Honoring Bernice: A Heartfelt Tribute for Beloved Dog

Bernice lived a full, adventurous life filled with many favorite pastimes that brought her—and me—so much happiness. Each of these little joys added to the vibrant, beautiful soul that she was.

One of her absolute favorite things to do was sunbathing. No matter where we were, the moment the sun came out, Bernice would find her perfect patch of sunlight and stretch out, soaking up every bit of warmth. It didn’t matter if it was in the garden or through the window, she would position herself in the most sun-kissed spots and completely relax, as if the world had given her her own little slice of peace. Those moments were always so calm, and it made me smile to see her so content.

Walks were another highlight of Bernice’s life. She absolutely loved exploring the world with me by her side. Whether it was a stroll through the local park or an adventure through the countryside, her excitement never faded. There was something magical about the way her tail would wag and her nose would twitch with curiosity at every new sight and smell. And it wasn’t just local spots—we traveled together, discovering new places as a team. She was my adventure buddy, always ready to explore, whether it was fields, forests, or even bustling cities on holiday.

Her adventurous spirit was undeniable. Bernice was a true traveler, exploring places I never thought I’d take a dog. Together, we visited:

• France

• Switzerland

• Austria

• Germany

• Belgium

• Italy

• Wales

• Scotland

• Luxembourg

• Netherlands

Each new country brought fresh experiences, but Bernice especially adored the open spaces and the history that surrounded us. She loved exploring castles—she would run through the vast courtyards with such freedom, as if she was claiming her territory. And whenever we stumbled across a meadow or an open field, it was pure joy for her to race through the grass, her little legs barely keeping up with her excitement.

Though she was an adventurer at heart, Bernice had her quirks. She hated the rain—absolutely despised it! If we were out and it started drizzling, she would make a beeline back inside, or she’d look up at me with those soulful eyes, asking me to shield her from the wet. But when it snowed? Oh, that was a different story. She came alive! Watching her prance around in her little pink snow coat, embracing the wintry wonderland, was one of the sweetest things. She was like a puppy again, so full of life, leaping through the snowflakes.

At home, Bernice was my constant companion. Even the simplest evenings felt special because of her. She was always ready to curl up beside me, her head resting on my lap or her soft fur pressed against my legs. There was something so comforting about her presence—her quiet companionship made even the dullest moments feel cozy. She had a special way of knowing when I needed cheering up too, often bringing me her toys with a hopeful look in her eyes. She had a quiet wisdom about her, like she knew exactly what I needed without me saying a word.

And let’s not forget her absolute love for chicken nuggets! It became a little tradition of ours—I’d collect McDonald’s Happy Meals just for her. Her excitement over such a simple treat was always so endearing, and it made my heart swell with joy every time.

One thing that was so special about Bernice was how quiet she was. She almost never barked—her voice was like a soft doorbell. She only used it when she really wanted something, like coming back inside after enjoying some time outdoors. It became one of her unique traits, this quiet but ever-present way of letting me know she was there, always watching, always with me.

When she was younger, Bernice was incredibly fast—she’d run circles around me and then pause, waiting for me to catch up. Her energy was boundless. But as she got older and arthritis started to slow her down, we had to adjust. The vet advised us to limit her walks, but Bernice, of course, had other ideas. She didn’t like being left out of anything! So, we got her a dog pram. It was perfect for sneaking her into places where people thought she was a baby, and we’d often get offered seats. I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty when we declined, knowing the truth, but it was all in good fun. Even in her later years, Bernice’s spirit never dulled.

Her love for life, her joy in the little things, and her adventurous heart made every single day with Bernice special. From sunbathing in the garden to racing through castles and savoring chicken nuggets, she lived her life fully.

In the garden of my heart, you were the brightest flower, blooming with love and joy. If love could have saved you, you would have blossomed forever.