I have spent the week with Bertha, the old Collie mix found on Peniel Road, with Jeanette, the little Blue Tick Hound. Ive seen that she has the largest and softest blankets we have to lie down on and the most delicious food. Ive sat in her cage with her head in my lap as we discussed old times. Ive carried her out for short walks in the grass as she gamely stumbles and does her duty, she remembers whats expected of her.

We have her on pain pills and anti-inflammatory medicine, but still shes in obvious pain. She eats well, but poops more than she eats and though she gamely tries to make it outside, she doesnt always make it. I look in her eyes and she tries to tell me, it wasnt always like this.

Some wonderful people have responded to my article Help me find a way and all agree that she is too far gone. I know I must adhere to the same thing I tell many of my adopters, love is not enough.

On Monday, she is scheduled to be quietly put to sleep and the Larsons have paid for the ashes to be put in their memorial garden. We will go down on Sunday to say our final goodbyes and let her know she was loved till the end. Please do not consider this tale a failure, for Bertha will leave us with all the dignity and respect she deserves and not on the side of the road like some forgotten piece of trash. Know this, she will stay in my heart and in my mind as Im sure she will with many others who have had the privilege of knowing her.

Her guardian, game little Jeanette, the Blue Tick Hound, is still with us as are many others who seek a loving home. Come see her and all our great kids and Im sure dear old Bertha will smile down with her stamp of approval.

As for myself, Elaine and I are getting away for a few days where there arent any phones or even TVs. I will be out of contact for a short while, but there is one form of contact I would greatly appreciate, please pray for me.

Thanks for listening.

P.S. Before submitting this article, Ive learned that little Jeanettes owner has come to the F.H.S. to claim her. I therefore have held back her photo and am using Berthas again. It seems the old Collie mix had somehow worked her way onto their property and little Jeanette followed her to keep an eye on her. That too is as it should be.

Thanks again for listening.