When larger dogs like Mastiffs end up in shelters, they often face a much longer wait for adoption. At nearly 200 pounds, they’re not the right fit for every home, and when they need to be the only pet, the odds get even slimmer. But that didn’t stop rescuers from going above and beyond to help one gentle giant find her perfect match.
So when a loving mom in Oregon applied to adopt sweet Bertha, volunteers in Illinois didn’t hesitate. They sprang into action, packing up this senior sweetheart for an unforgettable 2,000-mile rescue road trip, capturing every heart-melting moment along the way.
Watch her emotional arrival in this April 18 video from @eric.and.joey and grab some tissues!
@eric.and.joeyBERTHA IS HOME! After 3 long days and well over 2,000 miles on the road, Bertha has made it to her forever home! What an incredible journey and thank you all for caring so much about Bertha and watching/ sharing her story. We really wouldn’t have been able to do it without you! And of course a special thank you to April for adopting Bertha! And @Border Tails Rescue for giving her this opportunity. Don’t you worry! More Bertha content is on the way 🙂 If you haven’t already, check out our bandanas to support us in our bio. Our bandanas help lower adoption fees and get shelter dogs into homes! Just like Bertha
I’m not crying, you are! Bertha, a seven-year-old Mastiff, endured a lifetime in a puppy mill and six months in a shelter cage. So when rescuers Eric and Joey met her at Border Tails Rescue, they knew she deserved better. And their determination turned her journey into a cross-country love story!
When they hit the road, they made sure Bertha was treated like royalty every mile of the way. This sweetheart quickly settled in like a seasoned pro, snoozing in the backseat and snuggling up in bed at night.
And when they finally arrived in Oregon to meet her new mom, April, it was like Bertha knew. With a fenced-in 3-acre yard to explore, oversized food bowls waiting, and a beaming mom ready to shower her with love, there was no doubt she was home at last.
Watch her epic farewell party in this heartwarming video!
@eric.and.joeyWe’re driving Bertha to her forever home—and this was just the beginning. After looking at every option, we realized a cross-country road trip was the best (and safest) path forward. Flying wasn’t ideal, and the shelter felt most comfortable with us making the trip—so we said yes. Before we hit the road, the shelter threw Bertha a little going-away party. Volunteers, staff, and so many people who loved her came to say goodbye. It was emotional, chaotic, and beautiful. Follow for Part 2—Bertha’s road trip begins.
Fans shared their excitement! One gushed, “She immediately knew she was home!” Another responded, “This makes me so happy!” Me too!
Someone else cheered, “So excited Bertha found her forever home.” It’s a true fairy tale ending!
Why senior rescue dogs deserve loving homes
According to the Animal Humane Society, Senior Rescue Dogs like Bertha often wait the longest for adoption. However, their calm energy and set personalities make them easy to match with their ideal families. And they have plenty of love to give when they do.
Bertha’s road trip wasn’t just about distance; it was about destiny. And thanks to the love and dedication of Eric, Joey, and the entire @bordertailsrescue team, she’s finally exactly where she belongs.
