For seven long years, Bertha, a gentle mastiff with soulful eyes, knew nothing beyond the cold confines of a cage. Used solely for breeding in a puppy mill, she gave birth to litter after litter — only to have each one taken from her.
And when she could no longer produce puppies, she was simply thrown away.
“She was no longer ‘useful,’ so they tossed her aside,” shared TikTokers Eric and Joey, who documented her journey.
That’s when Border Tails Rescue stepped in. They brought Bertha to safety and gave her the first soft bed she’d likely ever known. But for a senior dog used to solitude, the bustle of a busy shelter was overwhelming — and heartbreaking.
Bertha longed for quiet, for kindness, for a place to finally call home. But despite her sweet temperament and loving nature, no one came.
“No one that comes here asks to meet her,” said Harleigh Goodman Garcia, director of Border Tails Rescue. As a senior who needed to be the only pet, Bertha was constantly overlooked.
Still, the staff never gave up on her.
They knew the truth about Bertha: that she was affectionate, loved belly rubs and couch snuggles, and offered her paw to anyone who showed her love.
She didn’t need much — just a quiet life, a soft place to land, and maybe a yard where she could feel the breeze.
Then, finally, a miracle.
After months of waiting, a perfect adopter came forward — someone with a big heart and a big backyard. There was only one catch: Bertha was in Illinois, and her new mom lived in Oregon — 2,000 miles away.
But that didn’t stop Eric and Joey.
Determined to get Bertha home, the two friends volunteered to drive her across the country themselves. The rescue threw a farewell party to send her off in style — and then the road trip of a lifetime began.
“Bertha’s home is waiting,” Eric and Joey said, “and we’re doing everything we can to get her there.”
For days, they traveled together — sharing snacks, rest stops, and memories — until they finally arrived in Oregon, where Bertha’s new mom, April, was waiting with open arms.
From the moment they met, it was clear: this was the home Bertha had been waiting for.
They celebrated with cake and cuddles, and while it was hard for Eric and Joey to say goodbye, they knew Bertha was exactly where she was meant to be.
“She has a mama who adores her,” said Border Tails Rescue, “and a big backyard to explore. We’ll miss her terribly, but we know her best days are ahead.”
Bertha may have spent most of her life forgotten — but now, she’ll spend the rest of her days surrounded by love.
Oregon, you got a good one.
To support more second chances like Bertha’s, you can donate to Border Tails Rescue here.
