Bernie 6857 and Birdie 6854 were found together roaming rural South Carolina. They showed up on a man's porch one morning and he immediately called authorities given the terrible condition both dogs were in. They arrived at the shelter and were such sweethearts with everyone. Both were emaciated, flea infested and showed signs of severe neglect. Poor Birdie had opened wounds on her face, around both eyes and her ears were bloody. She had hair loss on her sides and under her neck and her skin was crusty. Bernie was almost completely hairless and every bone in his body was visible. We decided these babies needed intense care and made the decision to bring them to our home together. 

Two days later we had their first vet visit. Both had awful bacterial skin infections, ear infections in both ears and parasites. We started several antibiotics for each. Eye drops for Birdie's infected eyes, and medicated bathes. Birdie has perianal fistulas that are not severe and we have started a modified cyclosporine for her. Due to the generosity of wishlist items, they are eating a great food to help them gain much needed weight, have good quality supplements and salmon oil as well as medicated shampoos and spray for their skin and comfy beds for their sore bodies. Even though they have a long way to go, they are looking better already! Once their skin clears up and they gain weight they will be spayed and neutered. Otherwise, their bloodwork showed anemia but was otherwise unremarkable. Both are negative for tick diseases and heartworms which is amazing considering where they came from. 

Although we don't know their history, we feel that Birdie and Bernie have been together for a long time and may even be mother and son. Birdie is estimated to be 6-7 years old, while Bernie is estimated to be 4-5 years old. They do not have to be adopted together but Birdie and Bernie go together like peas and carrots so if they were adopted together it would be amazing!

Now, a little about Bernie's personality: he is becoming more confident but doesn't appear to have been exposed to much regarding living in a home. It took some time but he finally goes up and down the stairs. Initially, he was terrified of stairs. Birdie seems to give him confidence. Though, he has plenty of independence, they just always lay close to each other and follow each other. Bernie is affectionate and is such a doll baby. He is cute as a button and has a personality to match. He loves toys but he will destroy and also eat them so he can only have indestructible toys like a large Kong. His favorite toy lately has been a Kong filled with peanut butter and frozen. He is great in the crate and sleeps all night. He doesn't have manners and is motivated by food. He no longer puts his paws on the counters but is always interested in food is around. He is very easy and is lower energy. He is precious in the yard and will bounce around. He and Birdie will play with each other which is also so cute to watch. Bernie is a precious soul, a gentle boy and I just can't say enough good things about Bernie and Birdie. Bernie is on the road to recovery but needs to gain a lot more weight and hopefully he'll start sprouting hair as his skin infection clears. 

If you're interested in Bernie, Birdie or both please email their foster at gsd2020k9@gmail.com