Gentle Bertha Needs a New Home NOW

Pet profile courtesy of the Burlington County Animal Shelter

Kennel depression affects some dogs who are at shelters for long periods of time and who have had their world turned upside down. Bertha is one of those dogs who is no longer the same girl she was when she came in. A home of her own or even a foster home would make a world of difference for her.

Volunteers are worried this gentle, dog-friendly girl—who needed to lose weight when she was brought in in early June—is so depressed that she's losing too much weight. She needs a home! These photos and the accompanying video are from early September and she has lost more weight.

Everyone who meets Bertha comments on how sweet and friendly she is, how well she walks on the leash, and how much she would love to have a family again. She knows how to play nicely, how to cuddle, and how to enjoy a dip in the kiddie pool at the shelter. Bertha knows “sit” and give paw, and likes to play with toys but will give them up readily—an indication of how sweet she is. She is good with other well-behaved dogs, and older kids (at least 10 years).

A message from Bertha: I am a kind and gentle dog who has found myself at a shelter where I don't belong. I've been here for months and months and I am SO depressed. Every time I see a human, I try to will them to my cage so we can make eye contact in hopes they will see how much I long for a human friend.

I dream of a soft pillow or bed to lay my head on every night, and not this cold, hard shelter floor. I love to play ball and run outside. But my favorite thing? To nestle my head in your lap. I came in overweight at 75 pounds, and while they were glad I lost weight in the beginning, now they’re quite worried that this shelter stress is really impacting my health.

I am only between two to three years old. I am good on the leash and well-mannered. I know some fun tricks and I will love you like no other. PLEASE come and adopt me. I truly need out of here.

Bertha is a member of our Pooch With Perks Program. When you adopt her, you will receive a Doggie Goodie Bag donated by the Friends of Burlington County Animal Shelter.

When contacting the shelter at 609-265-5073, please give them Bertha's ID number: D-53991.