Man's best friend

Bert at 2 months

So here is man's best friend. Or so they say. Bert is certainly one of my best friends. The vet tells me he is half golden retriever and german shepard. Doug and I think there is some kangaroo in him, as he jumps so much. Anyhow Bert gives his unconditonal love and attention to me every day. The way he greets me at the door when I have come home from a long day. I kick my shoes off and he's right there beside me.

You know we got Bert from the SPCA. Best decision we ever made. There he was sitting in the kennel, that one ear just flopping over. He was so adorable and affectionate and irresitable. A tad skiddish, but over all a sweet puppy. So home he came with us.

Oh he did the usual thing that puppies do. Chew shoes...and of course it is always the dress shoe he goes for....and it is never both shoes...it's always just one...so you get frustated thinking...well what can I do with one darn shoe. Hmmm....guess it's time to clean out the shoe closet. Oh and let's not forget the legs on the dresser table...that's a chew toy isn't it?

Ah, and then there are those suprises he leaves for you in the morning...you know what I am talking about, it's when you take your last step down the stairs and low and behold your foot enters this semi warm cold puddle of something......please god don't let it be what I am thinking it is.....paper towel and mop become your next best friend. That is when dear Bert gets aquainted with the outdoors.

This is dear Bert at 4 months old. He can now just make it so when he is standing on his hind legs he can see what is going on inside. "Hey let me in" I believe would be running through his head at about this point.

Ever notice how your shopping day now includes a visit to the pet store. Ah yes the 50 lb bag of puppy food, the little doggie treats he gets just because, and extra treats while you are trying to train him. Or how about those annoying squeeze toys and chew toys. You know even if you buy those toys he is still going to want to chew on your shoes and the leg of the couch or dresser....it's just a given, but you buy it anyways.

Even though Bert has had run of the property, there are times he is on a chain...which is about 30 or so feet long. Then there are also walk times. At first I wondered who was walking who. His high spirit and eagerness to explore this new world would just overcome him. He would forget he was on a leash and charge off...and at times I swear he took my arm with him. Doug always thought that Bert would be a good companion for me while I did my runs. Well I can't argue with him there...but my goodness who was running who? Doug did have to step in and do the more serious training. Bert now is a treat to take on walks and runs, even on the trails. Oh he bolts ahead...his tongue hanging, I turn right....oooops "Bert this way"....he comes a charging almost knocks me over....gosh it's fun....LOL...makes for a very interesting run.

This is our Bert he's about 19th months here.

The kids love him. He is such a playful dog. Well behaved. The kids are always tukered out before him. The only time I can remember Bert getting exhausted was one day when my daughter Candice took him for a run. She was on her bike and and he followed along. It was a 7 km trip to the lake. Then to cool off she takes him for a swim....this is not just your ordinary swim this was about a 1km swim there and back. After the swim it is the 7 km trip back. Oh our poor Bert....I think he was done in for a day afterwards.

Anyhow, our dear Bert brings us much love and enjoyment. He is a huge part of our family.