Bertha’s 2,000-Mile Journey to a New Life
For seven long years, Bertha knew nothing but the cold bars of a puppy mill cage. The gentle mastiff spent her days breeding litter after litter, only to have each of her puppies taken away. And when she was no longer “useful,” she was tossed aside like she didn’t matter.
Border Tails Rescue stepped in to save her, offering warmth, food, and safety. But life in a busy shelter was no place for a tired senior dog who only wanted peace, belly rubs, and a soft couch.
Day after day, Bertha watched other dogs go home. No one came for her. Being a senior and needing to be the only pet made her easy to overlook — but the staff knew she had endless love to give.
Then, after months of waiting, the call finally came: someone wanted to adopt Bertha. The perfect match. There was just one catch — Bertha was in Illinois, and her new mom, April, lived in Oregon.
Enter Eric and Joey, two dedicated animal advocates who refused to let distance stand in the way of Bertha’s happy ending. They threw her a farewell party at the shelter, then loaded her into the car for a 2,000-mile road trip across the country.
Over several days, the trio traveled together, sharing snacks, walks, and quiet moments. By the time they reached Oregon, Bertha had two new best friends — and a forever home waiting for her.
When Bertha met April, it was instant love. They celebrated with cake, then Bertha explored her brand-new backyard — one she could finally call her own.
Saying goodbye was bittersweet for Eric and Joey, but they knew this was the start of Bertha’s best chapter yet.
“Oregon is lucky to have you,” Border Tails Rescue wrote.
From a cage to a cross-country journey to a place where she’s cherished, Bertha is finally home.