I don’t know how to write this, but my beautiful brave Bertie went to sleep peacefully with me at home with his favourite vet Alex on Friday 28th July.
Surrounded with healing energy and wearing my jumper, I took him myself to the crematorium and he’s home now.
Losing any two or four legged best friend and buddy in life is tough. We have all experienced love and loss, the intricacies of emotion weaved so closely together.
I found Bert’s at Holly Hedge waiting. He had recently celebrated his 8th birthday and nearly 4th Gotcha day with so much love around him. I miss him so deeply I couldn’t write before this. It kind of makes it more real.
The hardest part was he was still waggy and happy but his lip had a mast cell tumour which had ulcerated and throat nodules swelling from the Tuesday to Friday daily not responding to anything so it was only a matter of time.
I thought I would feel at peace with the decision but I’ve been struggling.
My highest priority was giving him a peaceful, safe loved transition after his rescue days with no trauma, this he had. I hope to find peace with my decision and signs he agreed.
Owning a rescue is journey, a partnership with a whole team of support. There are so many people Berts and I would like to thank, from our lovely trainer Emma, Halycon Hounds, Clare Elmo’s Friends & Steve Barking Brigadiers dog sitting, Helen Reiki and Herb, Animal Love First Aid and Oral Health Care Training, Gaynor Spirit Walker Crystals for my own qualifications in animal reiki and healing, Rowe Vet’s Bradley Stoke and Vet Alex, the best vet, Lucy Beanie Pet Care, Leanne Milo Dog Walking, Bert’s Bow’s, Calmer & Karmer Dog Crystals…. and SO many more plus all our wonderful friends, two and four legs, I really can’t thank you all enough for helping Bert’s and I have the best nearly 4 years together.
My Bert was funny and kind with the biggest heart. Filled with hope and trust each day we grew together, a little more adventurous and brave each day.
He loved to snug super close, scamper by my side, coach with me, play in the sea, road trips, seeing his human and furry friends, listening to music, snoozes in the sun.
He loved cheese, ham and doggo chocolate buttons. He didn’t like lawnmowers, ice cream van tunes and thunder. He was loved by so many, and his big goofey smile.
Most of all he loved the now. Lying in the lavender with all the little bumblebees who were his friends.
From a shut down wary friend with a half chewed anxiety tail to my complete chunk of Humanog Bert love.
Thank you my boy, it was a gift to be your mum and guardian, together we saved each other and your spirit will be forever be strong guiding our way.
I don’t want to post this but it’s our next chapter, I’ll be brave….
🤍In his memory if you would like to donate £8 or £4 to Holly Hedge to help them and for cheese and ham snacks in heaven, he would love this, helping friends like him find their human.
I know times are tough so just opening this page incase people would like to donate in his memory…. if we could raise £800 that would be amazing, but we’ve gone for £80 to start with, wags.
🌊 I’m planning to do a….
** Thurs 31st August, Yoga Nidra & Relaxation – online and for everyone, 6.45pm – A donation from each full payment will be made to charity.
** Bert’s Memory Walk & Cafe stop in Bristol on Sat 9th Sept, 2pm, the day I first met him at Holly Hedge in 2019, before going daily until 4th Oct when I brought my chunk of love home… optional donations here or in person and I will add to the page on Just Giving.
** Sun 10th Sept – sponsoring the rescue class at Holly Hedge Show, do go along if you are local.
** Buy a copy of our Little Book, 52 Ways to Feel Good with the Hound of Happiness – and all profit goes to charity, available on Amazon, Kondi Gifts in Bristol or direct signed copies from me.
** At some point before his Gotcha Home day a 10km run – date to be found – either 26th Aug &/or 3rd Sept.
To join us at any visit here or contact me here – all humans and dogs are welcome, we would love to see you.
✨Take good care everyone, give all your chunks of love big hugs from me – thank you all so much, from the centre of my heart and Bert’s for this safe space.
I hope no one ever has to experience mast cell tumours but if you do, I am very ‘happy’ answer anything, to share all I did to support him and the rollercoaster. If it’s not on the face or genitals it’s much kinder and easier to sort generally. Pop me a message here.
I’m going to write 8 thing’s Bert and I learned together, followed by dealing managing a terminal illness and grief, I’ll post the links in here when I have written them incase they help someone.
And to you … My brave, beautiful Bert’s, I will always be your side. I miss you. You helped me pause, to live in the moment and find the joy in now. Big gentle, peaceful Mummy hugs & love forever, thank you my boy, you are safe and deeply loved always.
If you do donate BIG Thank you, and do share any memories of Berts in the comments, this will make us smile.
Find your joy, hope & happiness even in chaos, for now is all we truly have.
Thank YOU for reading my rambles, big support and care.
Kim & Bert’s scampering, snoozing & smiling from above 💙🐾🤍 xx
Holly Hedge rescues and rehomes around 800 animals a year. These animals arrive at the shelter abandoned, fearful, broken in spirit and body, some with resulting behavioural issues, some who have never known the comfort of a loving home, and they make them a promise that they will have much brighter futures.
Holly Hedge gives animals food, warmth, any veterinary care and training or rehabilitation they need, and do their utmost to show them they can trust people and love again.
This is my little book… it was going to be a big book but turned into 52 Tips to Feel Good with the Hound of Happiness, it’s a little gift for yourself and your loved ones, I often forget I wrote it, as really Jake and Bert dogs did.
What’s your favourite tip from the images or if you have a copy?
So far over 2000 copies have been bought and over £600 donated to charities, thank you! Kindly endorsed by the wonderfully inspiring Helen Skelton and author Dr David Hamilton. I’m so happy it’s helping all ages feel good, tucked in school and gym bags, office desks, downstairs loos and bedside tables!
With 52 easy-to-implement, practical tips designed to conquer your fears, doubts and unlock the path to a truly happy life.
The 25th July was beautiful Bert’s 8th Birthday and 3.10 years rescue day. Together we learned so much and at the end we navigated mast cell tumours – having a dog/pet teaches us about love and loss so deeply I believe, time is limited and every day a blessing.
You can buy a copy from Kondi Gifts in Henleaze, Bristol, signed copies directly from me and there are only 5 copies left on Amazon.
Support a good cause
A donation from every sale goes to Mental Health or Dog Sanctuary charities every 3 months, in memory of my cousin Jenny who helped me edit it and my rescue dogs.
If you would like signed copies for your sports or business team, a gift for a friend, colleague or children, reach out to me directly here and I would love to help.
Buy your copies from Amazon here.
Here’s to days of hope, happiness and courage, for you matter.
And possibly a big book….
Let me know if you have a ‘what if’ goal I can help you make happen.
With much support and brave commitments.