Welcome to 'Life with Bernie,' a celebration of a journey like no other - the journey of rescuing a dog and discovering life's simple pleasures along the way.

Bernie, the heart and soul of this blog, is a lovable, large mixed breed dog. He's an incredible cocktail of breeds, prominently featuring the noble Tree Walking Coonhound - minus the grand coonhound ears. His are much cuter, trust me. He has a coat that's shiny, soft, and wonderfully tactile, even though it does give my vacuum cleaner a run for its money.

But 'Life with Bernie' is more than just about Bernie. It's about understanding the rich, complex personalities of rescued dogs and celebrating their unique quirks. It's about positive training - guiding with patience, reinforcing with treats, and forging a bond that's based on mutual respect and trust. This is a story of how a four-legged companion can mature into a wise, intuitive soul, capable of making astute decisions without the need for harsh corrective measures.

In our shared journey, Bernie isn't just a commanded obedience machine. He's a companion, a friend, a beacon of unconditional love, and a living testament to the joys of rescuing a dog. We learn from each other, grow with each other, and find joy in the simple act of being together. Our journey is filled with fun and laughter, trials and triumphs, and countless 'Bernie moments' that will melt your heart.

At its core, 'Life with Bernie' is a blog about kindness. Kindness that transcends corrective force and transforms a rescued dog into a confident, joyous companion. It's about the transformative power of second chances, the patience that seeds trust, and the love that blossoms from understanding.

I invite you to join us in this journey. Follow our tales of mischief, marvel at Bernie's resilience, learn from our experiences, and perhaps, just perhaps, be inspired to embark on your own journey of rescue. Because, dear readers, there's nothing quite as rewarding as sharing your life with a rescued dog like Bernie.

Prepare to laugh, learn, and fall in love with our adorable, whisker-browed, chew-treat-loving giant. Welcome to Life with Bernie.