MEET BERNIE. Bernie was rescued by NRGRR from a high kill shelter, only hours before he was due to be euthanized. Bernie is in terrible shape. As you can see from his pictures, he has lost much of his fur due to being so malnourished and dehydrated. Bernie is terribly emaciated and is at least 20 pounds underweight and was surviving by eating out of garbage cans before he was picked up by animal control. He has heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and skin problems.

When his rescuers picked him up from the shelter he had green gunk oozing out of his eyes, seemed to be in pain and was lethargic, but he managed to wag his tail in gratitude at being sprung from the shelter and happily took a tennis ball. He was starving when he was picked up and his rescuer treated him to some yummy treats, which he took gently.

Bernie is currently at our vet, being treated with IV fluids. Our vet reports that what fur he has left is so thin and that he is only 50lbs which is so drastically underweight for his build. He is lethargic and weak, bony, has a large growth on his foot, a broken tooth and is so pitiful looking. Once Bernie gains enough strength to leave the vet, he will go to a very special foster who can nurse him back to health and show him the kindness he has obviously not felt in a long, long time.

In spite of his condition and previous mistreatment, Bernie has a great personality, is very loving and seems so appreciative of a kind hand. If ever a dog deserved a break, it is this one! Bernie is 10 years old and we can only imagine what awful things have happened to him in his life. NRGRR is committed to ensuring that his last years of life are happy ones, full of good food, a warm bed and loving home.

We promise to update Bernie’s status very soon and hopefully post some more pictures of him, this time looking healthier and loved.

If you’d like to help defray some of the costs NRGRR has incurred in the rescue of Bernie, please visit our Donation Page.

UPDATE - OCTOBER 12th:
Bernie has been taken off IV fluids and is now eating and drinking well for the first time in a long time - although he is somewhat confused, Bernie always has a wag for his caregivers. Bernie is being treated for his skin infections and eye infection and will be allowed to leave the vet early this week, when he will go to a very special foster, who plans to nurse him back to health with lots of love and attention. Keep checking back for updates on Bernie!

UPDATE - OCTOBER 23rd:

Bernie is now in foster care. This wonderful foster is giving Bernie a lot of love and care and reports that he is doing better. Bernie is looking better and definitely in better spirits. Bernie seems to be ok with other dogs and cats so far. Like most Golden Retrievers he loves the kids and tennis balls. Bernie is still very weak, especially in his back legs which causes him problems on hard floors. His foster has put down a bunch of rugs to help him out. Bernie is reported to be a love and we will post some new pictures and more updates.

UPDATE - NOVEMBER 9th:

Bernie is doing better as he spends time in foster care.  He went back to the vet for a thyroid test and a check up and we are waiting on the results of the thyroid test.  Bernie has gained another 3 lbs and is still working toward the 65 lbs he needs to be to start heartworm treatment or get neutered.  He had finished one of the antibiotics, but his skin started getting bad again so the vet put him back on the antibiotic for another round and he is getting bathed with some medicated shampoo.   His foster reports that he was so funny.in the bathtub, where she gave him his tennis ball and he kept it in his mouth and moaned through the whole bath!!! Bernie is in good spirits, and is so sweet. He has had no accidents in the house and is eating with a good appetite.   He is still so weak, and falls sometimes.   His back legs just have no muscle at all and he cannot negotiate on any floor except carpet.  His foster had made a great runway for him to go from the crate in the bedroom, down the hall, through the kitchen and outside. She has also bought a big carpet for the bedroom so he can move around freely without fear of falling.   Sometimes Bernie ventures where he shouldn't to go trying to get after the cat, and falls, so his foster really keeps a close eye on him.  Bernie now has a big kong, and he carries it everywhere and plays with it.   He doesn't have very many teeth and drops it alot when it gets slobbery.   He is still itching a ton and still does not have much hair growth, especially on the underside...he smells better now though being back on the antibiotic.    Bernie will probably be back for his next checkup at the vet in a week or so.  We will post new pictures of him soon.

UPDATE - NOVEMBER 18th:

Look at Bernie now.  He has a nice soft pillow to play with is new Kong toy on and some foster siblings to hang out with.  He continues to impove every day that he spends in foster care. Bernie is headed back to the vet for another check up.  They will check his weight, his ear infection and his continously itching skin.  He finished the antibiotic for his skin and has continued to receive the medicated baths, however he is still itching so much that his foster feels additional treatment may be needed.  The vet will be able to tell us if it's maybe an allergy or something more than just dry, itchy skin.

UPDATE - NOVEMBER 22nd:

Bernie has been to his follow up vet checkup and though he does still have an ear infection he has grown in a lot more hair and now weighs 62.5 pounds!!  He has improved enough to be ready to start the heartworm treatment now. To begin the treatment he will go back to the vet for the shot, spend the night there and then go back to his foster home for a month of quiet rest.  After that month he will go back to the vet for two more shots to finish the treatment.  During the month following the first shot Bernie must be allowed to just rest and relax.  His wonderful foster will continue to watch over him and ensure that he takes it easy and is calm.  We will continue to post updates and pictures as he works his way through the treatment.

UPDATE - DECEMBER 12th:

Last week Bernie went for his first part of the heartworm treatment.   He had a rough and painful first night home after that but under the watchful eye of his foster family he was feeling much better the next day.  He is still going well and feeling even better now. Just look at this sweet boy.  Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers while he completes the heartworm treatment and finishes recovery. Check back to see more updates on Bernie!

UPDATE - DECEMBER 23rd:

Look at Bernie here all ready for Christmas!!  This year he will have a warm and safe place to stay. You can see how much better he feels just by his sweet face.  Bernie still is not out of the woods yet, however as he will have to go back for the second heartworm treatment right after the holidays.  His foster is keeping a close eye on him and taking super care of Bernie through all of the medical treatments.  Bernie is a typical loving senior boy who is just happy for a warm bed and all the hugs he can get.  Please continue to keep Bernie and his long road to recovery in your heart.  If you would like to help with the cost of Bernie's medical treatments, please visit our Donation Page.