Bernie with Terri

I didn’t think we’d get another dog for a few more months, but Terri insisted she needed one. She found Bernie (Bernard Richard Grayum-Todd) on a rescue website, and we brought him home on May 25th.

He’d flown in from Pecos Texas with the non-profit Dog is my Co-pilot, after his previous owner died. One Tail at a Time is the wonderful rescue organization that fostered him when he arrived in Portland.

I imagined that Terri would be his primary person, as she was with Liza, but Bernie was afraid of her wheelchair. He has decided that I am the one - best loved human - a relationship that has upended my retirement.

After kevetching about it I realized that being adored by this sweet boy was something I needed to surrender to. I’d enjoyed spending half the day in my pajamas and reading, but Bernie needs walks - lots of them. So I’m getting many steps, and having some lovely encounters with other walkers in the neighborhood.

We’ve been working with a trainer and he’s become less afraid of Teri’s wheelchair. The extra is of the two of them in the garden.