My Name Was Bert

By LeAnn Perman

Bertha, a 2-year-old Rottweiler, lives at Battle Creek Ranch near Yosemite National Park in California. Bertha loves the ranch, which she feels is the most beautiful place on earth. Bertha’s favorite part of the day is her morning walks with Jo, her beloved master. When tragedy strikes the ranch, Bertha’s world is turned upside down. Forced to survive on nothing more than her wits, Bertha questions whether she has what it takes to keep alive. Her will to make it back to Jo provides the sole motivation. Bertha struggles to fend off her most difficult opponents, which includes dangerous predators, ravenous hunger, excruciating pain and unparalleled heartbreak. Will Bertha make it home?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9780989267700

Book preview

-anonymous.

1. REMEMBERING

There is a slight mist in the frigid night air. I look towards the ground, but cannot see my paws. Where am I? I ask myself as I strain to see anything but the haunting blackness. Scared and alone, I can sense the presence of another that is lurking somewhere close. They are watching me. My legs slow and unresponsive, like I'm walking through quicksand. My heart pounds like a jackhammer as I cautiously walk forward. My chest is heavy and it is hard to breathe. The air tastes burnt as I gulp in each breath.

What's that? I hear something behind me. A low growl pierces through the silence. I attempt to run forward, but I'm stopped dead in my tracks. Another growl. Which way to should I run?

I start off in one direction, then turn and run in another. With each labored step the growl continues to get louder. I am trapped. The beast is getting closer and closer the longer I wait.

I close my eyes and hope whatever it is goes away. But it doesn't. The growl is nearly on top of me now!

Finally, I open my eyes to see a glowing yellow flame far off in the distance. Is that the direction I should go or is it a trap? I am confused and scared, but I must act quickly. I sprint off into the darkness, in the direction of the flame.

Wake up. Wake up old girl! You are having a bad dream. Her gentle hand strokes my head as I'm jolted awake from my nightmare. Instantly, my racing heartbeat begins to slow, and my nerves are put to ease with the touch of her hand. I breathe a sigh of relief as I lay my head back onto my pillow.

Oh how I hate that blasted dream. I've had it more than once now, and every time I wake with the same scared and nervous feeling. The dream stirs up so many past memories.

She continues to pet my fur. Starting at the crown of my head, she makes her way down my back in one swift motion. With each stroke my thick fur fluffs up between her fingers. It feels so good, like a real doggie massage. I could lie here all day, and then... Rats! The doorbell starts to ring. It resonates throughout the entire house like a giant Chinese gong.

I lift my head and let out a tiny wheeze in disgust. Oh great, the moment I was just starting to relax after my awful nightmare, I'm startled again.

She pushes herself up from the floor and shuffles to the front door. The old door opens with a gritty creak. A cold draft swiftly enters the room. The chill crawls up my back and lands deep into my doggy bones. Even covered in heavy black and gold fur, I am momentarily forced into a short shiver. You know the kind that run up the length of your body and make you twist and turn as it enters and exits. I've dealt with cold weather before, but nothing like this year.

With the door is finally closed again I can return to my state of warmth and relaxation on my cushion in the corner. While my eyes are still closed I begin to ponder one very important question. That is, should I wake or should I continue to lie here and sleep?

As I let out a gaping yawn the answer quickly comes to me. I choose.... sleep! Yes, I prefer to lie here in my warm comfortable bed until my breakfast is poured into my bowl.

Anyways, I determined to start my day with a good dream, not a scary one. Which means I must go back to sleep and start all over again. I love the life of a dog, for there are so many wonderful options in a day.

Oh drat, now I feel an ache in my ear. It was folded over on top of itself while I slept. How careless of me. Raising my head to readjust, I catch a glimpse of the backyard through my window. The first snowstorm of the year has fallen!

At my feet in seconds, I dash to the sliding glass door to take a closer look. Did it snow all night? How many inches have fallen? Is it the soft fluffy stuff, or the hard icy stuff?

Woohoo! I can't wait to get outside and run around! First, I will chase whatever crosses my path! Then, I will search for my lost tennis balls that are strewn about the backyard. Next, I must make trails, many trails. I can't wait to get outside. I must get outside, now!

As

Reviews for My Name Was Bert

[psyche_skinner · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I receive a review copy of this book. I was hoping for a nice, heartwarming tale. I will avoid giving too much away, but it did not meet that expectation for me.