a quiet calm dog as your new family member? If so, adorable Bernie might be a good match for you. Bernie’s story is very sad and disturbing, yet he is just amazing- just taking life day by day. Bernie is around 6-7 years old and is around 14#. We think this cute little guy is part Schnauzer and part Lhasa apso- but no promises! He is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, flea treated and dewormed. He has done well for all of his veterinary exams except having his feet or mouth examined.
Bernie was likely dumped after being a beloved pet- perhaps after an owner died? He was found in Clackamas county wandering by himself on a cold night. His fur was so matted that he needed to be shaved down to the skin so he could walk comfortably. It was so bad that some of his fur may not grow back. Only time can tell. His bright red skin was so infected that he could not stop scratching himself. His eyes were both extremely painful and ulcerated, and eventually he likely gouged them out. He was emaciated.
A kind person found Bernie and brought him to the Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin. He had surgery to remove the remaining part of his eyeballs. Bernie is completely blind, but likely was so long before the pain was removed. He can hear, but years of untreated skin and ear infections took their toll, and his hearing is diminished.
Bernie gets around his foster home amazingly well! He walks until he bumps gently into something, then redirects. He loves cat beds and climbs into them any chance he can. He learned to use the ramp up to the human bed within one day of being in his foster home. Bernie loves to sleep in bed with humans and other animals. He also gets down on his own too. He loves to sleep in bed with his new friends and has never fallen off. Bernie is starting to love cuddling with his fosters. He navigates the ramp outside well both going in and outside to go potty. He has had no accidents in the house, as he is very well housetrained. He enjoys being carried and would likely love to go for stroller “walks”. Bernie likes to wear jackets as his fur is still very short.
Bernie is fantastic with respectful cats, dogs and people. He kennels well and is quiet. He never barks! He would be startled by sudden sounds and touch and must go to a home with either no kids or kids over age 12 who can understand his needs. He is nervous about car rides but is starting to get used to them. He really does not want his feet or mouth touched, but this is improving as his skin heals. He is not yet leash trained but does well in a fenced yard. Bernie will growl when getting bathed and when getting his ears cleaned or his nails done. We feel as though he may have had some physical abuse in his past, as his growling is so fearful and he shakes badly.
We suspect it might take Bernie the full 3 months to really feel at home in a new home- see the 3-3-3 rule online. He has made great progress in the 3 weeks he has been with his current foster home and will follow the foster mom around. He is fine with men and women. He needs a patient and loving home- he deserves it and is so wonderful!
Bernie had such bad skin infections that he is currently eating hypo-allergenic food. He has a great appetite. The adopter will need to work with their veterinarian as his skin continues to heal. He may or may not need to stay on this food, as we do not know what caused his past skin issues. He is 90% better and still gets medicated shampoos.
Bernie is a special needs dog, and will not be a good fit for everyone. He does not know what toys are, and he will not be a playful dog. If you feel as though you can provide him only the best, please apply. He would love a home with people home a lot, but he can be independant.
If Bernie's story has touched you, but you cannot adopt him, please consider making a donation to cover his extensive surgeries and care. This can be done at nwac-oregon.org under the donate button.
Please head to our website to fill out an application prior to sending an inquiry or asking to set up a meeting. (See application at https://www.nwac-oregon.org/dog-application). Once your adoption application is approved we will contact you to put you in touch with the foster family to ask any questions, set up an online meeting, or to set up an in person meet. If you submit an inquiry instead of an application, this will delay the process and increase the chance someone else will meet YOUR dream dog before you do! If we get an inquiry, we will ask you to fill out an application before we respond to multiple questions.
-The $300 adoption fee Includes spay/neuter, microchip, de-worming, current flea treatment, current vaccines for their age, a vet exam, and a consult with a NWAC volunteer veterinarian about what to expect with Bernie. He might have ongoing skin allergies. He does have 2 skin masses that should be removed at some point, but he has had so much surgery recently that we are giving him some time off.
Northwest Animal Companions is an all-volunteer, non-profit foster-home based rescue. 100% of your adoption fee goes to provide for the medical and physical needs of the pets in our care.
