Happy Tails
Being Bart, the Dog
By Sheila G.
Starving, severely infested with fleas, and freezing in the cold of winter, two pups huddled together against a metal garbage dumpster fighting for their lives. A good samaritan happened by and delivered them to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue in Red Lake, Minn. Sadly one of the brothers died two days later, but brother Barton, later shortened to Bart, was stabilized and sent on to Pet Haven for longer term care and adoption.
When Bart first came to Pet Haven,
he was suffering from many ailments. Bart had a skin infection, an ear infection, rickets, and a bad leg. He had to wear a splint for several weeks. Jeanne Tuvey, Bart’s first foster, says when he arrived, he was filthy. “It took two bath waters to even scratch the surface on getting some of his filth off. My bathtub had a ring that you wouldn't believe!” Jeanne put Bart on a special diet for his rickets and skin problems and began socializing the Bart Simpson-like pooch. “Bart didn’t even know about steps, having never been in a house before.” Bart stayed with Jeanne for two weeks and then with Kristen Denzer, another Pet Haven foster, for two more weeks.
Bart then moved in with Pet Haven volunteer Bonnie Harris—and never left. Bonnie thought she would only foster Bart, but after a couple of days, she found herself
adopting the irresistible guy. How could anyone resist a face like that. Bonnie reports that at his last vet visit, Bart was declared in perfect health. The splint is off and his coat is beautiful, soft, and fluffy (see before and after pictures). At 7 months old, Bart was 43 lbs. and he is still growing. The big question is Bart’s breed; he looks like no other dog. Family and friends are guessing that he is part shepherd, husky, collie, golden retriever, maybe even some corgi. Bonnie has ordered a DNA test, and everyone is awaiting the results.
What we do know about Bart is that he is a real survivor. Bonnie says he’s feisty and tough, yet affectionate. “He loves everyone,” she says. “He knows how cute he is.” And he loves to dig. “He’s all about the dirt,” quips Bonnie. Perhaps we should add terrier to the list of possible breeds? One thing’s for sure, Bart can now just do what dogs do thanks to the help of many caring people.