A Place to Bark…and Meow is authored by Bernie Berlin, a mixed media artist who runs a full-time dog rescue in Portland, Tennessee. Bernie’s rescue, also called A Place to Bark, was established in 2001. It is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization. Though it focuses primarily on the rescue of dogs, Bernie also accepts cats and other animals.

Bernie is drawn to dogs that are otherwise unwanted, unloved, and misunderstood. She takes in the abandoned, abused, and police confiscated. She fosters and retrains them and then places them for adoption through various Humane Societies across the country. She also does some private adoptions after a very strict screening process. A Place to Bark receives no government assistance. It is funded through private donations and the proceeds of Bernie’s art sales.

I don’t remember exactly how I stumbled across Bernie’s blog, but the first post I read brought me to tears. I realized that Bernie is truly an angel among us. When she found Keoshi at the pound and heard his story, she couldn’t turn her back on him. Keoshi has been diagnosed with heartworms and is in urgent need of treatment. He had been well cared for until his owner became homeless. The owner then made a tough decision to turn Keoshi over to the shelter. He couldn’t bear the thought of his dog suffering due to his inability to pay several hundred dollars for proper treatment.

Bernie can’t afford it either, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. She is currently raising the money to give Keoshi the care he needs. He has an infection that must be cleared up before he can receive treatment. And once treatment begins, he will be confined to a crate for six weeks. If his heart rate becomes elevated due to activity, he could die. With the heartworm treatment, his outlook is very good.

Bernie got the name of Keoshi’s owner, and she plans to find him and tell him that his dog is safe and that he can have Keoshi back once he is off the streets. See what I mean? Bernie has a big heart, fashioned from pure gold.

Bernie’s blog is dedicated to the animals she helps. You’ll find photos and stories of beautiful dogs in need of good homes. You’ll read about the daily goings-on at the rescue. There are links to Humane Societies and Rescues that Bernie networks with. There is also a video about A Place to Bark in the sidebar.If you’d like to support Bernie’s work, there are several ways you can do so. Her blog contains a list of supplies that are currently needed. There is a link for you to make a monetary donation. Bernie also has an annual eBay art auction with all proceeds going to the care of her rescued animals. If you can donate a piece or two of art, Bernie and her dogs would greatly appreciate it.

Please take a moment to stop by A Place to Bark…and Meow and offer a few words of encouragement to Bernie and her dogs!

Categories: Animals, Reviews