In a quiet nook of the City of Hempstead Animal Shelter, a gray-and-white canine named Bernie waits patiently within the final kennel. He watches as guests go by, hoping every time that somebody would possibly cease and see him. However for almost six months, nobody has requested to fulfill him. Regardless of his pleasant demeanor and playful spirit, Bernie stays ignored — a hidden gem in plain sight.
Bernie’s story is one in every of resilience and transformation. When he first arrived on the shelter, he was severely underweight, described by shelter employees as “simply pores and skin and bones.” Over the next weeks, he started to heal. With constant care, he gained weight and began studying find out how to be a well-mannered companion. At this time, Bernie is a vibrant, energetic canine who likes to play and discover. In accordance with Ashley Behrens, performing director of the City of Hempstead Animal Shelter, he’s “rather more engaged, relaxed, and walks superbly on a leash.”
Regardless of this progress, Bernie has but to discover a household. His story, shared by the rescue group Pawfect Buddies NY Want a House, highlights the challenges that some shelter canine face — significantly those that are bigger or extra energetic. “I’m a giant, good-looking, pleasant boy,” reads a caption on a video that includes Bernie. “I’ve been right here nearly six months and never one particular person has requested to fulfill me.”
For anybody trying to find an adoptable canine in New York, Bernie presents a compelling case. He’s absolutely housebroken, enjoys spending time within the yard, and has a transparent enthusiasm for all times. Behrens described him as “a blast to stroll and to hang around with,” noting his love for laborious chew toys and open house to run. These qualities, whereas generally intimidating to potential adopters, are precisely what make Bernie so particular.
It’s not unusual for high-energy canine to be handed over in shelters, particularly once they require a bit extra consideration or coaching. However Bernie’s persona shines by way of his pleasure. He’s not simply lively — he’s engaged, affectionate, and keen to attach. Shelter employees consider he would thrive in a house with older teenagers or adults who’re prepared to proceed guiding him with endurance and construction. A household that embraces his power and commits to common train and constructive reinforcement would seemingly uncover simply how rewarding life with Bernie may be.
I discovered this element hanging: Bernie lives within the final kennel of the shelter. It’s simple to think about how this location would possibly contribute to him being ignored. Guests could not at all times make it to the tip of the row, or they is likely to be drawn to canine nearer to the doorway. But, generally probably the most extraordinary companions are discovered simply past the place most individuals cease wanting.
The shelter employees’s affection for Bernie is obvious. Behrens expressed real concern over the shortage of curiosity in him, calling the scenario “very disheartening.” She emphasised that somebody out there’s lacking out on a very particular canine. The hope is that by sharing Bernie’s story, the best particular person will lastly take discover — somebody who sees not simply a big canine with power to spare, however a loyal buddy ready to be beloved.
Tales like Bernie’s function a reminder of the numerous fantastic canine ready in shelters, every with their very own distinctive persona and potential. For these contemplating adoption, particularly within the New York space, taking the time to fulfill canine like Bernie can result in a life-changing connection. Whereas puppies and small breeds usually obtain fast consideration, bigger canine with a bit extra bounce of their step deserve the identical likelihood at happiness.
As Bernie continues to attend, the shelter stays hopeful. Every day, he greets the world with the identical optimism, maybe sensing that his second is coming. And when it does, it will likely be because of the compassion of somebody prepared to stroll all the way in which to the final kennel — and uncover a finest buddy who’s been there all alongside.
