Rest in Peace

Danny Doran

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10/03/2021

Bertha was a good dog. The last two years of her life she lived in Seattle, Kirkland, Everett and Lynnwood, with as many roommates as places. In Kirkland, she enjoyed hikes through the state park and swimming in Lake Washington. She showed amazing resilience and strength for her age, overcoming her aches and pains to tackle 4+ mile hikes with elevation changes and swimming.

Nothing like a good howl after a trip to the lake!

She also got to spend a lot of time with her buddy, Noah.

In Everett, we lived close to a lake, but at that point Bertha didn't do too many long walks. She enjoyed a ground level unit with an easy opening to a small grass strip for going to the bathroom. At this point, one of our favorite past times became sitting on the patio and drinking, eating peanuts and heckling passers-by. She got to spend lots of quality time with one of her top five buds, Max.

Incredibly, Bertha was well loved by the community and received many compliments, being referred to lovingly as a "grumpy old woman". One pair once walked by and commented to eachother that Bertha was their favorite dog in the complex. I think it was difficult for people to take Bertha's guard dog facade seriously when she more closely resembles a fat seal and is only putting in the effort to huff and puff from her saide and out of the corner of her eye.

The patio nights were relaxing and I enjoyed spending time with Bertha. I even tried to write a debut country song about it!

Bertha always loved the snow. Fortunately, she got to experience some fresh powder before she passed.

In Lynnwood, we moved into what felt like a mini-mansion in the suburbs. Most importantly it had a yard for Bertha to be free in. She enjoyed privacy during bathroom breaks and a small dog pool for her to cool off in. She was also my work out buddy and would enjoy a chew toy while I would lift weights in the garage. She got accustomed to Josh quickly, though I'm sad he didn't get to know her when she was more active.

My brother Neal was married in mid-August, during which Bertha got to spend a lot of time back in Snohomish, which was her true home. She also got to see and spend time with all of the kids she grew up with. Sometimes we don't notice things happening right in front of us because the rate of change is so slow. I think it was a bit jarring for some people to see how old Bertha had become. This helped me realize that she really was in a lot of pain and that it was time.

I put Bertha down on August 28th, 2021. She was 11 years old.

Bertha was a good dog. She loved people and was a companion who didn't leave your side. I was told by my roommates that she would go to the window when I left and look out, staying there until I returned. She never showed her pain. She was a tough dog. She was a sweet dog. She was my dog, and I love her.

Bertha, I miss you and I love you.