Bert’s Story

Our Son and Ambassador

Bert sealed the deal. After bringing him to join our family and give Lucy a brother, we saw just how special he is truly is. His optimism and curiosity with life should be an inspiration us all.

In the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to travel all over the country and Canada for my work. One day in my hotel room I was aimlessly scrolling through Instagram and I saw this face on the Austin Animal Center page and I shared it with Nicole. Something about those eyes and droopy face that sucked me in. I told Nicole that I thought he and Lucy would be best friends. 

When I got back from Canada Nicole had an appointment and I had some time to kill, so obviously I went to the shelter to meet Patrick (before he came home with us his name was Patrick). 

When I got there there was this shy little guy sleeping in his kennel among all the dogs going wild trying to get my attention. He stood up, stretched real big and said “sup dude?” I asked if he wanted to hang out and went to grab a volunteer. 

Once we got out to the yard he just sat there next to me. He didn’t wander, explore or try to show off how awesome he could be; he just sat there with me. It was like Brennen and Dale’s affinity for John Stamos in Step Brothers. We asked each other at the same time if we wanted to go home. “Did we just become best friends?”... “Yup!”

We went home and did karate in the garage… (well he and Lucy did)

On the drive home I started to get a feeling in my stomach about Lucy and I had this fear that she would either not like him or think that I didn’t love her. This was an existential crisis, and I was going through it. But I looked in the rear view mirror and all I saw was that dog's face and I knew Lucy would see the same thing I did. Honestly it was love at first sight for the two of them. I have never seen a dog, let alone Lucy, smile so big. 

I believe in the souls of dogs and that they come into our lives for a reason. Bert is the definition of unconditional. It doesn't matter what it is you are doing, he is there. Doing the dishes? He will come help and make sure the dishes are prepared for the dishwasher correctly. Putting together a kitchen island? He will lay on the instructions for you so they don’t blow away. Have a migraine and can't sleep? He will sit you and keep you in the moment. Bert is a ride or die kind of dog. 

For me, I suffer from soul crushing migraines and that dog turns the light on for me when it gets dark, and I will forever be grateful to him.