A new home for Bernie

Bernie is a larger than life Bernese Mountain Dog Doodle (Bernadoodle) that I had the good fortune of working with over the past few weeks. The change in Bernie over four sessions was remarkable.

I was first called to work with Bernie, who was the pet of a dear friend more than a year ago. She hoped that I could help him settle. On my arrival he was so excited and mouthy that he ravaged my hands and arms drawing blood. He jumped on my back and front, and being almost my height was overwhelming to work with. Bernie was not viscous, this was just the way he thought this was play. His anxiety was expressed through his mouthiness and unruly behavior. I suggested to my friend that we try again after she had taken Bernie out for a long, long run at the dogpark.

That never had the opportunity to happen. She got busy in her work, and then was diagnosed with a critical illness. In just a few months she was gone. After giving so much of her love and support to so many through the years, her friends came to her aid to help in any way they could, including finding her beloved Bernie a new home after she was gone.

I offered to share Jin Shin Jyutsu with Bernie again in the hope that he could learn to feel calmer making him more adoptable to a loving family. Two of her friends who had a farm and did pet grooming took Bernie in and worked with the original breeder to find a new home. They gave him a safe temporary home to live and grieve. Bernie was distressed and confused. In my first visit he was similar to my first - jumping, mouthy, agitated and overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure I was up to the task, but for his owner’s sake and memory I was willing to try.

The first session was like a rodeo with Bernie the bucking bronco. He jumped, mouthed, and didn’t settle for the longest time. I was prepared this visit with a thick long sleeved shirt and jeans on. I stood quietly and held my fingers for much of the time, offering touch moment by moment anytime Bernie cruised by. We had two other very calm dogs in the room to offer comfort. The entire visit was more than an hour. Bernie did lie down towards the end and allowed me to share calming holds for the trauma of his loss, and the anxiety that filled him. Afterwards, he leaned against me in thanks. No jumping.

The second session was just Bernie, myself and one calm dog friend. It wasn’t as crazy as the first session, but there was a moment where it seemed likely that I’d be bitten in fun. He’d been taught, not by the owner, that roughhousing was play and a way to relieve stress. He was improving, but this would have to be unlearned to be able to go to the family that had come forward wanting him. Settling took less time, and Bernie actually stretched out on the floor completely, breathing deeply with his eyes closed and trusting for much of the session. At the end, he again leaned against my body and allowed me to wrap my arms around him. He then sat by me for the picture you see here.

The next two sessions were better and better. Bernie didn’t start off jumping and biting. He settled faster and was more friendly and relaxed. He moved and shifted to show me where he wanted me to place my hands instead of to roughhouse. His caretakers reported that he was calmer during the day and less confused and fearful.

I learned this weekend that his new owners flew up to drive Bernie back to his new home in Florida. I’ve seen pictures of his family and the two children who adore him. He’s happy and calm. His eyes no longer have that “deer in the headlights” look about them. He’s settling into his new home.

I’m so thankful for the friends who cared for Bernie and helped him make his way to his new life. I think Jin Shin Jyutsu helped him let go of the trauma he lived through during his previous owner’s illness and passing. Jin Shin Jyutsu didn’t make Bernie a different dog. It helped Bernie let go of what had happened and what he’d learned so the beautiful being he is could shine through.